"average" build time ?

brian · #1 05-13-2010, 11:18 AM

I've been asked what is the average time to build a RV-7A. I'm thinking that some people, who?ve built RVs before and who can concentrate on working often on their project, can build one in less than a year. Others, with life?s interruptions getting in the way, can take 10 years or more. My guess is the average for a first-time builder is about 3 years.

What do you folks think the average build time would be?

docskj · #2 05-13-2010, 12:02 PM

I just finished my RV-9A in 7 years and one month (2350 hours). The main factor in the lengthy time is my kids growing up and the associated activities. It is interesting seeing my early pictures of them and the project when they were little. Now big teenagers. Now that the plane is at the airport, I'm a bit lost at home when things are quiet.

FresnoR · #3 05-13-2010, 12:06 PM

We should probably divide it up into three categories with the amount of time able to be fully dedicated to the project:

- Full-time builder - 30+ hours per week
- Mid-time builder - 15-29 hours per week
- part-time builder - less than 15 hours per week

I would say: FT= 1-1.5 years
MT= 1.5-2.5 years
PT= 2.5-5 years

danielhv · #4 05-13-2010, 12:20 PM

Also, are we talking QB or Slow Build? I hammered through my tail section pretty quickly... the wings have taken their toll on my desire to build (constant repetition)... But the limiting factor for me is money. If I had an unlimited supply, I'd finish in a year.

Jeff Vaughan · #5 05-13-2010, 12:25 PM

Thank goodness I got the Quick Build Fuse and Wings. Took me 7 years!!!

RV7Ron · #6 05-13-2010, 02:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by danielhv

Also, are we talking QB or Slow Build? I hammered through my tail section pretty quickly... the wings have taken their toll on my desire to build (constant repetition)... But the limiting factor for me is money. If I had an unlimited supply, I'd finish in a year.

I completely agree, time isnt the issue, money limits me as well. If only I were a rich man!

Bruce · #7 05-13-2010, 06:53 PM

Still not flying but

2500 hours
30 hours week
or 90-100 month

4 years

Enjoying every bit of it.

First time builder

Greg Arehart · #8 05-13-2010, 10:48 PM

Additional data exist in the archives as this has been asked before. For me, 16 months, 1300 hours (approximately), so 20-22 hours/week. I did not count time spent thinking about stuff and ordering etc. just time in the garage/hangar actually building. Also does not count painting, which I farmed out. I did make a few mods, but certainly didn't do too much that is unusual. Quickbuild wings and fuse (and worth every extra penny!).

greg

flion · #9 05-14-2010, 08:02 AM

Average is a somewhat useless number given that the quantity varies so widely. It sets an expectation that might not fit well with reality. I remember a couple of builders (retired) who got an RV in the air in three months; what does that do to your average? I'm one of the longest at 14 years. You could give a long talk on all the factors and still not give a good answer. I usually just say it often takes 3 to 4 years but can be done quicker or slower and leave it at that.

twsurveyor · #10 05-14-2010, 08:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by brian

I've been asked what is the average time to build a RV-7A. My guess is the average for a first-time builder is about 3 years.[/font][/color]

What do you folks think the average build time would be?

I know of 3 guys who have finished pre-punched standard kits in the last couple of years. All were still working for a living, so I guess they would be termed "part time builders".................. Anyhow, based on these guys, 4 to 4-1/2 years is an "average build time".

Hope this helps!