cardinal285
Member
Greetings all, I am a first timer ready to select a homebuilt kit,but like many of you I am struggling to select one best for me.My short list is the RV-12, Rans S-19 & and Zenith Ch750. I am aware that no one plane is perfect in all aspects, but looking to find one that does most things I am seeking, both in performance and the building process. Performance wise I feel the 12 is great.(I fly mostly local & some X-C) My concerns with building are based on what I have read here in the forums. Perhaps some of you can weigh in with your own thoughts and experiences.
1.Forming the longerons seems to be a challenge. I question why Vans (the best kit supplier) has builders beat these parts into shape and submission with a sledge hammer? I would think they could be provided bent,shaped and drilled in the kit.
2.Final fitting and glassing the canopy also appears to be time consuming and difficult. Knowing that the kit is all CNC punched for accuracy I would think all the planes dimensions would be close enough to have these parts prefabbed and provided. (Perhaps refering to concern #1 answers this) A slider like the Rans S19 appears superior to the foward flip up.
3. Constructing an item as critical as a fuel tank by riveting it together and then trying to seal it with some substance that I can not find anyones postive experience with.
4. Rotax motor seems to have lost some support by builders switching.
I live in Southern Calif. and would welcome the chance to see your project or finished plane. The other recent thread of questions was very helpful. Thanks in advance to those of you that can help me decide.
Gary
1.Forming the longerons seems to be a challenge. I question why Vans (the best kit supplier) has builders beat these parts into shape and submission with a sledge hammer? I would think they could be provided bent,shaped and drilled in the kit.
2.Final fitting and glassing the canopy also appears to be time consuming and difficult. Knowing that the kit is all CNC punched for accuracy I would think all the planes dimensions would be close enough to have these parts prefabbed and provided. (Perhaps refering to concern #1 answers this) A slider like the Rans S19 appears superior to the foward flip up.
3. Constructing an item as critical as a fuel tank by riveting it together and then trying to seal it with some substance that I can not find anyones postive experience with.
4. Rotax motor seems to have lost some support by builders switching.
I live in Southern Calif. and would welcome the chance to see your project or finished plane. The other recent thread of questions was very helpful. Thanks in advance to those of you that can help me decide.
Gary