Mike_ExpressCT
Well Known Member
I know this topic has been beat to death already, but I can't help but be curious as to who looked at both the RV-12 and the RANS S-19 at Oshkosh this year. I found it interesting that they only sat 75 feet from eachother...
In my personal views, I think the S-19 is going to be a great airplane, but after looking at the prices, it looks like you could build a nice RV-9a for less money than the RANS! ($2100 for tail/$7400 for wing/$9000 for fuselage/$7900 for 'finish' stuff) After adding up all costs I'm guessing it's going to be closer to $50,000-55000 to get an S-19 up in the air, which just seems a little too high. I'm really hoping that Vans can get the -12 kit for less than what the -9 currently is, which would make a nice, flying -12 at less than $40K. Big difference!!
I was able to sit in the S-19 several times, and at 6'3", 230 lbs I had no problems fitting in the airplane. My father, who is 6'4' and 215 lbs also sat in the plane with me and while snug, we were still comfortable. Fit and finish really looked nice, and as much as I hate to say it I think the S-19 has better looks. On the other hand, I can paint a -12 however I want and I'm hoping that when they stretch the fuselage of the -12 it will look a little better, not to mention the new nosewheel (Any chance for a new cowling?? ). I unfortunately was not able to sit in the -12 though, so I can't compare room...was anyone else able to?
Overall, I'm joining all of you in a patient wait for the final -12 kit and price, and the patience is even less now that the new wife has seen the LSA's and wants me to build one for us!! (I'm a lucky guy )
Anyone else gather up any opinions while at Oshkosh?
In my personal views, I think the S-19 is going to be a great airplane, but after looking at the prices, it looks like you could build a nice RV-9a for less money than the RANS! ($2100 for tail/$7400 for wing/$9000 for fuselage/$7900 for 'finish' stuff) After adding up all costs I'm guessing it's going to be closer to $50,000-55000 to get an S-19 up in the air, which just seems a little too high. I'm really hoping that Vans can get the -12 kit for less than what the -9 currently is, which would make a nice, flying -12 at less than $40K. Big difference!!
I was able to sit in the S-19 several times, and at 6'3", 230 lbs I had no problems fitting in the airplane. My father, who is 6'4' and 215 lbs also sat in the plane with me and while snug, we were still comfortable. Fit and finish really looked nice, and as much as I hate to say it I think the S-19 has better looks. On the other hand, I can paint a -12 however I want and I'm hoping that when they stretch the fuselage of the -12 it will look a little better, not to mention the new nosewheel (Any chance for a new cowling?? ). I unfortunately was not able to sit in the -12 though, so I can't compare room...was anyone else able to?
Overall, I'm joining all of you in a patient wait for the final -12 kit and price, and the patience is even less now that the new wife has seen the LSA's and wants me to build one for us!! (I'm a lucky guy )
Anyone else gather up any opinions while at Oshkosh?