Question on a RV thats never flown.

[deltamike]

I have a question about an RV8 Thats built but never flown. It's had 3 owners and I am sure there are no builders logs of any sort.

What would be the process of getting her breathing. There are zero records log of any sort only an engine log.

I think the builder that did most of the work died, the second just flipped it and the 3rd paid to have it finished. I'm being lazy and seeking info here rather than looking it up.

The plane has been finished started and ran and now has set in the corner of a hangar for 5 years. Very sad.

Thanks for the feed back.

[Carl Froehlich]

So many mines to avoid. Unless you are getting this plane for close to nothing, walk away. If you really must have it, get an experienced RV-8 builder to do a deep dive on the plane - as well as a good engine guy to look at what might be a well rusted engine.

After all that, then you can figure out the paperwork drill. Assume the plane has never been registered so the state (if applicable) will be looking for the original Van's Bill of Sale to get their tax bite. A long call with the local FSDO might be worth the time as well.

Carl

[Chkaharyer99]

Are you thinking of buying this RV-8? or are you just curious about what it would take to get it inspected, registered and flying?

No air-frame logs for an airplane that's never flown is not a deal breaker. The engine is another story entirely.

[bret]

Five years is not that long of a time span for an airplane, my wings sat in the living room for that amount of time. But like mentioned above, unless it is dirt cheap, cost of QB kit + core engine, maybe, but then a complete condition inspection and engine gone through. Then there is the paperwork???

[Mel]

If is does not have an airworthiness certificate, without builder's logs, it could be difficult to get certificated. You have to have some way of proving that it was amateur-built.

[ty1295]

Originally Posted by deltamike

...and the 3rd paid to have it finished. ....

Originally Posted by Mel

If is does not have an airworthiness certificate, without builder's logs, it could be very difficult to get certificated. You have to have some way of proving that it was amateur-built.

These 2 statements tell me to run away.

[Auburntsts]

I wouldn't walk/run away until you've had, as Carl suggested, a talk with your MIDO assuming the aircraft looks, in all respects, descent. A thorough pre-buy inspection by an RV-savvy A&P prior to discussing with the FSDO might make this a moot decision.

[Mel]

Originally Posted by Auburntsts

I wouldn't walk/run away until you've had, as Carl suggested, a talk with your FSDO assuming the aircraft looks, in all respects, descent. A thorough pre-buy inspection by an RV-savvy A&P prior to discussing with the FSDO might make this a moot decision.

Actually the MIDO is responsible for all original airworthiness, not the FSDO.

[Auburntsts]

Originally Posted by Mel

Actually the MIDO is responsible for all original airworthiness, not the FSDO.

Curious. Then why do we deal generally deal with FSDO's for initial issuance of an AWC and not MIDOs?

[flynwest]

If its a good build it could be a great parts plane. What does he want for it?