RV suggestions, please.

[Geronimo4497]

Well, it is a sad day. I sold the old Apache project that I have been "working" on for over 5 years. The commute to the hangar (1.5 hours each way) was killing me and it was unheated to boot. Not good for being in Sanford, ME in the middle of February. So, the first airplane I ever owned is gone. :bawling:

Now off to the good stuff. I am real interested in building something fun to fly, with a stick, and it has to be metal (Working with fiberglass really bothers my skin). I figure that an RV would be the way to go, since it is a proven design (how many are out there now?) and there should be lots of support out there for them in the future. I have been to Vans site, and I must admit, the RV-3/4 looks really fun (No QB kit ). The 8 would also be a blast. Does anyone own or have any experience building any of these airplanes? Does anyone have experience with BOTH the QB and non-QB kits? How about some good builders sites to take a look at.

I look forward to having something in my nice warm basement to work on when I get home from a 6 or 7 day tour. I like the concept of being able to put in 1 hour a night if that is all I feel like, and not having to drive myself all over New England!

I'm also looking for some of these in the Mass/New Hampshire area to take a look at. Any suggestions? Thanks guys!

 

[Geronimo4497]

Just found the "ready to pursue dream" thread. Lots of good info, but please add some more!

 

[Cpt. Underpants]

Just finished (April 2005) my baby, a Team Rocket F1. Awesome X 3. Kick anything in the sky's ass! Leave RV's smelling your exhaust! Seriously, you have to try one of these...

http://www.teamrocketaircraft.com

mine is here:

http://www.teamrocketaircraft.com/f1/markeb.jpg

I'll be happy to give as much advice as you need.

Almost forgot...go here (Van's Airforce) - awesome site. http://www.vansairforce.net/

 

[Geronimo4497]

Great work, that machine is beautiful! How accurate is the 800-1200 build time that they quote?

 

[Cpt. Underpants]

I guess if you stuck to a vanilla model, no bells or whistles, 1200 would be close - but I have about 1800 hours build time in mine (fast build, non-evo wings) - I have a great deal of cockpit sytem integration (all HOTAS), dual electrical bus, autopilot, EFIS, TACS, TXPDR, VHF Comms (2), I/C, fuel computer, auto scanning EGT and CHT, smoke...about 900 ft of wiring in all. Systems account for the difference, probably 500 hours in the electrics/radios/systems.

 

[banned username 1]

Well, a Rocket is a rocket. I can't say anything against 'em. But you see my avitar.

 

[Geronimo4497]

Honestly, for a first time builder, I think I will stick with a "traditional RV". I still have not chosen a particular model, however.

UAL, did you go with the QB or standard kit?

Undies - Are you using the IO-540-C4B5 from an old Aztec, or did you go new?

I guess step #1 is to start setting up shop. Any suggestions. I already have plenty of sheet metal tools (always looking for more :beer: )and equipment (floor sheers, finger brakes, etc). I guess that I am asking you what you wished you had done with the shop before you started building, but did not.

Thanks guys.

 

[DustMaker]

Honestly, for a first time builder

80 or 90 % of builders are "first time builders"

Don't worry about the plane too much - just make sure you love it AND it will serve a valuable purpose for you for a Long, long time

 

[Cpt. Underpants]

I have a new IO540-K from Bart LaLonde at Aerosport Power (Kamloops, BC). All new, ported, polished, balanced, blueprinted, Vetterman 6-into-2 exhaust, lightweight starter, alternator and dual lightspeed electronic ignition. Dyno'd at 330HP, unblown (I'm looking into a supercharger package right now). 2000 lbs MTOW...

YEEE-HAAA!

5000 FPM, 125 secs to 10,000'

Why a supercharger? Big Dog stuff. One day, you'll understand. Re the workshop thing, 10' longer and 10' wider.

 

[Geronimo4497]

That's awsome. But cmon, a supercharger??!!

Are you planning on doing a routine at some shows with that machine, or just fun on the days off? What's the best climb rate you have seen thus far?

 

[jbDC9]

I'll second what UAL78 said... RV-8! Yep, the Rocket is a nice ship, but a fair bit more expensive than the RVs... and I'm thinking that a 180 hp RV-8 is plenty fast for me.

I'm working on a QB RV-8; electrics/panel/plumbing basically done, working on the canopy now. Engine and FWF to go. I'm a confirmed chicken about this building stuff, plus I've helped a friend with riveting the wings and fuse on a slow build -7A, which indicated to me that the QB was the way to go. It's $8000 extra, but saves a couple of hundred hours of build time... it shows up in the garage with the wing and fuselage structures basically complete. For me, it's quite a bit of bang for the buck.

Want builder's sites? Try these;
Slow build RV-7, great site - http://www.rvproject.com/
Slow build RV-8A - http://www.rv8a.com/
Another SB RV-8 - http://www.romeolima.com/RV8/
QB RV-8 - http://www.fdatasystems.com/chuck/RV-8.html
SB RV-8, beautiful workmanship - http://home.comcast.net/~jwdanie/
SB RV-9A, very nice... - http://www.my9a.com/index.asp
QB RV-7 - http://www.4sierratango.com/

There's more out there, just find and follow the links...

 

[brett]

I have an RV-4 that I bought from the builder who had flown it for ten years. It's a fantastic plane. Exceptional handling, very nimble. I have an O-320 with climb prop and get 2000 fpm solo on a hot day. Cruise is 170 MPH 8 GPH. The -4 back seat is not suitable for a large person, and you really have to watch the CG. If you think you wouldn't often have a need to carry someone bigger than yourself in the back than it might be a much more affordable option. Partially completed kits are often available very cheap.

If I were buying a new kit -- I'd probably go ahead and get an 8, just depends on what your budget is.

 

[MAJIC9]

I did all slow build, so now I recommend QB to everyone. However, either way it's fun. As for which RV... they're all great, so you can't make a wrong decision. -8 would be a great choice....

 

[Huggyu2]

I've flown in my friend's F-1 Rocket: wow! The RV's are great, but it seems that for the extra $20K (or so I'm told), you can have the F-1 instread of the RV-8.
BTW, his Rocket is his "daily flyer", and he's raced it at Reno the past two years. He owned a Long EZ for years, but this was the first one he built.
See http://docthrock.com/ Look at Greg Nelson's aircraft.

 

[Cpt. Underpants]

Ah, Doc. Great machine - Greg "U2" Nelson's machine sure is quick - if my insurance didn't limit it, I would race at KRNO as well...

A little more than $20K, and you're right...awesome. Worth every nickel.

 

[sleddriver77]

I guess step #1 is to start setting up shop. Any suggestions. I already have plenty of sheet metal tools (always looking for more :beer: )and equipment (floor sheers, finger brakes, etc). I guess that I am asking you what you wished you had done with the shop before you started building, but did not.

Thanks guys.

Geronimo,

If you don't have the three Tony Bingelis books from EAA, BUY THEM NOW!!!
The Sportplane Builder, Sportplane Construction Techniques, and Firewall Forward are simply INVALUABLE resources for building ANY airplane, even a very complete kit airplane such as an RV. Some of Tony's articles will get you thinking about things you probably hadn't thought about. They also have some great tips for reducing shop clutter. I'd consider them (and the A.S.S. catalog) required reading for any builder. You can get them in a package deal from the EAA, or from A.S.S. or Wicks.

 

[DustMaker]

I love Tony's instructions on how to clean out your garage!

great stuff

 

[flyboycpa]

I've built a QB -8 tail, and now we're hitting the home stretch on a QB-7 (canopy installation currently). It's a great plane, can't say much more! I love Van's products. You'll love any of them!

www.rvproject.com

fb

 

[SIG600]

I'm working on a -7 right now. Do it!

On the -7 vs -8 argument. If it's gonna be a toy that you take people for rides in, and you go out and get your aerobatics on... go with the -8. If you want something a little more travel oriented, that you can still take people out in, and do some acro... go with the -7. Performance #'s are so close it dosen't really make a difference. It's mainly do you wanna sit next to someone (and have room to spread out on a long solo trip) or do you wanna feel like a single seat guy? (Which isn't always fun!)

 

[stuckinGFK]

Anyone know of a kit plane I could build that would afford me aerobatics stressing to +/- 10 G's?

I know of the One Design, but I can't seem to find any other monoplane plans available.

Any help would be appreciated.

Oh, and for the poster with the Rocket, sweet looking bird!!


thanks