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Total build cost for RV14A

D

Dswartz83

I'm New Here
I'm in the very early planning stages of a potential RV-14A build. I haven't ordered anything yet but before I even start on such an adventure I wanted to get an idea of the true cost of the investment. My rough figures are around $250,000 with the following break down.

Slow build kits: $65k
Engine: $69k
Prop: $13k
Avionics $50k (I realize this number could change drastically depending on options)
Paint $25k
Misc $20k

I also realize there will be sales tax, shipping, etc. Are these some realistic figures? Will there be other surprises?
 
Very good question. I would add another 10% to that for non-OEM upgrades. Prices for used RV-14A’s when they become available seem to be in the $275K-$300K range.
 
You are in the ball park, interior is another larger one (10k ish) if you third party it. Tools as well (5k). You will spend your misc on tax, shipping, and other tools, and supplies.

I’m at 289 right now before paint, but I had QB as well so that adds more than you are looking at.
 
Dswartz83 said:
I'm in the very early planning stages of a potential RV-14A build. I haven't ordered anything yet but before I even start on such an adventure I wanted to get an idea of the true cost of the investment. My rough figures are around $250,000 with the following break down.

Slow build kits: $65k
Engine: $69k
Prop: $13k
Avionics $50k (I realize this number could change drastically depending on options)
Paint $25k
Misc $20k

I also realize there will be sales tax, shipping, etc. Are these some realistic figures? Will there be other surprises?
Click to expand...

You're certainly more realistic than most...that's a great first step. I agree with those above that $250k might be a bit optimistic depending on upgrades, interior, tools, freight, etc.

Also, at the rate prices are increasing, unless you order everything up front, you'll probably need to think about that the prices will be when you actually order. If you really don't want to get surprised or be underfunded, I'd be thinking closer to $275 - $300k.

I kept a record of every receipt and then built a spreadsheet listing categories so that a pivot table could be made. Short version: I spent roughly $6174.74 in freight and UPS charges alone.

By the way....Welcome to the forum!!!
 
Reflex said:
You're certainly more realistic than most...that's a great first step. I agree with those above that $250k might be a bit optimistic depending on upgrades, interior, tools, freight, etc.

Also, at the rate prices are increasing, unless you order everything up front, you'll probably need to think about that the prices will be when you actually order. If you really don't want to get surprised or be underfunded, I'd be thinking closer to $275 - $300k.

I kept a record of every receipt and then built a spreadsheet listing categories so that a pivot table could be made. Short version: I spent roughly $6174.74 in freight and UPS charges alone.

By the way....Welcome to the forum!!!
Click to expand...
$6k for shipping alone......ugh. That makes my head hurt!
 
If you're just at the planning stages. Take your guestimate and double it. You will spend that much by the time you finish.
 
Add a number for Interior and Tools and you're close.
Ours is a 7A.
I also kept every receipt and logged in Excel. The numbers are not for the faint-of-heart, but we did it without borrowing so it's ours. Keep your eye on Classifieds. You can save a lot if you jump on deals.
 
Don't forget theses costs:
- Hangar (Eventually you will need one, if you don't already have one)
- Registration (Depending on where you live this can be costly)
- Interior (Range from 6-10k)
- Tools (This can vary)
- Insurance (Even though this is mostly at the end of the build, something to consider)

My 1.5 cents
 
Extras not mentioned above and my thoughts…

I think $50k for avionics is on the light side. Not impossible depending on timeline.
Wiring harness is not included. Figure $1000
Did you included the FWF kit in your kit price above? I am guessing not. That was $14k for mine.
Lemke in Germany is a really nice interior at VERY competitive prices (depending on the value of the dollar)

Someone told me that building a plane was an exercise in buying a new tool every other week for the duration of the project. That was true in the beginning, less so now near the end, but not completely untrue.

Aircraft spruce sends my wife a note asking if I am OK if I don’t order from them at least twice a month. I would be afraid to look. I bet I have sent them $3000-$5000.

Shop supplies are a real expense.
Epoxy resin, sandpaper, drill bits, pro-seal, RTV, primer, interior paint, Solvents (lacquer thinner, acetone and rubbing alchohol) paper towels, rubber gloves, Beer (you have to pay helpers SOMETHING)

All that said, While I am not sure I would have started if I knew it was going to be expensive is it turned out, but. my life would have been immeasurably less fulfilled, (though I would not have really known that). I have loved the build (even thought I occasionally mutter “I Hate airplanes) and can’t wait for it to fly…
 
Cessnadog said:
Extras not mentioned above and my thoughts…

I think $50k for avionics is on the light side. Not impossible depending on timeline.
Wiring harness is not included. Figure $1000
Did you included the FWF kit in your kit price above? I am guessing not. That was $14k for mine.
Lemke in Germany is a really nice interior at VERY competitive prices (depending on the value of the dollar)

Someone told me that building a plane was an exercise in buying a new tool every other week for the duration of the project. That was true in the beginning, less so now near the end, but not completely untrue.

Aircraft spruce sends my wife a note asking if I am OK if I don’t order from them at least twice a month. I would be afraid to look. I bet I have sent them $3000-$5000.

Shop supplies are a real expense.
Epoxy resin, sandpaper, drill bits, pro-seal, RTV, primer, interior paint, Solvents (lacquer thinner, acetone and rubbing alchohol) paper towels, rubber gloves, Beer (you have to pay helpers SOMETHING)

All that said, While I am not sure I would have started if I knew it was going to be expensive is it turned out, but. my life would have been immeasurably less fulfilled, (though I would not have really known that). I have loved the build (even thought I occasionally mutter “I Hate airplanes) and can’t wait for it to fly…
Click to expand...
If I were you, I would think long and hard about this....possibly just looking for a well built, well priced existing 14A. They are out there. Keep in mind that two thirds of wannabe RV builders empty their bank accounts and end up with a dust bin of nearly worthless aluminum parts. I speak from experience for myself and others.
 
I built a simple, super nice flying RV-4 for $40k. That included an engine overhaul and professional paint. It just depends.. are you wanting a "trophy airplane" to show off and want the best of everything, or are you doing it because you love to fly? The former is a never-ending quest for the Holy Grail and it costs a fortune, the latter can be had for much much less. Think about why you want to do this.. what's the motivation?
 
Can't argue with any of the numbers and insightful adders pointed out here, but I'm struck with the apparent current mentality of building that is infused in this thread.
Engine? Buy a new one! Paint? Send it out to a shop! Avionics? Avionics shop, God forbid you crimp a pin or two yourself! Interior? Buy one!

What has happened to initiative? Fine, if you have the $$ to throw at it, but if cost is a serious issue, consider e.g. that painting it yourself is a skill you can master. One of my hanger neighbors, not an electrical engineer, taught himself to read the excellent Garmin installation manuals and successfully installed and wired all his avionics. If you think about it and try a little you can create/design and make and cover interior panels, send seats out to a local auto upholstery place and save some money, and end up with a design that isn't just another (Company name deleted) look-alike:unsure:

Probably get some flames for this, yes, skill levels vary, but maybe learn something, especially with all the help here and in the community. Off the soap box! But it's just IMO:)
 
simpsontl48 said:
If I were you, I would think long and hard about this....possibly just looking for a well built, well priced existing 14A. They are out there. Keep in mind that two thirds of wannabe RV builders empty their bank accounts and end up with a dust bin of nearly worthless aluminum parts. I speak from experience for myself and others.
Click to expand...
A friend built one a few years ago, he had about $160 or so in it. When he sold it I was still wanting to build and he sold it for a number significantly higher than the one in that first sentence. Now I know that mine will cost more than what he sold it for, but I would have missed out on the build.

You really do have to ask yourself if you want to build, or if you want to fly. Because if you don’t really want to build, you should 100% go find a nice flying airplane and be done and in the air.
 
I am almost done with mine. I have purchased everything except for final interior payment to Lemke and Paint which I am budgeting 25K for. I am sitting at $160K currently.

I opted to use an io-360 engine which I found a good core and went through it. I purchased Dynon avionics from Advanced Flight Systems but did the BYOP option and saved a ton. I purchased kits that someone else had already started. The fuse was a QB but wings not started. The finishing kit was ordered from Vans and the FWF kit was ordered as parts since I went with the electric MT prop.

I did the panel myself and bought a used Garmin 175 and one used HDX 1100. The other HDX and the rest of the avionics are new.

I did pay dearly for the MT electric prop though but even with the prop cost, I only have $45K in the engine and prop after I did the IRAN on the engine.

If you are willing to do some work yourself, you can find kits already started for a discount. There are many that start on this journey and for one reason or another have to change directions.
 
Dswartz83 said:
I'm in the very early planning stages of a potential RV-14A build. I haven't ordered anything yet but before I even start on such an adventure I wanted to get an idea of the true cost of the investment. My rough figures are around $250,000 with the following break down.

Slow build kits: $65k
Engine: $69k
Prop: $13k
Avionics $50k (I realize this number could change drastically depending on options)
Paint $25k
Misc $20k

I also realize there will be sales tax, shipping, etc. Are these some realistic figures? Will there be other surprises?
Click to expand...
avbrief.com

How Much Is This Kit Airplane Really Going To Cost? - AvBrief.com

It’s not just the kit—a detailed look at the financial reality of building an experimental aircraft.
avbrief.com avbrief.com
 
I really wanted to build my own RV but at my age (62 at the time) I decided to buy a 7A instead. Flying it rather than building it has been much more fun. I have been able to fly it all around the country and have great adventures instead of spending time building it.

Buy it rather than build it has really worked for me.
 
Yes, you can easily build a 14A for $250K. You can easily spend a lot more. Don't feel cheap if you target less than $250. That can be done as well even way less.

Plan for taxes (6.25% for me) and shipping because they will be significant. So will tools if you don't have what you need.

Mine was finished in 2017 for $135K (not including taxes) very few upgrades but still a nice Garmin IFR panel and paint. Nice seats but no other interior work. A recent look at replacing what I have could be done for about $200K to $225K so not quite double.
 
Wow! What happened to EAB? My dad dreamed of building an airplane. Popular Mechanics kind of stuff.
I lived the dream he kept hid (Jim Croce). It cost a lot more than his dream, but it's a beauty, if I do say so myself. I nabbed a new in box Lyco IO-360-M1B for a steal by today's numbers. I painted and, OMG, vinyl wrapped. Panel is an AFS panel-less panel. Interior is just seats. I painted it before assembly so the fasteners would show. Probably not a professionally built Lindy, but a dang nice airplane. No way I could do it again the way prices are going. Makes me sad. Only rich builders will be building if things continue.
 
bertschb said:
I suspect that was a looooong time ago. An engine overhaul alone is $40k now as is a nice professional paint job.
Click to expand...
A DIY engine is far less than that as is DIY paint. And $50-100K for avionics? Yeah, it looks nice at the fly-in, but at that price are you buying bling or utility? There's no reason you have to spend over $200K on a -14 and you could spend a fair amount less if you were so inclined. Might not win a Lindy (you largely <not exclusively> buy those today), but it'll fly just as well (maybe better since it'll be lighter).
 
n982sx said:
A recent look at replacing what I have could be done for about $200K to $225K so not quite double.
Click to expand...
I think this is the main gripe. Double for no additional capability in 9 years. But the majority of the cost increase was ~3-5 years. Way beyond official inflation numbers.

I suspect 10s are even worse.
 
Kyle Boatright said:
A DIY engine is far less than that as is DIY paint. And $50-100K for avionics? Yeah, it looks nice at the fly-in, but at that price are you buying bling or utility? There's no reason you have to spend over $200K on a -14 and you could spend a fair amount less if you were so inclined. Might not win a Lindy (you largely <not exclusively> buy those today), but it'll fly just as well (maybe better since it'll be lighter).
Click to expand...
I quit looking at panels at air shows.
You could tape 3 black rectangles on the panel for $5.00

Same results

My .02

Boomer
 
Fwiw, you can build a new garmin single g3x ifr panel for 25k, including the autopilot. You'll have to wire it yourself. Call it 30 by the time you buy tools, wire, switches, etc.

Used props are around for 5-6k. Mine was free off a friend's arrow, because it has the 100hr ad. Those are worth about 1000 on the market, but then you have the ongoing inspection cost. There is an amoc to retire it if you can find a shop that will do it.

I overhauled an io540 for 25k a year ago. Based on that experience im budgeting about the same amount to do the io-360 to 390 conversion I'm putting on my 14. I paid 6000 for the core. Cylinders will be about 12. I might go over, but Im confident it'll be under 30.

Have a friend who has an auto body business doing my painting. Simple scheme to which I'll add some vinyl highlights. Modern epoxy primers make the alodine process unnecessary and you could do a good job at home even. Don't have a final number from him yet, but it'll be under 10.

Can't do much about the kit cost, but I'll tell you this...I wish I had been a little more patient and bought pre-owned kits. They're out there. In the year I've been building I've seen several opportunities, usually after I just paid full price from Van's. Especially tails & wings.

I think you could easily top 500k if you wanted... quick build kits, 100k+ stein panel, thunderbolt engine, composite prop, Evoke paint, leather interior. Might as well go to a build assist shop while you're at it. For that money, I'd rather have a nice used sr22t, but that's just me.

So the question is, "how experimental do you want to go?"
 
Last edited:
JimCMI said:
Fwiw, you can build a new garmin single g3x ifr panel for 25k, including the autopilot. You'll have to wire it yourself. Call it 30 by the time you buy tools, wire, switches, etc.

Used props are around for 5-6k. Mine was free off a friend's arrow, because it has the 100hr ad. Those are worth about 1000 on the market, but then you have the ongoing inspection cost. There is an amoc to retire it if you can find a shop that will do it.

I overhauled an io540 for 25k a year ago. Based on that experience in budgeting sky The same amount to do the io-360 to 390 conversion I'm putting on my 14. I paid 6000 for the core. Cylinders will be about 12. I might go over, but Im confident it'll be under 30.

Have a friend who has an auto body business doing my painting. Simple scheme to which I'll add some vinyl highlights. Modern epoxy primers make the alodine process unnecessary and you could do a good job at home even. Don't have a final number from him yet, but it'll be under 10.

Can't do much about the kit cost, but I'll tell you this...I wish I had been a little more patient and bought pre-owned kits. They're out there. In the year I've been building I've seen several opportunities, usually after I just paid full price from Van's. Especially tails & wings.

I think you cold easily top 500k if you wanted... quick build kits, 100k+ stein panel, thunderbolt engine, composite prop, Evoke paint, leather interior. Might as well go to a build assist shop while you're at it. For that money, I'd rather have a nice used sr22t, but that's just me.

So the question is, "how experimental do you want to go?"
Click to expand...
How experimented do you want to go? Perfect!
 
JimCMI said:
Fwiw, you can build a new garmin single g3x ifr panel for 25k, including the autopilot. You'll have to wire it yourself. Call it 30 by the time you buy tools, wire, switches, etc.

Used props are around for 5-6k. Mine was free off a friend's arrow, because it has the 100hr ad. Those are worth about 1000 on the market, but then you have the ongoing inspection cost. There is an amoc to retire it if you can find a shop that will do it.

I overhauled an io540 for 25k a year ago. Based on that experience in budgeting sky The same amount to do the io-360 to 390 conversion I'm putting on my 14. I paid 6000 for the core. Cylinders will be about 12. I might go over, but Im confident it'll be under 30.

Have a friend who has an auto body business doing my painting. Simple scheme to which I'll add some vinyl highlights. Modern epoxy primers make the alodine process unnecessary and you could do a good job at home even. Don't have a final number from him yet, but it'll be under 10.

Can't do much about the kit cost, but I'll tell you this...I wish I had been a little more patient and bought pre-owned kits. They're out there. In the year I've been building I've seen several opportunities, usually after I just paid full price from Van's. Especially tails & wings.

I think you cold easily top 500k if you wanted... quick build kits, 100k+ stein panel, thunderbolt engine, composite prop, Evoke paint, leather interior. Might as well go to a build assist shop while you're at it. For that money, I'd rather have a nice used sr22t, but that's just me.

So the question is, "how experimental do you want to go?"
Click to expand...

This story sounds familiar. Times 2.
 
Reflex said:
You're certainly more realistic than most...that's a great first step. I agree with those above that $250k might be a bit optimistic depending on upgrades, interior, tools, freight, etc.

Also, at the rate prices are increasing, unless you order everything up front, you'll probably need to think about that the prices will be when you actually order. If you really don't want to get surprised or be underfunded, I'd be thinking closer to $275 - $300k.

I kept a record of every receipt and then built a spreadsheet listing categories so that a pivot table could be made. Short version: I spent roughly $6174.74 in freight and UPS charges alone.

By the way....Welcome to the forum!!!
Click to expand...
Freight and shipping cost is true story. $10 here $15 there

Buy tools, sell later at a discount. Consider the loss a rental fee. With the increase of tool prices you might not even lose money, maybe break even. It costs less to use the right tool than to pay to do things over again.
 
Last year (2025) I was weighing whether or not to bite the bullet and build. I randomly spoke with two different guys with their unpainted RV-14As doing their Phase I flying. Both had full IFR panels, one Garmin and I think the other one Dynon. Both were bare aluminum interiors. I asked each if they'd be willing to just ballpark what they were "in" on the build. The ballpark figures were $235K and $245K.

I did not ask how long ago they started and I am fairly certain that their estimates did not include tools and all of the ancillary costs. And remember BOTH planes were NOT PAINTED and had NO INTERIOR TRIM. So final "all-in" cost for both is going to be at least high 200s in my opinion. More depending on how much they pay for paint.

I instead went out an bought one. Full Garmin IFR, painted, etc. It was in the 275-300 range quoted earlier in this thread.

I am doing some work to make the plane "mine" and fixing some inadequacies and issues, but at my age it is nice to have a flying airplane now.
 
Always take into account the risk factor....that ending up being one of the two thirds of wannabe builders who empty their bank accounts and end up with a dust bin of nearly worthless aluminum parts and no airplane to show for the time, effort and expense.
 
Just got into Phase 2 w/ my 14a. I'm in for ~$165k, TB 390 w/prop combo (just beat the price increase/laser issue), leather seats, night VFR, AFS6600 with their harnesses (I assemble & finish). Will get an IFR unit if after the first year I see its necessary. I-Pad on the side. Couple of cut-out remnant carpet pieces for interior, 2/3s paint is on (as I waited on the engine). In retrospect, the best decision was great comfortable seats. I get there in the same time as all my other RV buddies, bugs and all. I'd estimate prices for the same today would be another ~$25k.
 
Dswartz83 said:
I'm in the very early planning stages of a potential RV-14A build. I haven't ordered anything yet but before I even start on such an adventure I wanted to get an idea of the true cost of the investment. My rough figures are around $250,000 with the following break down.

Slow build kits: $65k
Engine: $69k
Prop: $13k
Avionics $50k (I realize this number could change drastically depending on options)
Paint $25k
Misc $20k

I also realize there will be sales tax, shipping, etc. Are these some realistic figures? Will there be other surprises?
Click to expand...
I am currently in phase 2 with my RV-14A. I purchased the majority of my kits in 2021-2022 before the big price increases. TB IO-390exp-119 I purchased when it was 20k-25k less than the price today. The kit prices have also gone up substantially.

I noticed when I ask people what they have into their RV-14's I get vastly different numbers. Be careful with this. Some pilots but not all have not kept a good accounting possibly because they don't want to know. I have built spreadsheet of everything including tax, shipping, including tools and miscellaneous and trips to the hardware store. It is very complete.

I live close to the factory and pick everything up yet I still have $1700 in shipping costs due to accessories , primer etc. I didnt go crazy on modifications. A canopy latch, canopy handle, SDS electronic ignition and FI. Upgraded brake and fuel lines , bearing mod and better tires from Antisplat, Mountain High O2 pulse demand system, Classic Aero Interior sans side panels, Bruces custom cover. At the time I was careful to delete kit parts that I wouldn't need so that offset some of the modifications mentioned above. No Berringer brakes or throttle quadrant mods which will add cost. Avionics consists of AFS 2 6600 EFIS'S, Garmin G5, Avidyne 410 Navigator, Ps Engineering intercom (full IFR). The only QB kit was the wings.

Of course you would have to account the price increases since my purchases.

In the end you will have something you built with your own hands and proud of.

I am at 217k without paint. I am having it professionally painted this fall and the price is 32K. That puts my build at 249k total.

Hope this helps,

Jim
 
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