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First Aircraft Recommendations, RV-8A

L

LukieGoober

I'm New Here
Hello all,

I am in the planning phase of my first aircraft build. I am an aerospace engineer currently in flight training to be a sport pilot. I was thinking long and hard and i think the RV-8A would be a good first aircraft for me to build and fly. I have done some research over the last few weeks, i started reading the Sport Plane Builder book by Tony Bingelis, and have a basic idea of the kinds of avionics i would want. I'm maybe a year or two away from buying the first of parts but i wanted to take the time i have to learn as much as i can to see if this is something i really want to do.
The main rational of choosing the RV-8A is it seems like a good mix of fun weekend flying and cross country performance, but maybe my goals and needs for the project shift as i build hours. Additionally the RV-8A looks really cool, which has got to count for something.

The main questions i have!
1.) Is the RV-8 a good plane for your first build, are the instructions and quick-build kits as good as the more modern Vans line up?

2.) How difficult is it to make custom modifications, such as an unusual/non-standard engine. (i was considering the UL520T instead of the standard Lycoming, id need to lengthen the engine cowling to make it fit, and i imagine a lot of the firewall forward section would need to be different.

3.) How did you learn the skills to complete your project? I want to take time in the next few years planning and getting myself knowledgeable on the process of building the aircraft so there are fewer hick-ups in the process. I'm thinking of things like riveting and assembly to things i don't even know i will need, like tools and workshop safety or things i cant even imagine ill need to know until i start the process.

Thanks very much for your time and i will share my journey as i progress, and hopefully start within a year or so. Any comments or questions i can answer to the best of my ability. And feedback or corrections on any assumptions i made that are wrong are highly appreciated.
 
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1) Many people have built an RV-7 or -8 as their first build, but it is goign to be more of a challeneg than the modern kits. You’ll get little hand-holding from the instructions, and need to understand plans - much different than the newer KAI’s ffor the -12, -14, or -15.
2) Customization? How much background do you have in actual firewall forward installtion? If the answer is none, you’ll have a steep learning curve.
 
I love my RV8, but I didn't build it. Part of me regrets that, but the other 2/3 of me is glad- I spend alot of time flying, still get to work on it as much as I want, take on small projects and mods, etc. It's been a year with this airplane now and I feel I'm just scratching the surface of all the fun I can have with it (including working on it). But I still have the desire to build something. SubSonex seems to be calling to me lately.

You will find that there are amazing resources for Vans aircraft- pick a few RV8 build blogs. Some are incredibly detailed- spending multiple entries and days and days building fixtures for the upcoming build (workbenches, spray booths, wing cradles, etc.) the ideas are endless. And many answers are just a post away, there is a crazy amount of knowledge on here and seems like everyone is eager to help.

Experimental aviation is probably going to be the savior of GA.

Good luck in your project and keep us posted.
 
I started building my RV8 before taking flight lesson. If you are building the RV8A, reconsider your decision and build the RV8 instead. Flying a tailwheel airplane isn't difficult, especially an RV8.
Before building your airplane, try to visit as many builders in your local area as you can. I always picked up a few ideas, got my question answered.
 
What I didn’t see in your post was, ‘I expect to enjoy the build process’. The build time is measured in thousands of hours. If you don’t enjoy the process it will turn to drudgery. For the record, I loved the time (almost 4 years) I spent building.
 
as a first time builder and new pilot I would suggest a. 9A. I built and flew one for years. The kit is not as modern as the 10-15s but it is doable. It is a great xc plane and more nimble than most production planes.
It is also more forgiving with a lower Landing speed than the 7 & 8.
It also can be fitted with the Lockwood mod for a Rotax 916T. I understand that makes it areal performer.
Unless aerobatics is high on your list you might want to consider the 9A.
I suggest you look around and get a chance to fly the different models.
And welcome!
 
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