Gentlemen/Women: I have recently joined Van's Airforce site and have really enjoyed reading the many forum threads. By way of introduction, I am a pilot (I renew my CFI certificate every 2 years via the AOPA online renewal program so the certificate remains "current", but I have not actually flown since 2006 . . . way too long.) I want to make flying/aviation a central part of my life again but I Do Not Want to Rent. And a realistic self-appraisal informs me that my life does not support a self-build project . . . even with the many Build Assistance programs available to guide one who chooses to begin that journey through each phase of the build process. I work full-time, and cannot devote the enormous time, mental/emotional expenditure a self-build project would demand. So . . . if I want to fly an RV I have to buy one. I have no problem with that. Since starting to seriously learn/research the various Experimental aircraft on the market, my attention quickly narrowed to the RV6-7 / Lancair Legacy. Either one is a spectacular aircraft. Like all of you, I am Blown Away by the Bang-for-Buck comparison to the standard certified fleet: C172s, 182s; Cirrus SR20-22s, etc. My search through aircraft-for-sale sites, and here at Van's AF, indicates that the ballpark Price-range for RV 6/7's goes from about 45K for very basic VFR only - - to maybe 130K for a Solid Glass Full IFR, Oshkosh Trophy Competitor. Also, I've read all of "Ask the DAR" series of articles by Mel Asberry in Kitplane Magazine which I recently subscribed to (they're are great by the way) to gain an understanding of the regulatory lay of the land when it comes to building-buying-modifying Experimental/Amateur Built aircraft. I basically understand the 51% (major portion rule), but I still am not clear on the legally allowable extent one can purchase a successfully completed and certified experimental aircraft (Ex. RV6-7 series) and thereafter modify it to fit the Buyer?s specific needs following the purchase. Basically, here is my thinking . . . if I'm gonna lay out the pretty big bucks, I want to get exactly what I want to fly. What I want is an RV6-7A that is full Glass IFR (think Rob Hickman of Advanced Flight Systems' RV-10 Panel, you can check it out on Youtube), IO-360 Engine (180-200HP) with inverted fuel system, leather interior and exterior paint to my specifications. I know that is a pretty rich grocery list, but when you compare it to a new or even 5 year old C172 (2005: 150K - New 300K!), the final cost of a state-of-the-art Aerobatic / IFR RV pales in comparison.
So, here is my question: if I do not find exactly what I want on the market, is it legal for a Buyer to purchase a fully complete, pre-owned, pre-flown RV aircraft on the market and then send it out to specific shops for major modifications and/or replacement of Engine, Panel, Interior, Exterior (possible examples would be: replacing high time 160HP Engine with a new 200HP Engine with addition of inverted fuel system; replacing Steam Gauges with totally new Glass Panel; replacing cloth interior with leather, etc.) Basically the idea is to Buy - Extensively Modify - then Legally Fly. I know I've got much to learn on this road and I thank you again for your patience in reading my long initial post. All answers will be appreciated.
So, here is my question: if I do not find exactly what I want on the market, is it legal for a Buyer to purchase a fully complete, pre-owned, pre-flown RV aircraft on the market and then send it out to specific shops for major modifications and/or replacement of Engine, Panel, Interior, Exterior (possible examples would be: replacing high time 160HP Engine with a new 200HP Engine with addition of inverted fuel system; replacing Steam Gauges with totally new Glass Panel; replacing cloth interior with leather, etc.) Basically the idea is to Buy - Extensively Modify - then Legally Fly. I know I've got much to learn on this road and I thank you again for your patience in reading my long initial post. All answers will be appreciated.
