Trying to decide if I should start building an RV 8

[Sgalvin65]

I've been interested in building an RV for a couple years and finally have some time for another project. I'm a corporate pilot and I'm on a 12 on 10 off schedule. I figured if I could spend close to 10 days working on my project I could get it done rather quickly. My only concern is having a buddy for a second set of hands and someone to buck rivets. I have friends who can buck the occasional rivet but not someone who can be there 24/7 when I'm working on my project. Could this be a potentional problem and how often would I need a helper?

[Mike S]

Stephen, welcome aboard

Yes, get started----you can do it.

[Carl Froehlich]

Most of what you do airframe wise is repetitive work - after you figure out how to do the basic steps. That said, there is no substitute for having some who has built an RV, or even building now but a few steps ahead of you available to come over and help.

The best solution for when you need extra hands is to be in a group of local builders and you all share time on the other's projects. In your part of the country there are many builders.

I recommend you touch base with the RV guys in your area and see how they are doing it. Once past the airframe build you are faced with a lot of decisions not covered in the plans - this is where talking to other RV guys become most valuable. Fly down to Dogwood (VA42) and I'll be happy to go over stuff with you.

Carl

[jpowell13]

I built a 6a. I only needed rivet bucking help occasionally and it's easy to work around your helper's schedule since there are numerous tasks to chose from at any given time. I would think that a modern 8a Kit would require much less help with riviting assuming you get a quick build fuse. John

[BCP Boys]

You can also buy a semi finished kit and finish it. Vlad has one for sale.. you will save several years of building time.

[Robin8er]

I'll tell you first hand that you can build the majority of the plane by yourself. I build alone and don't have anyone to help build, hold parts, Buck rivets etc.

I've built the entire tail by myself and I'm about half way done with the wings. I'll need help eventually when it come to riveting the wings, but even then I can rivet at least half of it by myself.

I say go for it. You'll never get it if you don't try. And truth be told it's not that hard, you'll figure it out.

[StuBob]

The tail kit costs $1775 plus shipping. That's the best way to answer your question. In Maryland, there's probably someone within 20 miles who's built or is building an RV. If you get involved in the closest EAA chapter, you may accumulate more helpers than you know what to do with!

If it doesn't work out, you've lost $1775 minus the scrap value of about 40# of aluminum, plus the difference between the cost of your new tools and what you can sell them for.

[BillL]

Originally Posted by BCP Boys

You can also buy a semi finished kit and finish it. Vlad has one for sale.. you will save several years of building time.

+1 Yes, look seriously at this one. You get to pick all your avionics too. Just fly it to Stein and come back when it is done. Very very good deal.

[wirejock]

I'm building a 7a in the mountains of Colorado. Skilled help is nice and occasionally necessary but rarely needed. I needed it on the wing skins and fuse skins. The rest of the time, turn up the music and "build on"?

[Sgalvin65]

Thanks everyone for the help and suggestions. I'm going to place my order for the empennage kit early next week and begin the adventure.