RV 12 Build Club

[Spin]

http://www.vansaircraft.com/RVator/2010/2-2010-RVator.pdf

 

I introduced a bit of a red herring in shags thread about "How do you learn" (to build an aircraft), talking about build clubs that have sprung up, particularly around the new RV 12 LSA. There is quite a bit more information about the concept in the latest RV newsletter; link above.

 

Must say after initially laughing out loud, I have been giving the idea quite a bit of thought and after reading about several that are apparently operating successfully, am beginning to wonder whether it isn't something to consider a little more closely.

 

My situation is probably not too different from that of the middle range age group here - fairly demanding job, youngish family and other interests over and above flying and building. Handy with tools, but have never tackled anything of the magnitude of building an aircraft. I think you'll agree that I'm not a good candidate for an individual build project, it would just take too long and in my case tie up capital that could be put to other uses, without providing any flying in the meantime either.

 

The typical group project though, involves 10-12 people, calls for a commitment of 10 hours a month and plans on completing an RV 12 inside a year (1,200 hrs if 10 people at 10hrs a month). I could commit to something of that sort, not to mention only 10% of the capital cost and it would stand me in good stead experience wise, if I were to decide to tackle something on my own, down the line.

 

Obviously there are disadvantages and pitfalls, however I do think that it could be made to work successfully with the right ground rules re commitment, selling up part way through and later use of the aircraft. One group in particular that I have been following, has an experienced builder (3 RV's) as project co-ordinator and actively encouraged those without previous build experience to get involved. They started off with a hangar project and outfitting the workshop, which gave those whose skills may be a little dodgy the chance to re-evaluate and it seems to have become quite a social hub, in addition to a successful build group.

 

Am I in a crowd of one or is it worth considering?

 

 

[dazza 38]

yes its worth considering, just difficult to find 10-12 people who live close to each other, like you and me.A place to build it might be a problem.

 

 

[Guest basscheffers]

Though that does not matter for an RA aircraft, how would this work for VH-experimental? An incorporation is a legal "person" of its own. If the club builds the aircraft, can any club member do maintenance? Including new members that were not involved in the build?

 

 

[Vorticity]

I dunno, with 10 people all doing a bit here and there it could end up pretty disjointed. I know that I find my best building I'd when I make constant progress and one part leads to the next. I'd love to build with another mate at some stage as an extra set of hand would be great! My wing is getting pretty heavy now it has skins and 100s of clecos!!

 

 

[shags_j]

Spin, I would be willing to come and give you a hand. Seems that my plans have been put on hold for a bit (just signed on my first home...)

 

 

[Guest Wigg]

Congratulations Shags now you will see where the money goes, cheers Sue

 

 

[shags_j]

Thanks Sue. Just got to see if he accept the offer.

 

 

[dazza 38]

Spin, I would be willing to come and give you a hand. Seems that my plans have been put on hold for a bit (just signed on my first home...)

Home, Shags, A plane should come first mate. LOL. Just kidding, good idea to have a house, and not rent mate.

 

 

[shags_j]

Dazza I tried that argument but the boss wouldn't have a bar of it. Don't know why ;)