Service Life of an RV?

n38139 · #1 01-24-2012, 05:35 PM

I am in the market for an RV and have taken a look at a couple of higher time airplanes, close to 2000 hours.

Is there any discussion that anybody knows about on the issue of useful service life on an experimental or RV? I tried to talk to a guy a Vans about this but he was avoiding the answer (I understand liability) so does anybody know if there is a design limit or service limit? I am trying to avoid the answer of : "If you take care of it, it will last forever".

thanks

plehrke · #2 01-24-2012, 05:42 PM

Very good question. As we get more airplanes up there in hours we will need to know what to expect. It would be great for some one (or two) to put together a list of things to inspect at different time intervals based on what they may be seeing on their conditional inspections.

LifeofReiley · #3 01-24-2012, 05:44 PM

There are many RV's out there with 3500-4500 hrs still performing as they did day one. Look for the quality in the build and buy one.

LifeofReiley · #4 01-24-2012, 05:47 PM

TURBO
Ed DArcy
RV6-A N26ED / R-44 N7511G 900 hrs
Stuart, Fl KSUA / S WINDSOR,Ct KBAF/ Virgin Gorda, BVI TUPW
4,000 hobbs hrs since jan 2000. new thunderbolt , roller lifters, flowed intakes,installed oct 07
www.eaachapter692.org/ link to 5,000 mile heli trip and more http://gallery.mac.com/edarcy#gallery EAA AOPA FAC FABA QB VAF#840 SPA PRA OFFC

Scott Hersha · #5 01-24-2012, 05:54 PM

Nobody knows the answer to that because they haven't been around long enough. There are many, many single engine certified airplanes flying around with over 10,000 hours. RV's are built to the same standards (at a minimum) in terms of meterial strength, giving something back in stability for the sake of performance, but with superior materials. If the airplane has lived in a salty environement, take a good look at corrosion. If it's been primed inside, don't worry about it. The engine and everything else is time-limited and can be overhauled or replaced. Check service bulletins and also any AD's on certified components and let your conscience be your guide....

David Z · #6 01-24-2012, 06:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Scott Hersha

There are many, many single engine certified airplanes flying around with over 10,000 hours.

I did my float rating on a 172 that had just shy of 40 000hrs. I'm sure it's over by now. 99% of that time is on floats or skiis. A life of landing on waves and snowmobile tracks is a lot harder on the airframe than paved runways.

AZtailwind · #7 01-24-2012, 06:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by n38139

I am trying to avoid the answer of : "If you take care of it, it will last forever". thanks

First of all I don't believe a 2000 hour RV is "high time"- I would say that is well proven.
Some cracking may be found in some weak spots such as landing gear and empennage. Also some airframe details may need attention over time such as the canopy and cowl. I believe there are many models that are built with better corrosion proofing than my 1961 182.

But you already know the answer to your question- You can't avoid that answer because it has a lot of truth to it!

Jaypratt · #8 01-24-2012, 06:43 PM

DC3 and C47 are not pressurized and built the same as our RV kit planes. Some DC3s have 50,000 hours.
Our RVs will last the same hours if the time life items are taken care of.

A cowl can replaced, enging mounts can be repaired or replaced. RVs do not have hardly any issues with the airframe. The design is well thought out and I expect some will get some really high times. Almost wish I had to fly to work and get several hundred hours every year. Like some So Cal RVrs do

Neal@F14 · #9 01-24-2012, 07:10 PM

Service life of a Cherokee 140 wing (one that has not seen "severe duty") is around 60,000 hours, if it hasn't corroded to powder by then. Heck, even a Traumahawk gets 10K hours. I'd like to think that a well-built RV ought to last at least as long as a T-hawk

ChiefPilot · #10 01-24-2012, 07:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Neal@F14

Service life of a Cherokee 140 wing (one that has not seen "severe duty") is around 60,000 hours, if it hasn't corroded to powder by then. Heck, even a Traumahawk gets 10K hours. I'd like to think that a well-built RV ought to last at least as long as a T-hawk

Only if it was primed correctly.

I kid, I kid.....