Hello Vans community! So, I’ve been looking into building a QB RV8 or 7 and I have some, well a lot, of questions. It seems like such a monumental project and for someone unfamiliar with building and the kit planes world, it’s overwhelming. I’d like some advise on what I could do before taking on this project to give myself the confidence that will set me up for success and hopefully make for a more enjoyable experience..
A little background about myself. Im a airline pilot and currently enjoy living in an airpark east of chicago where I own a bonanza V35b. I have a hanger where I’m hopeful I can squeeze in both airplanes. I do some preventive maintenance on my plane (oil changes, etc) but I definitely don’t feel confident about what I need to know for building my own plane. I want the challenge and feeling of accomplishment of completing something like this. I want to learn new skills and be able to work on my own plane, plus I’d like something small and fun to fly (aerobatics). These are some reasons for wanting to do the project.
So far I’ve called Vans corporate and got the scoop on buying the kits. I also ordered the flash drive preview plans. I’m an EAA member and started looking at their resources. They have a class you can take on building aluminum airplanes that I’m interested in. I also plan to order the practice kits.
So here are some of my questions.
1. Besides what I mentioned, what else can I do to to give me the confidence and make the project more manageable?
2. Tools. How do you what you need and how to properly use them. Where to buy? Setting up shop tips?
3. Engines and avionics. Is it best to buy through vans? Do you need to know what you want early in build or can you figure this stuff out as you go? I.e. engine type and avionics package.
4. Avionics? And engine install. Do most builders do it themselves? Are there classes to learn to do this or is it all laid out pretty well in the kit’s plans?
I guess that’s enough for now. I’m excited about the idea of doing this project but It seems overwhelming and want to make sure I don’t bite off more then I can chew. Thank you for any advice or tips you might have.
Sincerely
Mike Davenport
A little background about myself. Im a airline pilot and currently enjoy living in an airpark east of chicago where I own a bonanza V35b. I have a hanger where I’m hopeful I can squeeze in both airplanes. I do some preventive maintenance on my plane (oil changes, etc) but I definitely don’t feel confident about what I need to know for building my own plane. I want the challenge and feeling of accomplishment of completing something like this. I want to learn new skills and be able to work on my own plane, plus I’d like something small and fun to fly (aerobatics). These are some reasons for wanting to do the project.
So far I’ve called Vans corporate and got the scoop on buying the kits. I also ordered the flash drive preview plans. I’m an EAA member and started looking at their resources. They have a class you can take on building aluminum airplanes that I’m interested in. I also plan to order the practice kits.
So here are some of my questions.
1. Besides what I mentioned, what else can I do to to give me the confidence and make the project more manageable?
2. Tools. How do you what you need and how to properly use them. Where to buy? Setting up shop tips?
3. Engines and avionics. Is it best to buy through vans? Do you need to know what you want early in build or can you figure this stuff out as you go? I.e. engine type and avionics package.
4. Avionics? And engine install. Do most builders do it themselves? Are there classes to learn to do this or is it all laid out pretty well in the kit’s plans?
I guess that’s enough for now. I’m excited about the idea of doing this project but It seems overwhelming and want to make sure I don’t bite off more then I can chew. Thank you for any advice or tips you might have.
Sincerely
Mike Davenport