RV12iS Building Order

[CessnaTPA]

It's been suggested I build in the following order below. I'm on step 4 about to mount the engine. For those who have finished what would you suggest or do differently?

1- Finish fuselage, emp, wings+ flaperons.
2- spray fuselage interior
3- install systems (not the avionics). Test fuel lines for leaks.
4 - install landing gear + engine
5- cowling
6- wing fit ( drill torque tubes, trim flaperons and 3/16 for the wing root skins and check “play” moving it back and forth.
7- install tailcone (make sure you have all wires, air lines and cables ready first. Also, there’s a service bulletin for a reinforcement bracelet for the bulkheads.
8- aft window
9 - canopy

[FlyingDiver]

When will you do Avionics?

[CessnaTPA]

Originally Posted by FlyingDiver

When will you do Avionics?

I've been told 3-4 month to receive the avionics.

[FlyingDiver]

Originally Posted by CessnaTPA

I've been told 3-4 month to receive the avionics.

I meant, where in that list?

[Bob Y]

Unless you’re rather tall, which I’m not, I found fitting the canopy and making the canopy faring was easier before installing the landing gear. With the fuselage on the floor on padded furniture wraps, it was easier to reach over the fuselage to perform all of the layup and sanding required.

[CessnaTPA]

Originally Posted by FlyingDiver

I meant, where in that list?

Before 7 installing the tailcone

[thiggins]

Personally, I will be installing the empennage as late as possible. Getting to the fuel system, avionics, wiring, brake lines,…all that stuff, is MUCH easier without the empennage in the way. I might even run the engine sans tail. But, that’s just me. YMMV

[MechaSteve]

I've been looking at this because I have a rather limited build space at the moment.

Based on my experience assembling the tail so far, it seems like assembly of the tail cone would be best deferred until I have the full space for final integration.

My plan is to prep all the parts, and assemble the sub assemblies, like the rear bulkhead. Until I am ready, I will just have all the large panels wrapped in paper and sitting on a shelf.

I am also looking at building the fuselage before the wing.

[FlyingDiver]

Originally Posted by MechaSteve

I am also looking at building the fuselage before the wing.

Wings are easier to store while working on the fuselage than vice versa. You can strap them to a wall or hang them from the ceiling.