...there is an RV-12 available for instruction at Twin Oaks so with some planning you should be able to figure something out. Going up a week early to do some flying while you wait for a factory new airplane sounds like a heck of a trip!....
That sounds like a plan.
...You can call and talk with our SLSA sales and customer guru, Aric, about the possibility of receiving familiarization training in your RV-12iS before you fly it home...
Frankly, I'm surprised that Van's doesn't have an established familiarization training program set up before they hand off the keys to a buyer.
I "assumed" they did. I'm glad I started asking questions early, so that I can prepare.
...FlyIt Academy at Grove Field (1W1) in Camas, WA recently added an RV-12iS to their rental line, and offers instruction. They’re a few miles north of Portland, whereas Van’s is about an hour south of Portland...
Thanks for providing another option.
My plan before taking delivery in 2024:
* Get current and proficient as possible locally where I live (3rd Class Medical, BFR in SEL -- rental Cessna/Piper/whatever, etc.)
* Read, read, read. RV-12iS POH, maintenance manuals, Garmin G3X manuals, etc.
* Train, train, train. Simulate, simulate, simulate. Such as online Garmin G3X online simulators.
* Arrange with my home base airport for a tie down, like I previously had for 17 years with my C-150, so that I have somewhere to put it when I get it home.
* Arrange with my acquaintance Bruce, of Bruce's Covers, to have ready for me a complete, full cover -- wings, fuselage, tail feathers, etc., because I won't have a hangar. The plane will live outside. All maintenance will be accomplished by the local FBO.
* Arrange with insurance company to be insured from day one of ownership. That will require that I arrange training specifically in an RV-12.
* Set up logistics to travel to Oregon, spend a week or so, while I set up training at one of the nearby flight schools with RV-12, and then go pick up the plane when it's done.
Sounds like I have a lot of planning to do.
Thanks for all who provided useful information.