What is the best kit for a 1st time builder?

[Future N????...]

Looking to build a kit, have a couple of questions. 1) What is the best kit for a 1st time builder? I have read that a QB pre-punched RV-8 is the fastest/easiest for a 1st timer, but I question that. Mainly, how difficult is it to bring the standard kit to QB status? From the looks of many builders logs it seems that taking a standard kit to QB is the quickest/simplest stage of construction, and not really worth all those extra $000s spent. My second question with starting with a QB kit, I would think that one would be more into "building mode" by the time their project reaches QB status, and less likely to make crucial errors going forward that would cost time and $$$ than the person that jumped in feet first to a QB project. Any thoughts on this?

that said, my own personal logic would lead me to believe that the simplier the plane, the simplier the systems, the faster and less complicated the build should be. I noticed the trend with RV-8s is full glass panel 200hp C/S prop ect ect ect. By comparison, an RV-4 with an 0-320 fixed pitch prop and simple VFR avionics and a handheld radio should be a faster build than a QB RV-8 trimmed out with all the fittings and gizmos that one (me) will rarely (never) use. I would only plan to fly VFR flights mostly solo, would like the potential to carry a friend every now and again... correct me if im way off base in my logic here....

[pmccoy]

Best plane to build is the one that will best serves your flight mission statement.

Do you plan on aerobatics? Do you want 4 seats? How about long cross country? Maybe no medical, thus an LSA-12?

Be honest with yourself on what your needs are, then start to pick the best plane to fit that mission.

that said, my own personal logic would lead me to believe that the simplier the plane, the simplier the systems, the faster and less complicated the build should be.

Yep!.... RV12 fastest build.

[DaAV8R]

Originally Posted by Future N????...

From the looks of many builders logs it seems that taking a standard kit to QB is the quickest/simplest stage of construction, and not really worth all those extra $000s spent.

Do not underestimate the time spent getting a slow build kit to the quick build stage. It is a ton of work. If you are up for a slow build, go for it. After completing much of the slow build metal work I can understand why others go the quick build route.

[Kahuna]

Your question is not answerable without you qualifying your question.
"What is the best kit for a 1st time builder " to do what?
Have the most fun building?
Learn craftsmanship and building techniques?
To get in the air the fastest with the least amount of work?
To reduce builder mistakes?
TO be more like an erector set so my 10 year old kid will help?
To fly my family?
To... You fill in the blanks.

There are many many qualifications necessary for anyone to be able to point you in the right direction.

[Mel]

As I emphasize in my talks,

"Build an airplane because you want to build an airplane.
Do NOT build an airplane because you want an airplane!"

[Auburntsts]

Originally Posted by Future N????...

Looking to build a kit, have a couple of questions. 1) What is the best kit for a 1st time builder? I have read that a QB pre-punched RV-8 is the fastest/easiest for a 1st timer, but I question that. Mainly, how difficult is it to bring the standard kit to QB status? From the looks of many builders logs it seems that taking a standard kit to QB is the quickest/simplest stage of construction, and not really worth all those extra $000s spent. My second question with starting with a QB kit, I would think that one would be more into "building mode" by the time their project reaches QB status, and less likely to make crucial errors going forward that would cost time and $$$ than the person that jumped in feet first to a QB project. Any thoughts on this?

The skills are the same whether you go SB or QB. What a QB kit really does is allow a builder to trade time for money: one type of kit is not necessarily eaiser or harder for a first timer. Typically the build order for RVs is the the tail first so that's where new builder's hone their skills before moving on to more expensive and complex parts of the kit. Also there's no QB for the tail kit so everyone starts on the same playing field.

that said, my own personal logic would lead me to believe that the simplier the plane, the simplier the systems, the faster and less complicated the build should be. I noticed the trend with RV-8s is full glass panel 200hp C/S prop ect ect ect. By comparison, an RV-4 with an 0-320 fixed pitch prop and simple VFR avionics and a handheld radio should be a faster build than a QB RV-8 trimmed out with all the fittings and gizmos that one (me) will rarely (never) use. I would only plan to fly VFR flights mostly solo, would like the potential to carry a friend every now and again... correct me if im way off base in my logic here....

A single EFIS display and radio is about as simple as it gets and will give you tons more capability with less installation complexity. Why limit yourself with perceived economies?

However, I've got to say soley based on your questions, that you might want to consider buying an already flying example as that's the quickest way to your objective bar none. Building is not hard (at least I don't think so), but it's a lot of work and there's no real shortcuts, even going QB. I firmly believe that old adage that if you want to build, build, but if you want to fly soon, buy something already flying. YMMV....

[Mike S]

John, welcome to VAF.

I concur with all the above posts, you just simply have not given enough info for a solid recommendation.

Tell us more about yourself, what are you flying now, how many hours do you have, what have you flown before, what are you planning to do with the plane you do build, what are your skills that will contribute to the build ETC.

Good to have you here at VAF

[Walt]

Originally Posted by Mel

As I emphasize in my talks,

"Build an airplane because you want to build an airplane.
Do NOT build an airplane because you want an airplane!"

Excellent advice!

[ScottSchmidt]

-12 is easiest, hands down!
-14 because of new improvements
-7,9,8 are probably about the same
-10 is a great kit but bigger and more fiberglass

[Dvalcik]

Originally Posted by ScottSchmidt

-12 is easiest, hands down!
-14 because of new improvements
-7,9,8 are probably about the same
-10 is a great kit but bigger and more fiberglass

Scott nailed it -

Pick the plane for your mission and then chose the kit. But the 12 and 14 will be the easier. Find builders in your area or a EAA chapter. Find one of the builders that may allow you to assist them. This will help you see if you want to build and pick the one best for you .