Another High School RV-12 build--The Eagle's Nest

[videobobk]

This is a great Leap of Faith, bigger than I took all those years ago when I ordered my 9 emp kit. It is something I have pushed for for about three years now, and it is happening. I am excited.

About six weeks ago, I got a call from Andy Doboze, Engineering teacher at Jennings County High School, North Vernon, Indiana. He knew I had been trying to organize a HS age RV-12 build, and he was ready. Scary. Last year I had a buyer for a 12 kit willing to have it built in another school, but they backed out. "Lack of space," was the reason. Uh-huh

So, dig up tools, money, and people, all in the space of a couple of weeks. To this point, I have some of each, but not enough. But it is going, and it looks like it will continue. The kids are great, very enthused and very bright. Most of them have had Young Eagles flights, and several want to get their PPL. There are twelve of them. Volunteer mentors are coming on board, some even from outside our EAA Chapter. When we outgrow the school facility, it looks like we will have free heated space at OVO.

We are working on five Van's practice kits, building the skills before we get into the expensive stuff. I am in a bigger learning curve than the students are, figuring out how best to put across the proper procedures that seem so obvious to me. Thankfully, they catch on quickly. And since they are using my tools, they are learning a whole lot about sharing! Tools are our biggest need, and we need them quickly. We have a quote for just short of $1700 that will give us all we need. We are looking for sponsors for tools and supplies and hope to find a buyer who wants a well-built RV-12 for the cost of the kit. We will listen to anyone interested, but really want someone living near enough to south-central Indiana to keep an eye on the build. If the Oregon Teen Build project can be used as a guide, it should take 1 1/2 years.Two school years is probably more likely.

I hope to work up a series of PowerPoint presentations that will be helpful to other schools doing this sort of thing. Actually I would rather use video, but we will see. This is actually a pilot project for other schools with engineering programs. We expect a bit of coverage as we go.

We are calling this the "Eagle's Nest Project," although that name may change. We have a donated KitLog (Thanks, Matt!) that will make the project easy to follow, and I plan on having one member of the group (or maybe more) join VAF. I know you will welcome him/her. I hope this will be fun for us all. There are too few of us below the age of--well never mind, you know what I mean. We need kids active in aviation.

So, bottom line. If you are close and would like to mentor, even one time, let me know. If you would like to donate to the cause, I can send you the contact info (goes to the school as designated funds.) If you would like an RV-12 in early 2012 (at kit cost,) I REALLY would like to talk to you. We may even be able to have it painted, but that is still a question. Tools/supplies are donation only, but if we don't find a buyer quickly, sub-kits can be on a loan basis, until the plane is sold. I will underwrite the first kit if necessary.

Wish me luck. It is time to give a little back...

Bob Kelly

[GAHco]

GAHco will donate a reference book to each student, once you have an official number for the class.

I may be able to help with some sample bags of hardware, although it should not be to much that you would need, as the kit should have almost all of what is needed.

I can definitely donate Drill bits, I have lots of those.

Keep me posted on your requirements and we will help when we can.

Lets step up to the plate ladies and gents, this is the future aviation generation, these are the type of people that will soon be helping preserve our aviation privileges!

[videobobk]

Thanks, Tom! This is the truth, I swear. The first day we met as a group, I took one reference book. Guess which one? Yours is the best!

I believe the number will be twelve, but I will get that firm ASAP.

Bob

[GAHco]

Keep me posted.................................

[hydroguy2]

Bob, how about a paypal account for monetary donations? We could have an old fashion barn raising to get those funds to buy the tools........after this build donate the tools to the next project.

for kids, I'm in.

EDIT: oops, just saw the piece about contact info for the school. send me the info

[videobobk]

Have the name, but have to get the proper address. Will post tomorrow. Thanks!!

Bob

[tommylewis]

post the paypal info for donations!!!

[videobobk]

Sorry, there is no PayPal! The Indiana Auditor doesn't approve. Funds (for tools and such) must go through the school. If someone is buying a kit, that is another story. Checks should go to:

Jennings Co. High School
800 W. Walnut
North Vernon, IN 47265

They should be made out to:
Jennings Co. High School, Industrial Arts Acct.
Include a note that this is for the aircraft project, just so they will know there is support from outside this area.

PLEASE send me a PM letting me the amount as I want to make sure these make it to where they are supposed to go.

Thanks in advance. I am encouraged, not only by the response here, but locally. I will make sure that VAF gets mentioned in media coverage.

Bob

[DanB]

Hey Bob,
It is great to see another kit started at the high school level! I am currently working on my principal and district to allow us to to do the same. The hitch has become the liability, however, I have been looking into generating an LLC and doing everything from purchasing to selling through that entity. I'm sure some legal types will know more about this or give some ideas.

My principal is on board to turn our wood shop into a hanger of sorts...lots of hoops to jump through. Keep us posted as we are rooting for the team! I have an aviation club and we also just had 10 kids do their Young Eagles Flight. Was a great time.
Dan B
Mesa, AZ

[Paul K]

Bob,

I don't know what is needed to build a 12, I'm a 7 builder, but would be willing to donate things that would get you going. Do you have a wish list? Are cash donations deductible? Any tax experts out there?