croner15
Member
Ok, here goes my first VAF post. I'm 30, married (no kids planned) and just about to get started on my PPL. After that I want a plane of my own to travel in and out of the DFW area. I look forward to building almost as much as I do flying.
My perception is (and y'all can correct me if I'm off base) is that the RV-12 and the RV-14 are in a class of their own when it comes to build-ability. In my case, I've built an addition on the house and do my own car maintenance, but never anything to the level of what an RV would require.
Honestly, the RV-9 would probably fit my mission the best (low-time pilot, cross countries of varying distance, carrying some clothes to change into, no desire for aerobatics). However, most of the posts I read about those completing the 9 start with, "after 5 years and 2,000 hours..." I really look forward to building and will truly enjoy the process, but I'm not sure if that feeling will sustain itself over 5 years; at some point I do want to fly the thing and my wife will want our garage back.
Obviously, this could be where the QB kit for the 9 comes in, but then you're probably in the price range of the 14 (though I'll believe the $90K price estimate when the remaining kits are out and I see the 390 pricing from Vans). I read what started to be a good discussion on the 9 vs. 14, but it veered into more of a 320 vs. 390 debate.
So my dilemma, oddly enough, is probably 12 vs. 14 as they seem to be the only kits that may earn the tagline after I'm done of "so easy, even a lawyer can build it " One seems like too much plane (though if I had $90K laying around I'd build it in a heartbeat), another not enough (not as suitable for cross countries since not many fields have MOGas that the Rotax prefers); and the price spread between the two is probably about $25-30K.
I know I have a few steps ahead of me before I enter the RV world, but I would love to start building one early on in my flying career. I have no illusions about building being cheaper than renting, but my logic is that every rental dollar spent could have gone into my own flying machine that I could happily build and then fly for the next 20 years.
So I guess my questions are two-fold. 1) when it comes to ease and time to complete are the 12 and 14 really in a class to themselves (such that they are really the only realistic options for a first-time builder who works full-time can get it done in a reasonable time and still have a social life!)? and 2) where/who are some resources I can connect with in the DFW area as I start down this path?
I know I don't fit at least what I perceive to be the normal demographic for an RV builder. However, some guidance and wisdom is appreciated from all who can identify with where I'm at and help this dream become a reality at some point soon.
Thanks,
Phil
My perception is (and y'all can correct me if I'm off base) is that the RV-12 and the RV-14 are in a class of their own when it comes to build-ability. In my case, I've built an addition on the house and do my own car maintenance, but never anything to the level of what an RV would require.
Honestly, the RV-9 would probably fit my mission the best (low-time pilot, cross countries of varying distance, carrying some clothes to change into, no desire for aerobatics). However, most of the posts I read about those completing the 9 start with, "after 5 years and 2,000 hours..." I really look forward to building and will truly enjoy the process, but I'm not sure if that feeling will sustain itself over 5 years; at some point I do want to fly the thing and my wife will want our garage back.
Obviously, this could be where the QB kit for the 9 comes in, but then you're probably in the price range of the 14 (though I'll believe the $90K price estimate when the remaining kits are out and I see the 390 pricing from Vans). I read what started to be a good discussion on the 9 vs. 14, but it veered into more of a 320 vs. 390 debate.
So my dilemma, oddly enough, is probably 12 vs. 14 as they seem to be the only kits that may earn the tagline after I'm done of "so easy, even a lawyer can build it " One seems like too much plane (though if I had $90K laying around I'd build it in a heartbeat), another not enough (not as suitable for cross countries since not many fields have MOGas that the Rotax prefers); and the price spread between the two is probably about $25-30K.
I know I have a few steps ahead of me before I enter the RV world, but I would love to start building one early on in my flying career. I have no illusions about building being cheaper than renting, but my logic is that every rental dollar spent could have gone into my own flying machine that I could happily build and then fly for the next 20 years.
So I guess my questions are two-fold. 1) when it comes to ease and time to complete are the 12 and 14 really in a class to themselves (such that they are really the only realistic options for a first-time builder who works full-time can get it done in a reasonable time and still have a social life!)? and 2) where/who are some resources I can connect with in the DFW area as I start down this path?
I know I don't fit at least what I perceive to be the normal demographic for an RV builder. However, some guidance and wisdom is appreciated from all who can identify with where I'm at and help this dream become a reality at some point soon.
Thanks,
Phil