RV's and today's economy

[FresnoR]

Well after months of researching just about every homebuilt kit available, I am about to take the plunge and order my RV-9A kit. I would like to thank everyone on this site for the knowledge you have all imparted to me.

My question stems from today?s economy. Do you think the downturn will cause an increase or possible decrease in the prices of RV kits? It seems to me the slowing demand of general aviation and luxury items such as homebuilt kits would ultimately result in lower prices, or maybe that?s just wishful thinking on my part since I'm about to buy one.

What do you think?

[sprucemoose]

While demand may or may not decrease, the cost of raw materials is certainly going to continue to increase. Van's is known to operate on fairly slim margins to begin with. So I would not hold my breath waiting for the price to go down.

[FresnoR]

Yeah, I figured prices would be dependant more on raw materials than anything else. Too bad their not made of wood, those raw prices have plummeted.

[bsacks05]

If I were buidling another plane - which I am. I would plan on installing a powerplant which will run on mogas. The cost and availability of 100LL is probably the greatest concern to piston powered aircraft owners. The prices of all the other stuff will remain the same or rise as with all other consumer goods.

[kentb]

The average build time is in excess of 5 years the current economic condition may end up having very little to do with the cost to complete your plane.

Good luck.

Kent

[asav8tor]

Since he has people that "buy" the materials and various items that go in the kits at volume, you could not duplicate the kit with raw materials at the prices he sells it for. It's as if you get all the fab for free. The margins have always been small.

[the_other_dougreeves]

Originally Posted by bsacks05

If I were buidling another plane - which I am. I would plan on installing a powerplant which will run on mogas. The cost and availability of 100LL is probably the greatest concern to piston powered aircraft owners. The prices of all the other stuff will remain the same or rise as with all other consumer goods.

I would second this - Mogas isn't exactly the fuel of the future, but it certainly is one fuel of choice for today. Make sure you can use at least 91 pump octane mogas (87 is ideal, but not always achievable) and make everything compatible with at least E10.

TODR

[frankh]

Originally Posted by the_other_dougreeves

I would second this - Mogas isn't exactly the fuel of the future, but it certainly is one fuel of choice for today. Make sure you can use at least 91 pump octane mogas (87 is ideal, but not always achievable) and make everything compatible with at least E10.

TODR

With the bog standard lycoming clone with 8.5:1 pistons or less.

Frank
IO360 now featuring E10.

[frankh]

Originally Posted by bsacks05

If I were buidling another plane - which I am. I would plan on installing a powerplant which will run on mogas. The cost and availability of 100LL is probably the greatest concern to piston powered aircraft owners. The prices of all the other stuff will remain the same or rise as with all other consumer goods.

With the right choice of componentry this is very easy to achieve with an IO360.

Frank

[airguy]

You'll want to eliminate ALL RUBBER ANYTHING in the fuel system, from the filler cap to the engine manifold. Ethanol in mogas will do a number on the rubber, it's the main reason certified aircraft need an STC to convert. Alodine ALL the fuel-wetted aluminum parts in the entire fuel system (don't forget the pick-up tubes and vent lines). Injected engines seem less prone to vapor lock with mogas than carbs due to higher fuel pressures. There are other items to be done as well to make the engine happier, but some are controversial and you'll get opinions on both sides.

My opinion only - worth what you paid for it.