Purchasing vs building ?

[cbrown747]

I have already read many threads on this topic including vans opinion on buying an existing rv but wanted to ask if any others who have bought themselves or known others who have done this(purchasing existing rv). I have acquired some of the basic tools and have worked on 1 of 2 practice kits, so I have some experience playing around with riviting, dimpling, etc.

My main concern is how do you know if the builder built the plane safely did not take any shortcuts? My main thought would be to ask if he or she has any references from other builders, but that could be iffy at best.

If I was to travel to another airport in a different state to inspect an rv for sale, can I trust the local a&p mechanic where the plane is based?

I was talking to my wife about building vs buying and right now it looks like our priorities are to clean up our balance sheet over the next couple years so we can have a noticeable increase in disposable income. But with that said, if I was to start building at that time, I would be already those years away from flying vs buying something immediately. I know the advantages of building including doing your own maintenance, but I think you can get around that if you can find another a&p mechanic to work with you and help you reduce your maintenance bill.

I also was wondering if anybody read anything about what the used airplane market will be like within 4 years from now. Since they claim that there are fewer pilots staying active each year, I am surmising that the market will be more attractive to buyers.

The actual airplane I am interested in is the rv-9a. I would want autopilot along with the gps navigational system.

[JonJay]

Originally Posted by cbrown747

My main concern is how do you know if the builder built the plane safely did not take any shortcuts? My main thought would be to ask if he or she has any references from other builders, but that could be iffy at best.

If I was to travel to another airport in a different state to inspect an rv for sale, can I trust the local a&p mechanic where the plane is based?

.

You can remove this item from your list of concerns. Within the talent pool of RV experts, you will have no problem finding a very qualified person to do a prepurchase inspection. These forums are a great place to get lined up with someone who knows their stuff. I would not just use any local mechanic.

[Ron Lee]

Originally Posted by cbrown747

I know the advantages of building including doing your own maintenance, but I think you can get around that if you can find another a&p mechanic to work with you and help you reduce your maintenance

I bought my 6A and do most of the maintenance. Some things I farm out to an AI. Note that even if you build a 9A it does not mean that you are competent to rebuild a mag, carburetor, change a cylinder, etc.

I pay about $150 USD a year to have an A&P do the condition inspection. Even if you build, you would be wise to have more experienced people look at your plane periodically.

I am in the process of changing the battery and starter.

[Danny7]

in the scheme of things the tail kit is pretty cheap. buy that and see if you like building

[Jerry Cochran]

If you are interested in an RV many miles away, I would find a DAR local to the aircraft and pay him to go over and give it a look, especially if the DAR is an A&P which I think most are. Money well spent.

Also track down the local EAA chapter and ask them for help. Far as that goes, just post the location here and chances are you will find someone who will take a preliminary peek for you.

[FresnoR]

Since you have a couple years, you may think about purchasing the tail kit and begin building it, then the wings, and if you still have time, the fuselage. When you are ready to purchase an aircraft, sell the parts you built. Here's why:

1. It will give you something to do for 2 years.
2. You will learn a lot about RV's and how they are built, and what to look for when buying.
3. It will bring you into the RV Community as a builder, not just a "looker"
4. You may lose a few dollars when you sell, but not that much. Especially if you do the slow build kits and finish them completely.
5. You could find you love building, and just decide to complete it.

[jtrusso]

Originally Posted by FresnoR

Since you have a couple years, you may think about purchasing the tail kit and begin building it, then the wings, and if you still have time, the fuselage. When you are ready to purchase an aircraft, sell the parts you built.

This is great advice. As someone who has been a "looker" for the past 5, years I wish I had done this. I may just do it now.

[Doug Rohrer]

I want to build an RV someday, but I bought a flying 9A about a year after getting my PPL. I found that I was not flying much since I had to rent a spam can, and it was not really possible to go on long cross-countries or go overnight in a rental plane. I needed to be flying and improving my skills. So I took advantage of the depressed market and found a low hours RV-9A close by. I had an A&P look at it, and he said it was better built than most plane he works on. I bought it unpainted and got to design the paint as well as put an interior kit in it. Annual inspection costs about $200 since I do all the mundane stuff myself. I recently added an autopilot which makes trips even more fun. Ideally, I would like to build a -10 someday and sell the -9A. That way I can have a plane and build one too! I say BUY and give an RV a good home.

[RV6_flyer]

Originally Posted by Jerry Cochran

If you are interested in an RV many miles away, I would find a DAR local to the aircraft and pay him to go over and give it a look, especially if the DAR is an A&P which I think most are. Money well spent.

Also track down the local EAA chapter and ask them for help. Far as that goes, just post the location here and chances are you will find someone who will take a preliminary peek for you.

I would not use a DAR. DAR activites are their TOP priority after their full time job. Pre-buy and other activites are VERY LOW priorties and you may need to wait a long time to get them.

Fine an RV builder that is also an A&P for the pre-buy. Their work will be just as good and cost you less money. If they know a DAR, they can ask him to pull the file from Oklahoma City Registry for little or no charge.

[Bavafa]

My suggestion is to build only if you enjoy building and have the patience that it requires. The technical ability can be gained and there are many sources for that, but patience and the ability to stick-with-it..you either have it or don't.

As for buying, it can also require some patience as there are not that great big of pool of RVs to choose from. But I am sure with some care and research and the help of an A&P you can find one that will bring you much joy. But as any plane, whether you build or buy, it does require some TLC.

Best of luck