"Why not build a twin?"

[Palamedes]

So I was talking to a buddy of mine about the fact that I'm starting an RV-10 build (the Emp is almost here! *glee*) and he didn't approve for all the usual reasons.

But he jokingly said "If you're going to build, why not build a twin?" (I think implying that twins were safer.. again.. mostly out of ignorance and concern.. he's a good guy..)

Now, not trying to start a single vs twin debate or anything.. I realize costs being what they are, and safety records being what they are, singles are just fine.. but it made me wonder..

Has Van's ever considered offering a twin kit?

Price and time would be one big issue and why most people wouldn't want to make it.. but I have to think that'd be awesome..

Thoughts?

[Toobuilder]

My first thought is that you can buy a huge selection of twins today for what you are going to spend on a RV-10 build. In fact, you could probably buy a nice Barron and several years worth of fuel for the cost of a new -10. The market is completely flooded with light twins, so what would make Van try crack into it?

[DaleB]

How many twin kits do you think Van's could sell? My guess would be not very many. Total up every E/AB twin engine plane in the world and I think the answer will come to you.

Light piston twins are dirt cheap to buy, and for some very good reasons.

[RV6_flyer]

Originally Posted by Toobuilder

My first thought is that you can buy a huge selection of twins today for what you are going to spend on a RV-10 build. In fact, you could probably buy a nice Barron and several years worth of fuel for the cost of a new -10. The market is completely flooded with light twins, so what would make Van try crack into it?

As Michael says, there is not a market for a twin. Another issue would be most builders would not have the necessary training to fly a twin. Operating Limitations require the pilot to have the necessary FAA qualification to fly a homebuilt. Insurance would be another show stopper. Ever price insurance for a low time pilot in a high performance retract or twin? Typically the insurance company has higher requirements than the FAA.

[Palamedes]

Originally Posted by RV6_flyer

As Michael says, there is not a market for a twin. Another issue would be most builders would not have the necessary training to fly a twin. Operating Limitations require the pilot to have the necessary FAA qualification to fly a homebuilt. Insurance would be another show stopper. Ever price insurance for a low time pilot in a high performance retract or twin? Typically the insurance company has higher requirements than the FAA.

Ah this is the best response yet.. The insurance requirements didn't occur to me.

[Toobuilder]

Hull insurance is optional.

A $15k annual maintenance bill and 25-35gph fuel burn are not.

...and this is why you can buy an "airworthy" Barron/Aztec today for what you have budgeted for your engine and prop on your -10.

[aerhed]

Tell your buddy about the old 80/20 rule. 80% of single engine accidents are walk-aways. Only 20% of twin accidents are.

[Sig600]

Originally Posted by Toobuilder

My first thought is that you can buy a huge selection of twins today for what you are going to spend on a RV-10 build. In fact, you could probably buy a nice Barron and several days worth of fuel for the cost of a new -10. The market is completely flooded with light twins, so what would make Van try crack into it?

FIFY. I've flown Barons, C-310's etc. It's why they're so cheap... 28GPH adds up real fast, and unless you need to haul a lot of weight (or stroke your ramp ego) it just makes no sense.

That said, if I had the money and time, I'd be all over this thing. No Vmc, 12 GPH, 1000+ mile range, fast, comfortable.

http://www.velocityaircraft.com/airp...els-vtwin.html

[joe gremlin]

Originally Posted by DaleB

Total up every E/AB twin engine plane in the world and I think the answer will come to you.

Does anyone make a viable twin kit? I don't think I've ever seen one. But just because no one is churning out twin kits does not mean there is no market for it. There was a time when no one was churning out single kits either and I think we'd all agree there was most definitely a market for it.

I agree the experimental twin kit customer would be more rare than the two seat single customer. But would that customer really be all that much more rare than say the customer who is willing to fly an airplane shaped like an insect, or an LSA with a single unreinforced tube for a wingspar, or a helicopter with rotors driven by v-belts?

[designrs]

The Velocity was on display at Sebring this year... sexy, Sexy, aircraft!
Good presentation at the above link as to how the brand eliminated or reduced many challenges facing twins.

... and there's your twin kit for anyone that wants to go that route.