How long did your Factory-Built RV12 take?

[FlyingDiver]

https://www.sebring-aviation.com/our...t/rv-12is-slsa

[FlyingDiver]

Also, here's a list of other schools that use the RV-12. Didn't see any in CA, but there are some on the west coast.

http://www.flyrv12.com/flight-schools/

[MechaSteve]

Not only is Lockwood in FL, it is also about 2 hours away from everything.

It is a very nice airplane though.

I went down there to try it out, and flew all the way out to Venice Beach (KVNC) and back.

Really great Cuban sandwiches at Venice Beach.

[Rippnswimmer]

I placed an order for a platinum RV12iS about three weeks ago (4/5/23). They said 15-18 months to build, perhaps a little sooner. They mentioned that there was tons of interest at Sun and Fun so time could go up if a wave of orders come in. I was ahead of that.

Also, Wheel pants come with all factory built planes.

Cheers!

[brianb08]

In the spirit of openness I will share that in my case it was about 18 months with the delivery to take place very soon. As Scott and others correctly point out, past performance isn't necissarily an indicator of the future, especially with many of the unusual factors experienced over the past few years.. The initial estimate from Van's was up to 24 months at the time of the order in late 2021, then dropped to 15 months before ending up at 18 months.

[N8DAV8R]

Originally Posted by mvanwyk

With a little research, I found out that "Lockwood" is located in Florida.
Do they rent out the RV-12is?
I'm in San Martin, California. I wonder if there is some place near me that rents out RV-12's so that I can get some time in one?

There isn't. I have been digging on this like crazy. You'll get lots of great answers about them in other states, but nothing in California.

I can't manage to get even a single hour of dual without traveling out of state. Frustrating.

[mvanwyk]

Originally Posted by brianb08

In the spirit of openness I will share that in my case it was about 18 months with the delivery to take place very soon. As Scott and others correctly point out, past performance isn't necissarily an indicator of the future, especially with many of the unusual factors experienced over the past few years.. The initial estimate from Van's was up to 24 months at the time of the order in late 2021, then dropped to 15 months before ending up at 18 months.

Thanks. I like opennesss. That's the kind of factual information, from an actual buyer, that I was asking for.

Originally Posted by N8DAV8R

There isn't (an available Van's RV-12 rental in California). I have been digging on this like crazy. You'll get lots of great answers about them in other states, but nothing in California.
I can't manage to get even a single hour of dual without traveling out of state. Frustrating.

I'm trying to wrap my brain around how I will be able to pick up my new RV-12is at Aurora State Airport (KUAO) and fly it 439 NM to my home base San Martin Airport (E16), when I have not flown a single minute in a RV-12. I have sat in an RV-12 owned by an acquaintance of mine who is at my home base airport, but I would never ask him to allow me to fly it.

My plan right now is to get as current/proficient as possible in SEL, read all of the available documentation such as POH, Garmin documentation (and online Garmin simulator), and I assume I get some training there at Van's, which is listed as one of the places that rents out RV-12s.
Van’s Aircraft
Aurora, OR
(503) 678-6545
Transition training and factory demo flights

Is there a common rental airplane that would be best to train in, that most closely resembles RV-12? Or is flying a rental Cessna 172 or a Piper Warrior roughly equivalent?
p.s.
I have over 800 hours in my previous Cessna C-150, which I do believe to be roughly equivalent in performance (100 HP two seater).

[Tommy123]

The bottom line is the sooner you order a plane the sooner you'll get it.

[mvanwyk]

Originally Posted by Tommy123

The bottom line is the sooner you order a plane the sooner you'll get it.

I did order a plane. In January, 2023.
My question about how long it takes is sufficiently answered.
What about my new questions, about how do I get some training in an RV-12?

[AeroEngineer]

Originally Posted by mvanwyk

What about my new questions, about how do I get some training in an RV-12?

Originally Posted by mvanwyk

Is there a common rental airplane that would be best to train in, that most closely resembles RV-12? Or is flying a rental Cessna 172 or a Piper Warrior roughly equivalent?

That's a good question. In my personal opinion, the Evektor SportStar and the PiperSport / CZAW SportCruiser are quite similar to the RV-12. They're a hair slower, and the SportStar is a little more "wobbly", but the handling and sight-picture are similar, and the engine is the same (Some have carbs and some have fuel injection), and many of the systems can be the same (especially if you find one for rent that has an EFIS made by the same manufacturer). I've never flown a StingSport but it's also probably very similar. Is there a place near you that rents any of these? There used to be a SportStar for rent in San Jose... Google Google, there's another one in Acampo, but that's a bit of a drive. Sacramento and Auburn are even further. But those are some options.

I do think that flying an LSA with very light controls is not something that you can fully prepare for by flying Cessnas and Cherokees. A couple of lessons in a SportStar will make for a much easier transition into the RV-12. (And the RV-12 "flies straight" more so than the SportStar so it will be even easier).