Intro and looking for builders/RVs in NC.

[rchrds]

Well, I've had the bug for a while. I've been to the factory. (Lived an hour north of it actually.) But every time I visit, the RV-9s are out doing something else, so I've not flown one yet. And now, I've bought the little airfoil assembly training kit to see if I can figure it all out.

Some history: I'm an army helicopter pilot, 24 years in service, working as a standardization instructor pilot in an OH-58D unit. 2700 hours of turbine helicopter time and 120 hours of ASEL time. As far as the FAA is concerned, I hold a helicopter CFII, and commercial instrument ASEL.

My wife loves flying VFR on top (for some reason), and I do all my own equipment and vehicle repair. I've done a good bit of manual machining, but have zero experience with sheet metal.

If anyone in eastern NC is building (or has built) an RV-9a, or frankly any other RV, and is interested in a hanger-on/spare rivet pulling/deburring hand, I would be very interested in coming out to see some of the process and learn more.

Thanks for the help!

Jason

[wirejock]

Welcome Jason and thank you for your service.
If you can do all that, building an RV is no problem. Lots of brain power on VAF. Always ask.

[60av8tor]

Welcome, Jason. If you ever head down to Hunter/Savannah look me up

[noelf]

There is an EAA chapter in Charthage (pick-n-pig on the field). I do not know if anyone there is building a 9. There is at least one RV-9 under construction at EAA chapter 1114 in Apex N.C.
Another -9A builder is relocating his flying plane from Texas to Sanford (KTTA) any time now and wants to to sell his still under construction -6A that is still in Tx.

There are about a half dozen or so RV's at Sanford, but no -9s. Hope that helps...

[Johnnybgoode]

...on here, as he's also at Bragg/Pope and is considering a build/buy.
I'm in Lancaster, SC, where we have a -4, a -7, an 8, an 8a and a 12, but no 9.
If you guys get down this way let me know and I'll be glad to meet you out there and burn some fuel.
Patrick

[dlloyd3]

If you could make it over to Wilgrove (8A6) at Charlotte, I could use a hand riveting a couple bottom skins on a set of 9 wings. Come early to our May 9 cookout and we could rivet for a while then eat a burger. Or anytime.

[fixnflyguy]

Come see us at Twin Lakes, we have 7 RVs on the field...A -4,-6A,-8,-9,F1 Rocket, and -8A and -7 that are under construction. Any one of us would give you a ride. We are about 10 miles south of Winston-Salem. I live on the field, so give me a PM and we can exchange numbers. There have been several VAF members that have been here for the RV "nickel tour"

[rlmccarter]

Dave, I didn't realize there was an RV build at Wilgrove. l'm four miles away working on the wings of an 8. I'll PM you to coordinate helping.

Jason, Did you look for a local EAA chapter? It's a good bet there are several RVs represented.

[dlloyd3]

Bob, sent pm with my number. Sure, we can get together and shoot some rivets. I joined EAA 309 which has several RVers and a number of other homebuilders and restorers, a good mix of talent. I'm about two miles from the airport.