Should I build again, and what?

[Bryan Wood]

Lately the desire to build another plane is something that I think about often. What to build is the question that I just can't seem to resolve.

While I'd like to build a 10 the value of completed planes will ensure that I get to pay the state of CA about $200 per month in taxes for the priveledge of finishing one. Sadly the values are often set by somebody in the local Government looking at Trade A Plane adds and setting the values based on the asking price of professional builders. This has basically removed the 10 from my list of options.

Another 9/9A? Nah, it feels like time to try something else on the menu. I love my 9A, but doing the same thing again seems like a waste of time.

8/8A? This very much has my attention. An 8 with a 200hp, built with no sacrifices on the way it is equipped sounds pretty great. But then so does a really light plane that is nimble and fun. ??? But an 8...

7/7A? Is this enough of a change from my 9A to be worth the effort? I might need to trade a ride or two with a 7 driver that has a big engine on the nose to see if this is an avenue to pursue. My 9 climbs out solo at around 2,000 fpm so what will the extra oomph get me by building a hot rod 7? It'll take a ride to experience the difference to decide.

Ravin 500? This is a Composite knockoff of the C model Piper Comanche at about 90% scale. It is fully aerobatic and has a 2,000sm or so range. It is a 4 place that cruises fast and is pretty neat. But, it is plastic and few flying examples!

So for you repeat offenders out there, how did you decide on your next plane. How about those of you who have significant time in both tandom and side by side model RV's. Is one more fun, or comfortable, or ???

[Phil]

F1 Rocket, if it were me.

But that would probably be pricey for the taxes too.

BTW - How does CA tax you monthly? It's it just a one time tax?

[kevinh]

Originally Posted by Phil

BTW - How does CA tax you monthly? It's it just a one time tax?

Bryan is talking about the property tax (levied once per year)

[kevinh]

Originally Posted by Bryan Wood

7/7A? Is this enough of a change from my 9A to be worth the effort? I might need to trade a ride or two with a 7 driver that has a big engine on the nose to see if this is an avenue to pursue. My 9 climbs out solo at around 2,000 fpm so what will the extra oomph get me by building a hot rod 7? It'll take a ride to experience the difference to decide.

Hi Bryan,

Are you interested in acro? I'm happy to fly my 7A down to south county any time you want to go fly it. I only have the 180 hp A1A, but I do have the constant speed prop and I bet it will get you close to the feeling of the bigger engine.

I too have thought about building an 8 - because it is different from my seven and looks awesome. So far Beck is not willing to sit in back though.

If Van ever made an RV-11 kit, I'd be all over that in an instant.

[Ironflight]

Well, as someone who now has both a -6 and an -8 living in their hangar, I can tell you that it is pretty nice to have one of each!

I built my -8, and Louise owned her -6, before we met, so we didn't build or select them to complement each other. But it is nice to take the -6 when we want to sit side-by-side and share the flying. And it is absolutely great to take the -8 up for a little fighter-pilot time. Then to, the -8 is better equipped (by design) for all-weather travel, so when we are gong a long ways and the weather might be the factor, I have to sadly put Louise in the back (until she checks out in the front), and we go.

Our next plane is likely to be a -3 - we are just looking for the right time in our busy lives to get started. It will e fun to have a light, recreational machine that either of us can use to escape for a Little while.

Bottom line? We intend to build something different than what we have now, so that we can fulfill a different mission with each plane. I'd build the same thing again only if I intended to better my first effort and sell it when the second was flying.
Mostly, I'd evaluate what the airplane is supposed to be, and what you want it to do - and let that guide the decision.

Paul

[Bryan Wood]

Originally Posted by Phil

F1 Rocket, if it were me.

But that would probably be pricey for the taxes too.

BTW - How does CA tax you monthly? It's it just a one time tax?

As Kevin said, it is a yearly tax. I just broke it down more to what we would have to set aside each month in our budget to give the State. That is kind of what we do each month for our yearly insurance, maintenance, etc.

[Bryan Wood]

Originally Posted by kevinh

Hi Bryan,

Are you interested in acro? I'm happy to fly my 7A down to south county any time you want to go fly it. I only have the 180 hp A1A, but I do have the constant speed prop and I bet it will get you close to the feeling of the bigger engine.

I too have thought about building an 8 - because it is different from my seven and looks awesome. So far Beck is not willing to sit in back though.

If Van ever made an RV-11 kit, I'd be all over that in an instant.

I'd like that Kevin. Thanks.

[yakdriver]

Go for something completely different. I'm in the middle of a Turbine Cubs Super Cub. Very high quality kit but almost non existent instructions. Don

[carguy614]

Thought all this out too. I helped build a 6, and then built, and am presently flying my 9A. It's a full boat plane with all of the bells and whistles, and I absolutely love it. I wanted to learn some new skills and thought I might like to try a rag and tube project, but it seems to be an expensive way to go. All of the tube and rag planes that I was interested in had completed prices that were a bit out of my price range. Finally decided to build another Vans, this time it will be a lightweight taildragger 9, as simple as possible. I have plenty of time to engage in my favorite pastime, scrounging. It's affordable, I have the tools and skills, time is on my side, and I have no issues deciding exactly how I want to build it out. The best part is knowing up front that I will have a wonderful bird that I will want to fly when I am done.

As for a 7, It is quite a different plane to fly than the 9. Snappy and nimble with MUCH lighter control forces. If you love your 9 like me, You will most likely love a 7 too. Even if you don't fly it like it's on fire!!

The lesson I have learned is, the lighter you build it, the better!!

2 cents,
Chris

[Jamie]

Bryan:

Have you considered a restoration project? Yeah, you don't get all the 'glory' in the end, but to me there is something appealing about taking an airplane and returning it to it's former glory.