Great Idea
J5Cub said:
Not to change the subject but I was just thinking. Is there someplace on this website that lists the location of the members? It would be nice if there were some way of contacting members to solicit (for a modest fee) their assistance in looking at and maybe taking pictures of RVs for sale at a distance.
There is what sounds like a nice RV4 for sale down by Orlando Florida but after getting burned on the RV8 in Kansas I am reluctant to spend the money and time to go see it. Sure would be nice to be able to get an independent assessment of condition before traveling.
Greg
That is a great Idea, may I suggest you start a thread, and ask for help. Getting a person that's willing, knowledgeable and has the critical eye may be hard, but agree with you a PPI (pre purchase inspection) is a must.
You may want a A&P to look at the engine and logs. We are all amateurs and not building for a profit. I'm sure there are some RV'ers that can give it a good once over opinon, but just know what you are getting. One of my RV's I sold, was bought sight unseen (pictures, one phone call and a transfer of a big deposit). I was also paid to fly coast to coast to deliver it. They got a good deal.
I bought a twin, put a deposit on it and flew down commercial to pick it up. The closing of the sale was contingent on a morning once over by the seller and I, compression test and one flight. I flew the wings off that plane for two years and it was a wounderful experience. I sold it for a little more than what I paied for it, without any major PPI needed by the buyer. I was lucky.
It depends how much risk you want to take. You sound like you are not in the mood for risk. On the other hand the PPI is as good as what you pay for it. I am looking for a PPI on a Porsche and find many mechanics don't do a very detailed inspection or lack knowledge of the common issues and really do somewhat superficial checks. I don't need to pay $200 to check the fluids and tire pressure.
If I was doing RV PPI's for hire, I am not but if I did, it would be 8-10 hours commitment, not a tire kick and once a round the pattern thing. It would basically be a condition inspection, include flying it, log book review, removing most panels & fairing, compression test, oil sample & filter cut open if practical or able. That would be what I would want at minimum. That of course will be more than a $100 PPI.
A quickie airframe check, is it airworthy, would I fly it, not necessarily buy it, would be easy, be we all know the engine/prop are big ticket items and need a close look. Also a AD check is key. Experimental is one thing, but I want to know the outstanding Engine/Carb/Accessory level of compliance. For one thing it gives you leverage to make a lower offer.
I just talked to a guy who will remain nameless, who bought a show winner RV with a newly overhauled 200 hr engine a few years back. The engine was indeed just rebuilt in the last 200 hours by a very popular and reputable engine builder (not mentioned). Not long after he bought it, it was making metal. Further looking and tear down showed cam, lifter, cylinder and crank problems, some serious. He was able to get the engine builder to supply new parts. He was lucky in that. This guy who bought this RV is very sharp about engines, more than I am, but he still got a lemon. May be the seller did not know?
Unless you do some real looking there can be gotchas. I would hate to let someone down with a PPI by missing something critical. That's why I would not get into business doing it. However if someone wants my 1 hour tire kicking opinion locally, I would do it for free if I have the time.
It really has to do with the sellers integrity and knowledge. These are experimental planes built by amateurs. Buyer beware. Good Luck
