Louise Hose
Well Known Member
I purchased my RV-6 and I?ve always understood that I?m a somewhat lower human being who pales in shadow of the builder/pilot. That?s okay. The RV community is great and the only people who have allowed their sense of superiority to show have been some builders who come to events looking for advice and support. I figure their contempt comes mostly from jealousy that I?m flying while they?re pounding, so I forgive their indiscretions.
When I bought, I knew little about caring for my own plane beyond doing an oil change. For the last two years, I bought the refreshments for Larry, George, and other more experienced shade tree mechanics while they sat back and supervised my oil and tire changes, cable replacements, and alternator installations. (Thankfully, they also pitched in when the job exceeded my skills.) Slowly, I?ve been able to do more-and-more on my own.
In May, I ended up being the only RV flying into the highly publicized Texas RV Fly-in and made my claim for all the prizes that Mel Asberry had promised. Well, Mel gave me the Van?s Toolbox kit, as well as a Van?s ball cap. I was delighted. What a perfect project for someone with a flying RV and very little knowledge of the building experience!
I waited for a slow weekend at Paul?s place as he had the tools AND knew how to perform all the required skills. I didn?t time the project, but it probably took a total of about 4 hours and it came out nearly perfect! I greatly enjoyed the work and I was amazed with the ease (with the right tools) of learning and performing the tasks. I honestly believe I had the world?s best mentor guiding me through the process.
Lessons learned;
1. This project was a great way to learn more about how my plane is constructed. I recommend it to other non-builder/owners.
2. I would enjoy building an RV someday.
3. Paul and I are completely compatible working on this sort of project, despite the disparity in our levels of experience and knowledge (and similarly strong egos). This kit seems like a great way for couples to test their ability and interest in undertaking a build project together!
4. I?m pretty sure there is an RV-10 or -3?.or both in our (distant) future.
Next Saturday: EAA?s SportAir Workshop on Electrical Systems. I?m getting ready to replace my aging panel soon.
Now, if only I was smart enough to figure out the convoluted procedure for posting photographs on this site!
When I bought, I knew little about caring for my own plane beyond doing an oil change. For the last two years, I bought the refreshments for Larry, George, and other more experienced shade tree mechanics while they sat back and supervised my oil and tire changes, cable replacements, and alternator installations. (Thankfully, they also pitched in when the job exceeded my skills.) Slowly, I?ve been able to do more-and-more on my own.
In May, I ended up being the only RV flying into the highly publicized Texas RV Fly-in and made my claim for all the prizes that Mel Asberry had promised. Well, Mel gave me the Van?s Toolbox kit, as well as a Van?s ball cap. I was delighted. What a perfect project for someone with a flying RV and very little knowledge of the building experience!
I waited for a slow weekend at Paul?s place as he had the tools AND knew how to perform all the required skills. I didn?t time the project, but it probably took a total of about 4 hours and it came out nearly perfect! I greatly enjoyed the work and I was amazed with the ease (with the right tools) of learning and performing the tasks. I honestly believe I had the world?s best mentor guiding me through the process.
Lessons learned;
1. This project was a great way to learn more about how my plane is constructed. I recommend it to other non-builder/owners.
2. I would enjoy building an RV someday.
3. Paul and I are completely compatible working on this sort of project, despite the disparity in our levels of experience and knowledge (and similarly strong egos). This kit seems like a great way for couples to test their ability and interest in undertaking a build project together!
4. I?m pretty sure there is an RV-10 or -3?.or both in our (distant) future.
Next Saturday: EAA?s SportAir Workshop on Electrical Systems. I?m getting ready to replace my aging panel soon.
Now, if only I was smart enough to figure out the convoluted procedure for posting photographs on this site!
