Greetings and Salutations

[Sparkles]

Hi, my name is Amber--a recently minted CFI living in the Dallas area (passed MEI ride just a few weeks ago.) I've been lurking on these forums for a while but never registered until now.
Now that I have a bit more free time (relatively speaking) I'm very interested in starting a Van's project (RV-7). I've reviewed all the data on Van's website and I was curious if anyone had any advice that wasn't specifically mentioned? Like, is there a lot of heavy lifting (I'm 110lbs), and how can that be limited to what only is necessary?

I know it may be a little premature (since I don't have anything constructed) but I'm also curious about the avionics available. Has anyone had any experience installing an EFIS like EFIS/One (from BMA) into a Van? It doesn't seem that much more than buying each individual flight instrument and GPS individually and it looks pretty sweet. I definitely don't have 70,000 or whatever the garmin 900x costs, but something like the 17,000 for a PFD + MFD seems doable.

Do most people do most of the construction out of their garages or do they rent space at a hangar?

[Ironflight]

Hello Amber - welcome to the addiction! Being that you're in the DFW Metro area, you'll rapidly get sucked into the culture...

I found very few points in the construction of my QB where I needed the assistance of lifting partners - and when you do, it isn't hard to find help. I'll bet that 99% of the time, you're just working with small parts.

As to glass....when I priced out my panel options a couple of years ago, I looked at both a reliable steam gauge option (reliable, for me, meant high quality instruments with an HSI) and an all EFIS panel. The price came out to be the same either way (Steam Gauges had no advantage due to the price of good HSI's). You can look up my airplane in the virtual hangar here on the forums - that is basically a $25K panel at 2004/2005 prices. Choices are going up all the time, and although prices may not come down, features are going up! Installation is also getting easier all the time, and there are lots of folks around that can help.

As I said...welcome to the RV world....from which there is no escape!

Paul

[N941WR]

Originally Posted by Sparkles

Do most people do most of the construction out of their garages or do they rent space at a hangar?

Amber,

The answer to this part of your post is: YES.

People do both. At some point you will need to move it to the hanger to finish it but you can start at home.

My option was to build in my basement, where I can fully assemble the -9, and then move it to the airport for final assembly and flying.

The longer it stays at home, the easier it is to work on. The commute to the shop is just a flight of stairs away. This allows me to put in 20 minutes here and there, as well as the longer sessions. If I had to drive to the hanger to work on it, it would add a LOT of time to the process and I doubt I would have finished it.

Most of those who build from start to finish in a hanger either have the hanger attached to their house or are retired and have the time to spend the entire day at the hanger.

- Just MYHO

PS. Welcome to the gang

[William Slaughter]

Assuming you have a day job, building at home is dramatically more efficient. An airport 15 minutes away is pretty close, but thats still 2x 15 minutes driving, opening up, closing up, etc. You're looking at 40+ minutes per work session, and you haven't even done any work yet!
Order that empannage kit and get going.

[cjensen]

Welcome to the RV game Amber! You'll love what you're getting in to here! Like those that have said before, building in your garage or basement is the only way to get done, unless your hanger is at your house. I'm building in my garage, even on the coldest days with a propane heater keeping me warm.

Being in Dallas, you have a GREAT group of RV devotees/builders/flyers that will be willing to lend a hand or offer advise whenever needed.

Get going, and welcome aboard!!

[Sparkles]

Thanks for all the support, guys! My plan is to order the standard emp kit, as if I can get through that the rest will be cake if I want to go through QB with the rest.
I definitely want to build the RV-7A (I'm biased against conventional gear because I've never flown one.)
I hope I can find a nice used 180-200hp lycoming with low time SMOH

[Mike S]

Dittos on the welcome aboard.

You dont mention if you have ever ridden in a RV, if not, you REALLY should do so. What an incredible motivational thing that is.

If you havent already done so, I strongly recommend joining the EAA. The knowledge and assistance available there is something you will be needing.

Good luck, enjoy the project.

Mike

[jcoloccia]

Originally Posted by Sparkles

I definitely want to build the RV-7A (I'm biased against conventional gear because I've never flown one.)

Tricycle gear....bleh. Welcome aboard anyway

And Chad's idea about the heater is dead on. I installed a Hot Dawg in my garage. Huge difference being able to build year round. You can always sell it when you're done....probably to another homebuilder. Trade it for parts? Make a 20 slice toaster? I dunno.

Use the toaster idea at your own risk...

[videobobk]

You have picked the most satisfying hobby there is--building an RV. I have built my own house, my own car (even the frame,) and actually made my own bed once, although my wife says I am stretching it there. There is nothing like building your own plane. You will not lack for help and the experience level here is amazing and this is the freindliest group there is. Call Van's tomorrow and start buying tools!

BTW, it turns out that 110 lb is just about the minimum pilot weight to avoid aft CG without baggage on many of these planes. Not many of us have that problem. . .

Bob Kelly

[DeltaRomeo]

I'll take you up in my RV-6 when you have time, Amber. I'm in DFW area (plane based 52F).

The Dude abides. Let's coordinate.

Pic of cockpit.

b,
dr