Show us the Status of your RV-12

[Alan Gilmore]

Originally Posted by JerryG150

As per Van's, my kit (#0003) will probably be shipped the week of 5/5/08. Just trying to get ready.

I also ordered an RV12 at SNF on tuesday morning, probably an hour after you did.

How did you get the 5/5 ship date. I have not heard much from Vans on my order.

If you are 003 I should be 005 or 006, or maybe even 007 :-)

How did you find out you are 003?

[lawspud]

Originally Posted by Alan Gilmore

I also ordered an RV12 at SNF on tuesday morning, probably an hour after you did.

How did you get the 5/5 ship date. I have not heard much from Vans on my order.

If you are 003 I should be 007 :-)

How did you find out you are 003?

I spoke with Van's today. I didn't ask for specifics on my ship date (ordered on 4/12 or so), but spoke in general about their development timeline. The tech I spoke with said that "one kit" has shipped so far, and I think we all know where that one ended up. They are, per the tech, working out a few final issues with the wing kit (again, no specifics), and expect to ship more kits next week. He also said that they'd be rolling out the rest of the kits 1-2mo's apart, with the whole thing available by the end of the year. Then will come the quick-build kits.

So, on the whole, not much in the way of new information. I hope they keep feeding Jim a constant supply of aluminum bits, 'cause it sure doesn't look like "one to two months" between kits is going to cut it at the rate he is going!

He did indicate that Vne for the airframe is estimated at about 150kts, "but don't hold me to that."

[jamescone]

There is no need for solid rivets in the wings. Avex rivets are more than adequate for the structure. Rivets are designed to be used in shear and the ribs would deform or tear before the rivets would fail. Stick to the plans and build it like Van's designed it.

[jamescone]

Originally Posted by John C

Ok Jim, its been a couple of days, need more pics. Thanks to you and Jerry for the updates.

Any pictures that I would add would just be repeats of the ones for the left wing. I have finished the bottom skins for the right wing and installed the rib supports for the hinge bracket assemblies. I should finish the skinning tomorrow if my work schedule permits. Then I will be on to a new task and have more pictures. I am keeping an album of pictures for my E/AB certification along with a very detailed log of tasks completed and the time spent. In that album, I do have repeat pictures to go with my log. I will not keep anything from you guys. You will get to see it all. Please be patient with me. I do have to work occasionally to support my toys and travel habits.

[JerryG150]

Alan ... When I called the factory and asked for a shipping date, they told me the week of 5/5/08 (said the spars were out being plated?) & then they told me I was #0003.

I bought the wood and castors to build the wing rack yesterday. I'm going to make it with 2 of the castors having brakes. I've decided to make one work bench 2x8 (including the 2-3" overhang around the table top and add four castors with locks) and build it with the same size shelf on the bottom ... no drawers ... "KISS" (my building mantra ... keep it simple, stupid).

[Bartsey]

Wow! Been following the board but just joined today. I was at Sun-n-Fun and stepped up to the line to order an RV-12 kit early Tuesday, 8th April. Just got a confirmation that my kit will ship on the week starting 4/28. I don't know what number in line I am but I didn't think it was that low. Looks like two kits will be built not far from each other in Florida so we should keep in touch. I'm in Naples.

[Alan Gilmore]

Originally Posted by JerryG150

Alan ... When I called the factory and asked for a shipping date, they told me the week of 5/5/08 (said the spars were out being plated?) & then they told me I was #0003

I called Vans and asked for shipping date and kit number. They said that my kit number was 56. Soooo...I guess that 53 people ordered RV12s in the hour between the time you and I ordered ours.

They don't have any shipping date, only an estimate of 6-8 weeks.

Too bad, I am retired and was hoping to get started pretty soon. I set up a web site to share my experiences with you guys. I was thinking that I would make pretty fast progress since I am retired. I thought this would be a good way to help other by sharing my experience through my website. As it stands you, and James Cone (and others) will be helping me via your experiences.

Anyhow, thanks for the info!

[jamescone]

Originally Posted by John C

Ok Jim, its been a couple of days, need more pics. Thanks to you and Jerry for the updates.

I finished skinning both wings and have started on the left wing tip. That is certainly the most complicated task so far, but I am ready to start riveting tomorrow. I am absolutely amazed that things go together like they do. To look at the parts and the plans, you say "No way is this going to work!" and then by golly, it actually does. WOW!!! I am ever more impressed with Van's group of geniuses who put this thing together.

The link to the latest pictures is http://picasaweb.google.com/JimCone1...struction42608


Enjoy. I certainly am.

[Alan Gilmore]

Jim...great photos!

I have been enjoying your picasa photos and have found lots of helpful hints. I especially like the way you used cargo straps to skin the wings. Good point about "dont use pic to line up holes"...I hadn't thought about how that could tear the skin.

Nice idea using the Harbor freight magnet too!

[FrankS]

Jim, Having not built a homebuilt before I have a question about inspections. At what point during the wing building process did you have your work inspected?

Thanks

(By the way, you make it look and sound too easy for us beginners. Wish I was closer to take to your training class.)

Frank