Where to start???

[Flyingfanatic]

I'm planning on building an RV-7 starting August 2013, maybe sooner.

I have a partner and we are going to start with the tail kit and see how it goes. If we maintain our interest and complete it in a reasonable time, we'll move forward.

I'm new to the forums and I've tried to learn as much as I can, but I'm not sure where to start my education.

Mainly this,

-how do you learn all the fabricating?

- how do you know if your build quality is good or not?

- where can you learn these techniques?

- where can I learn the meaning/definition of tools and techniques and their functions?

I have a basic understanding of tools and mechanics. I do quite a bit of work on my cars, motorcycle, house, etc. I just want to find a good source for more info.

Has anyone taken the RV building class offered by the EAA?

Are there similar classes out there?

I plan on rejoining EAA and talking to members here in Kansas City, just figured I'd seek advice here too.

Thanks,

Jon

[TX7A]

Jon,
Van's preview plans has some good information that can answer some of your questions. I was in your shoes once & had lots of questions. Having a local builder "handy" is very valuable resource. And I'll just tell you; I don't think I could have come as far as I have without this forum. It's fantastic & loaded with answers & opinions. (Don't forget to donate! )
Also, the EAA website has some good construction videos that will be helpful.
Don't get bogged-down in thinking about the enormity of the build. Look at it in small steps & you'll do fine. Enjoy!

[crabandy]

Started with the tailkit and instructions from Vans, plans were very well done and walk you through the process step by step. Some of the basics dimple/rivet/countersink etc and other questions that came up were answered by local builders and this forum. KC has lots of local builders/flyers as well as several active EAA chapters.

[Lemmingman]

A great place to start to learn the skills is with EAA Sportair workshops. These are 2 day classes on riveting, electrical, composite, fabric...just about any building technique you may need they have a workshop for it. Ive been to several and love them.

http://www.sportair.com/

[rleffler]

Originally Posted by Flyingfanatic

I'm planning on building an RV-7 starting August 2013, maybe sooner.

I have a partner and we are going to start with the tail kit and see how it goes. If we maintain our interest and complete it in a reasonable time, we'll move forward.

I'm new to the forums and I've tried to learn as much as I can, but I'm not sure where to start my education.

Mainly this,

-how do you learn all the fabricating?

Jump in with both feet and expect that you are going to make mistakes. When you make them, stop, regroup, and try again. I find that usually when I make a mistake, it's a good time to quit for the day. Come back tomorrow and try again fresh. Most of the fabrication is simple with mastering very basic metal working skills.

Originally Posted by Flyingfanatic

- how do you know if your build quality is good or not?

You will know if it looks right or not. It's not rocket science. Also, invite other builders over to review your work. You should also find a mentor in the local EAA chapter to help you get started. Find an EAA Technical Councilor to review your project periodically.

Originally Posted by Flyingfanatic

- where can you learn these techniques?

The EAA Sport Air Workshops are a start. There are RV specific classes offered by Synergy Air and Grov Air. I'm sure that there are others.

Originally Posted by Flyingfanatic

- where can I learn the meaning/definition of tools and techniques and their functions?

The above workshops are a start. Hang out with other builders in the area. Offer to be a helper on their build.

Originally Posted by Flyingfanatic

I have a basic understanding of tools and mechanics. I do quite a bit of work on my cars, motorcycle, house, etc. I just want to find a good source for more info.

Has anyone taken the RV building class offered by the EAA?

I took their fiberglass class.

Originally Posted by Flyingfanatic

Are there similar classes out there?

I mentioned two above. Grov Air is in Indy, which is a short drive/flight from you. Troy does a good job. He also has tool sets from the various vendors so you can determine which brand/model tools your prefer. I found this to be the biggest value when I attend his class six years ago.

Originally Posted by Flyingfanatic

I plan on rejoining EAA and talking to members here in Kansas City, just figured I'd seek advice here too.

It's nice if you can find other RV builders in the area. It doesn't necessarily need to be the same model, since the construction techniques are very similar on all the current models.

Plan on attending AirVenture. You'll be in information overload. You'll be amazed on how much you can learn in a week.

bob

[Flyingfanatic]

Thanks for all the info!

I've learned a lot just in these forums. We are planning our trip to Airventure this year. I've been twice before, but not with the interest of a builder.

I like the advise of looking at each step individually. I turned 39 yesterday and with age I've learned to slow down and do a little bit at a time on projects. I feel much less hurried and tend to do better work.

I'm looking forward to learning a lot.

[Rupester]

...the EAA Sportair Workshops are fantastic. I attended the workshop on basic metal working before I ordered my tailkit. I learned a TON, and had a great time in the process. Thruout my build, there were virtually no metalworking tasks that I had not tried and practiced at the workshop. I also got hugely valuable tips on tools ... the best ones, the worst ones, and when to buy cheap vs top-of-the-line.
And your timing is right .. you could probably still get in the Jan 26, 2013 workshops at OSH!

[ILikePike]

Every time I hear a discussion like this I think about my little vans tool box I beat up learning to rivet. Then, I think about how how much I have learned about building airplanes. Then, I think about the priceless lessons that this experience has taught me about myself.

Just go for it.

[MauiLvrs]

Originally Posted by TX7A

Jon,
Van's preview plans has some good information ...

Read it all three times and then again for good measure.
Study the plans and mark references between the two.
mark all critical steps in the build process on the drawings and instructions...

[N546RV]

Originally Posted by Rupester

...the EAA Sportair Workshops are fantastic. I attended the workshop on basic metal working before I ordered my tailkit. I learned a TON, and had a great time in the process. Thruout my build, there were virtually no metalworking tasks that I had not tried and practiced at the workshop. I also got hugely valuable tips on tools ... the best ones, the worst ones, and when to buy cheap vs top-of-the-line.
And your timing is right .. you could probably still get in the Jan 26, 2013 workshops at OSH!

Agreed. I spent a lot of time before I started building trying to research and learn about required skills like riveting. Despite watching a metric ton of videos and reading a lot, riveting still had this sort of "black magic" aura for me.

The Sportair sheetmetal workshop went far beyond just removing the shone of mystery from a lot of the building techniques and procedures; I actually walked out of there really feeling like I could build an airplane. It was a tremendous confidence booster and, IMO, worth every penny.

When I got my tail kit and started working, there were very few surprises either. Most everything I did was something I'd done before in the workshop.