Looking to build an RV for someone else

[Tom G]

Just wondering if there is any market for contract building and what are the ins and outs of it. Has any one done this?
I am in Long Island NY

[thallock]

Oh, boy, this should be fun!

Good luck,
Tracy.

[sprucemoose]

Hi Tom.

Welcome to VAF. Since you are new to this forum, you haven't been around long enough to have been part of the debate over this very issue. There is lots to read about it in the archives, but let me give you the quick run down:

1. What you propose is illegal. The FAA regs that allow us to build and fly our own airplanes prohibit doing so as any kind of commercial endeavor.

2. By doing so, you put our entire hobby at risk. The FAA is right now in the process of re-evaluating the amateur built rules due to this type of abuse.

3. You take on a significant risk of being left holding the bag if the plane that you build for hire cannot be certified if it is found to be in violation of #1 above.

You will come across some folks who disagree with the above and think there is nothing wrong with pro-building. They use tortured logic and rationalization to support their position, and are exactly the reason for #2 above.

[pierre smith]

Type in "51% rule" in the search box above this thread and you'll find weeks of reading on the regs and a bunch of opinions

Regards,

[oneway]

I don't want to hijack the thread, but I do want to weigh in with a question. I have found a mostly completed RV that I am interested in. So what kind of problems can I get into by purchasing an unfinnished kit?

[Jamie]

Originally Posted by oneway

I don't want to hijack the thread, but I do want to weigh in with a question. I have found a mostly completed RV that I am interested in. So what kind of problems can I get into by purchasing an unfinnished kit?

None, as long as the kit was completed by an amateur. The 51% rule states that 51% (the major portion) of the airplane must have been completed by amateurs.

If the airplane is already past that stage, you would most likely not be eligible for the repairman's certificate, but since it is an experimental anyone can work on it or do maintenance...you would just have to find an A&P (doesn't have to be an IA) to sign off the annual condition inspection.

[osxuser]

Originally Posted by Tom G

Just wondering if there is any market for contract building and what are the ins and outs of it. Has any one done this?
I am in Long Island NY

Yes people have done it. As long as you aren't being paid at all, it could be legal... but I'm guessing that's not the intent of the question.

Also the financial of making it work make the hourly wage something less than desirable. Before I started building, I crunched then numbers on what the built RV sells for, and it turns out my labor is pretty much free... but that's still better than most, Lancairs, Glasairs, W-10s, Mustang IIs, all aren't worth the sum of their parts...

[pierre smith]

Jamie is mostly correct but my buddy bought a -4 kit on the gear and canopy done, wings and empennage done and the DAR awarded him the Repairman's cert. His remark was, "It was all amateur-built, wasn't it?"

So it depends on the DAR to an extent, doesn't it, Mel?

Regards,

[Tom G]

Hello to all and thanks for the response.
I definitely am not looking to put anyone?s hobby at risk. I am simply someone who is interested in anything with aviation and a love of building and creating things. I see experimental aircraft for sale all over and thought that if at some point anyone was interested, this may be an option/experience for both of us. Not looking to do anything illegal. Just a simple question. OK maybe not simple!

[pierre smith]

....and I'd bet that you can help others with their build, buck rivets and have a good old time. A lot of guys have subassemblies built like the fuel tanks, mainly because Pro-seal is messy...others have the Instrument panels CAD cut or need help with wiring, etc.

Regards,