RV-7 Building Skills

[PilotRPI]

I'm thinking about jumping into an RV7 kit. I really wanted to do the EAA RV class, but just missed the one in Boston. They seem to come around every 18 months or so. I'd rather not wait that long before starting.

So my choices are:

1) Get both of the RV practice projects, and try and make as many mistakes there as possible. Learn by reading the manual, watching youtube and EAA videos, etc.

2) Fly somewhere to take the EAA class

Almost all these skills would be new to me. I consider myself handy and technical. I can teach myself how to do jobs on my car, I have an aero and mechanical engineering degree, I've done some shop work, pulled an airplane engine apart, etc, but never done things like parts prep and aluminum construction.

I know the EAA class if worth it if it is local, but do you think its worth taking a small vacation to do it?

Also, has anyone on here done a poll of how old people are when they complete their first RV?

Thanks!

Jesse

[SmilingJack]

Jesse,

I lived in NY and flew down to Lakeland via Orlando to attend the EAA sheet metal class. Cheap flight, used points for the local Hilton.

Met a bunch of people which was equally important since we all had the same questions and concerns.

Later, after I built the Emp I drove to New Hampshire to attend the EAA Electrical course.

I highly recommend those classes to give you the confidence. Even if you had some experience these classes open up a good network of people and get you back in the swing of building.

Good luck!

[Jaypratt]

I recommend buying your tail kit and get someone to help you get started.

I have had a number of people have Vans ship their kits here and then come here to get started. After a few days they take their parts home and build their airplane. Less wasted time!

[blueflyer]

Jesse
I was in the same boat as you and now I'm about to finish closing up my fuel tanks. I bought 2 or 3 practice kits http://www.vansaircraft.com/cgi-bin/...aining-project and also built the toolbox http://www.vansaircraft.com/cgi-bin/...roduct=toolbox After making those, I felt confident enough to order the tail kit. There were no building techniques in the tail kit that weren't addressed in the practice wing kit and/or tool box kit. As they say, just jump in!

[rzbill]

I was talking to a prospective builder in my hangar earlier in the week and he said he was going to a builder class in Frederick Md very very soon. Maybe you could check to see if there is an open seat?

There are three skills required.

1) Dogged stubborn determination
2) Willingness to learn
3) See number 1

[wirejock]

Welcome Jesse.

I know the classes are amazing but for me the real learning happened when I found a local mentor. I learned more in a few hours than all the classes, videos and fumbling with practice pieces. Find someone and take your practice piece. If they are like most, they will gladly share knowledge. I know I would.

Then when you get back to your shop, get some scraps and practice driving and drilling rivets.

[DonFromTX]

I recommend this as well. All the learning you can get is valuable, lbut it seems that doing it with a fellow builder hands on is the most valuable to most. Don't be afraid to ask, most of us delight in demonstrating how it all works.

Originally Posted by wirejock

Welcome Jesse.

I know the classes are amazing but for me the real learning happened when I found a local mentor. I learned more in a few hours than all the classes, videos and fumbling with practice pieces. Find someone and take your practice piece. If they are like most, they will gladly share knowledge. I know I would.

Then when you get back to your shop, get some scraps and practice driving and drilling rivets.

[mannanj]

Originally Posted by rzbill

There are three skills required.

1) Dogged stubborn determination
2) Willingness to learn
3) See number 1

To this I would add:
Whether you think you can or whether you think you can't, you're right.
A quote that I think is attributed to Henry Ford

Once started, do something constructive toward your project every day. This comes under the same law as exercise machines and jogging; skip one day and it's easier to skip the next day. Some projects have been inactive for weeks, months, even years. See rule number one above.

[dlloyd3]

You must buy the preview plans from Van's. If you read their good instructions on tools, preparation, riveting and then can follow their directions you will have few problems. Van's directions for the empennage kit are very good and complete; do this, then this, then this, this and this, then rivet. Do the reading, try some assembly, then get someone to come by and ask them questions. The toughest part of the job is getting started.

[Andy Hill]

A local RV builder gave us an afternoon, on scrap Aluminium bits, demonstrating and practicing the various techniques from the Vans Manual / what you need. Was excellent

Whilst a class might be ideal, a decent local coach should be as good, and also useful if you get stuck as you start.