Considering RV Build - Introduction

drunkenbeagle · #1 03-13-2013, 02:54 PM

Hello all,

I've been considering building an RV7 taildragger for a few years, and am about to order the empennage kit next month. Finally have a combination of the space/time/money that I think it is likely to be completed in a reasonable amount of time. The goal would be to have it flying within 2 years (QB kit ), which is almost certainly too ambitious, but I won't be upset if it takes longer either.

About myself - I'm a 34 year old married engineer in Florida. Part time CFI - Airplane/Glider, I've been flying about 200 hours/year. Looking for something fast, primarily for 500m X/C flights, 2 people. Have considered buying a Mooney or Bonanza, but the RV seems to fit the flying I would do better, and eventually at a lower cost.

Any advice before I get started? I've read these forums pretty thoroughly, especially the builder tips, watched plenty of EAA videos, been to Sun 'n Fun a few times, and have spent many years around airplane hangers, sometimes turning wrenches. I have a feeling I'll be buying a lot of beers for the A&P's I know over the next few years

Mike S · #2 03-13-2013, 02:57 PM

Russ, welcome to the good ship VAF

If you have not ever flown in an RV, I would suggest the first step would be to find a ride somewhere.

Good to have you here.

Don · #3 03-13-2013, 03:27 PM

Unless your convinced you want to build, you might consider buying an RV. With a bit of shopping you can find one for less than it would cost you to build and with patience, cash in hand, and a watchful eye, you can score a real bargain. Buying a flying RV obviously circumvents the delay you'll encounter building. Another possibility is sell what you're flying, buy an RV and start building your dream machine (this is the route I've finally taken).

Take the advice to fly an RV. Get as much RV time as you can and if your experience is like mine, flying spam cans won't be the same. You'll want your own RV ASAP. There are lots of RV pilots in Florida - find them and go flying. If you find yourself near Richmond, I'll take you flying in my 9A.

Sig600 · #4 03-13-2013, 03:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Don

Unless your convinced you want to build, you might consider buying an RV. With a bit of shopping you can find one for less than it would cost you to build and with patience, cash in hand, and a watchful eye, you can score a real bargain. Buying a flying RV obviously circumvents the delay you'll encounter building. Another possibility is sell what you're flying, buy an RV and start building your dream machine (this is the route I've finally taken).

Take the advice to fly an RV. Get as much RV time as you can and if your experience is like mine, flying spam cans won't be the same. You'll want your own RV ASAP. There are lots of RV pilots in Florida - find them and go flying. If you find yourself near Richmond, I'll take you flying in my 9A.

This.

If you want to have/fly an RV, you can buy for less than what you'll build for (adding up tools, time, mistakes, beer, etc).

If you want to BUILD your RV however....

scard · #5 03-13-2013, 04:56 PM

I agree with most of the comments so far. Today, it really isn't necessary to build just because you want this particular airplane. Build because it provides its own majority value, whether it be quality shop time, or because "I built it!". Often you hear, "Are you a builder or a flyer?". I'm 55% / 45% one way or the other depending on the day, which means I always have to have something in the shop and something in the air. If your numbers are much further, your choice is clear. If you build, it WILL change your life, as well as your family. Plan on only flying 75 out of those 200hrs that you are flying per year during your build.

Smilin' Jack · #6 03-13-2013, 06:02 PM

Welcome Russ,
Well I have to disagree with the buy thought... Sure you can buy an RV because there are some folks who get so old they can't fly them after they build em.
,
So it is true a lot of them are given away, unfortunately we have a great plane and if folks would stick to their guns you'd have to pay 140,000 for a 2 place RV because I did study the market and have flown my whole life and their is no other airplane with the numbers flying that come close to the RV with out spending 200,000. So yes I am building even at 63 and I pray the good Lord gives me another few years to enjoy this airplane it does a lot well and a lot extremely well.

Go take a test flight, there are a few hundred great guys on this site who would be honored to take you up. In fact I have not met a bad RVer yet..
I am closing in on my first flight. Perhaps within 3 months... And if that is the case it will have been a 2 year 5 month build. It could be longer if I keep having to fly...
Best to you.. Regardless of the road you take.

Smilin' Jack

Dbro172 · #7 03-13-2013, 08:34 PM

I'm 33, married, engineer, new baby, live in easy climate, etc. and have been building for 11 months. If you've already settled on the QB, and have no kids there's no reason you can't finish in less than two years. It's true, it seems you can buy one for about the price it takes to build one, which is sad. But over the past year of building and monitoring VAF I have yet to see a plane listed that matched the specs I wanted at a price I liked. So if you're at all particular in your ways you might just be more satisfied in building you're own. Keep in mind it will be BRAND SPANKIN NEW.