RV-8A Greg Hughes, Hillsboro OR

[greghughespdx]

Last night I picked up an RV-8A project that my friend Jim has been working on for some time in his basement. He decided his priorities have changed but he wants to see it finished and flying, so after much consideration I jumped in feet first to build the plane I have never actually flown but can't stop looking at. I've flown in a few other RV models, and help some on another RV build project, so I at least have sort of an idea what I am getting into.

Configuration is RV-8A with a new Superior IO-360. I'll still get to choose the prop and avionics at some point when things get closer to "done." Wings are a slow build kit completed to somewhat less than the QB stage (a few skins to finish, tanks are not yet in the wing, control surfaces to mount), empennage is basically done (parts completed), fuselage is QB kit with a little work done in it. All of the kits are there to finish and make it into an airplane, so just need to get organized and start work!

My friend Justin, who graciously helped moved and has done some of the work on the project in the past, took a few photos so will upload them once they're in hand. And I have changed my signature officially from "wannabe builder" to something more accurately reflecting the new status.

I have a full-time job, so will be figuring out how to best balance schedules and staying productive on this. I'm lucky that I live in Van's country, and have the pleasure of knowing a lot of people who live and breathe RV's. I've also been mostly lurking here at VAF for months, soaking up a lot of great info from this community, and I look forward to sharing progres, whatever it ends up looking like!

[aeroaddict]

Well congratulations. Building is an addiction as you can guess. I'm currently on vacation and while enjoying my time, a lot of it is spent reading up and figuring out next steps, I even took my build instructions binder with me.

the -8 is a great plane and 360 should make it scoot pretty good.

Welcome to the collective and show us some pictures!

[greghughespdx]

A few photos from the move:

My friend Jim and I as we get the wings out of his basement shop.



There were more parts than my mind had pictured before actually starting the move. They just kept on appearing.



Fuse removal.



Temporarily a tail-wheel.



Justin got in a little flying.



On the truck



Finally unloaded in the hangar. Took quite a bit longer than we'd thought it would!

[greghughespdx]

Originally Posted by BruceEicher

You will love the build process, as you know and then flying the bird.
Please let me know when, and I will be happy to give you some -8 stick time.

Thanks Bruce, sounds great! I'm pretty excited about the whole thing.

[greghughespdx]

Edit: Just quick note of clarification - I purchased this partially-completed kit from my friend Jim Mitchell, who put lots of work into it over several years. Paige Quintana and Justin Inman have also put substantial work into it, working with Jim, and others have been involved, too. So, the photos at this point serve to document where the project sits as it starts with me.

Have been spending quite a bit of time getting things ready to do some real work on this project. Honestly, there was more time involved in the "get ready" part of the process than I realized there would be.

I'm a member of EAA 105 here in Hillsboro, OR. Aurora and Van's Aircraft are right around the corner in the valley here. The chapter has a couple of hangars that it improved and set up specifically to allow people to build/work on airplanes, and I decided a few weeks ago to split the rent (and space) in one of them. They hangar is heated and insulated (nice in the Oregon rainy winter, which it seems has just started), well-lit, has electrical outlets everywhere, and a big air compressor plumbed into the building. The chapter even has a decent tool chest with many of the tools needed for this kind of project. Quite a bit nicer for building than the basic T-hangar where my Cherokee lives. It's also conveniently located a less than a quarter mile from my front door. I don't have a garage at my house, but this will work.

There was "stuff" in the hangar that needed to be relocated before I could move in, so that was the first step. Then I cleaned things up and started moving the kit inventory. I finished moving all the kit parts - and most of my tools - to the new hangar this past weekend. And, I got it mostly organized. I've discovered there are a number of tools that I'll need to pick up sometime soon, but nothing that prevents me from getting started now.

A couple photos of the new work location and (just barely) getting started there with work on one of the wings.


Fuse and stored items by greghughespdx, on Flickr


Wings in cradle by greghughespdx, on Flickr


We did some work to prepare for riveting on the remaining skins - Poser by greghughespdx, on Flickr


Teenagers like shop vacs - cleaning out some metal shavings by greghughespdx, on Flickr

And, all the photos will end up here: RV-8A Project Album on Flickr/

[akarmy]

That looks like a great build location Greg. +1 for your EAA chapter having that resource for you guys!

[greghughespdx]

Hi Andy, yes I'm fortunate to be able to take advantage of the location, for sure! Since this whole "building thing" is relatively new to me, it's nice to have a lot of very experienced people around, a good location and a leg-up on tools, too. I've learned quite-a-little-bit from others over the past year on other projects, which is part of what convinced me I could actually do this!

[TerryWighs]

Have fun Greg......it is quite the adventure, and I have enjoyed every moment with my RV-8 project.

[BSwayze]

Greg, looks like a great project! I've seen you at various chapter 105 meetings and such, but really haven't had a chance to talk much. I'd like to stop by the hanger at the next breakfast, if you're there, and take a look. If I can help with anything, I'd be delighted.

[greghughespdx]

Sounds good, Bruce! See you at the next breakfast hopefully, and will be glad to show you what's up in G-3.