RV-9A Andy C. Kalamazoo, Mi

[KazooRV-9A]

Hello and just beginning a thread on an RV-9A project that I am working on in Kalamazoo Mi.

I found this plane not far from me, it was an unfinished kit that another builder began in 2000, the build number is 90072. The picture is the project as I found it, in a Garage about 8 miles from my home.

This is my first Van's build and I am excited with the project! I currently fly a 1946 Cessna 120 that I restored over the last 3-1/2 years.

Looking forward to posting updates as we go,

Andy C.
KazooRV-9A

[Rupester]

Congrats!!!! You are in for more fun than you ever dreamed of.

[Snoho3]

Congrats! The more time I spend with my project, the more I seem to enjoy it. Hope you will find the same. Look forward to updates.

Lars

[bruceh]

Great choice and you will love flying it.

Check out my build log link and don't be shy about asking questions as you progress through the build.

[KazooRV-9A]

Since I've just learned how to post URL links to pictures from Google photo's, here's some more of the items I got with the project.

In basic, there were assembled slow build empennage and wings, and a QB Fuse that had some additional work done to it. Also, there is a rebuildable O-320, and the finishing kit. And about the best part, a panel from Aerotronics with GR Sport display.

Aside from those, I found seats, an exhaust, autopilot and numerous other items.

There was a downside though, in that the wings and empennage are unairworthy.... We pretty much suspected this going into the project, and it's hard to understand how a builder goes this far with such poor assembly, but it was what we found. I didn't get a chance to meet the man, he passed away and never completed his project. I donated the empennage to the Kalamazoo Air zoo for young high school age students there to practice with, and will also do so with the wings at a later date. I've since found other wings and another empennage.

Similarly with the fuse, I had to sort of un-do what extra had been done on it, and am now moving forward again with that portion.

So I'm having a great time working on this kit, which is alot different than the restoration work I did on the C120.

[KazooRV-9A]

So here is how it sits today in my shop. We've been working on the baggage area floor and the seatbacks, as well as the electric flap drive. I have new top skins that will go in later and as I mentioned, I had found a complete Empennage that was assembled, and a set of wings with one done except for the top and bottom skins, and the other in the crate.

A side story, I found the empennage for sale down in Florida near my mothers house in Port Orange, and we brought it back to Michigan. Turns out you can get an entire assembled RV-9 empennage, suitcases, and a wife in a Buick Regal!

[von_flyer]

Welcome to the RV world Andy! Looking forward to seeing the progress.

John von Linsowe
Hadley, Michigan

[GaryK]

Andy,
Good luck with the project. Good to have another project going in MI

Gary Kremers
RV10
Highlander

Zeeland, MI

Z98

[Vlad]

Very nice! All primed inside and there is a motor already. Spring 2018 is perfect time to call a DAR. Congratulations Andy!

[Rupester]

I must say, Andy, that wing riveting is some of the ugliest I have seen. But no matter, as long as you knew it going in. 😊

Welcome aboard VAF and the RV-9/9A bunch!!!!