Landed recently..

[rgmwa]

I signed up earlier this year but this is my first post. I'm in WA, getting close to finishing my PPL, and about to start building an RV-12 LSA. Any other RV-12 builders out there?

 

rgmwa

 

 

[Guest Decca]

Hi there rgmwa, welcome to our forums.

 

All the best with completing your ppl. Have you soloed yet?

 

I'm sure there's a lot of guys here in your position, contemplating or actually building an rv12, and will be along to help.

 

Regards, Decca.

 

 

[rgmwa]

Thanks Decca

 

Yes, I got my GFPT late last year, and have now done most of my Navs. Only (!!) two more to go, plus my PPL cyber-exam and flight test. By that time, the RV-12 kit should be here (there's a long waiting list at VAN's).

 

rgmwa

 

 

[Guest Decca]

Thanks for prompt update rgmwa, you have advanced well.

 

You may already be on to it, as others will be, just in case though, another large association who have many owner/builders in their membership, and will be at least as helpful as our forums here, is I think the SAAA, and specialise in this side of aviation for the (GA) enthusiast.

 

If anyone else can help me out here/correct me if Im wrong, rgmwa & I will appreciate it, thanks.

 

Regards, Decca.

 

 

[rgmwa]

SAAA

 

Thanks again Decca. I joined the SAAA recently, and hopefully they can provide some technical support while I'm building. Although VAN's kits and the quality of their documentation is very good, I'll sleep better knowing some knowledgeable person has inspected what I'm doing from time to time. SAAA also has a forum, and although I've posted a couple of times, there doesn't seem to be lot of activity over there. I don't think their forum has been up and running very long though.

 

rgmwa

 

 

[dazza 38]

Welcome mate, just out of interest, why the RV12 ?. Personally i find it hard to pick between the Van's products. I like the Rv 8. But the RV 12 is a great choice, with easy wing removal and a 912 up front.

 

 

[rgmwa]

Dazza

 

Thanks for the welcome. Why an RV-12? There's a few reasons:

 

1. The kit is very complete and includes the avionics, engine, muffler and all the other gear that you otherwise need to select and buy separately for the other RV kits. Although some may see this as limiting, I see it as an advantage for a first-time builder like me, plus I have a better idea up-front what it will all cost (a lot, but considerably less than the other RV's).

 

2. It has a modern glass cockpit (although currently I'm used to steam gauges), and includes a GPS and autopilot. (The A/P is one of the few optional extras). The documentation is also excellent - again important for a first-time builder. Alhough I'm a structural engineer and used to reading drawings, I want a clear set of instructions if I'm going to put this thing together and fly it. VAN's have been in the business for a long time, and have a good reputation for builder support and for designing very good planes.

 

3. It flies at speeds that I'm used to in 152's and 172's. Although the extra speed of an RV7 or 9 is very appealing, as is the aerobatic ability of the 7, I'm going to be a low-time pilot for some time, so the RV-12 is fast enough for my level of experience. Most of my flying will be local with the occasional longer trip (including interstate), so speed won't generally be a big issue anyway. It isn't aerobatic, but then neither is the 172 or the RV9 and 10. Visibility from the cockpit is also excellent for a low-wing plane.

 

4. It's an RV and even though it's a relatively lightweight E-LSA design, by all accounts it flies like an RV. I looked at other planes like Zenith's 601 and the KitFox, but the RV just appeals to me more. It looks like a stronger design than the 601, and is faster than the fabric-covered KitFox. I like the idea of all-aluminium better than fabric, anyway.

 

5. It takes half as long to build as other RV's - around 900-1000 hrs as opposed 1800-2000+. That's a big difference! It's also mostly put together with blind rivets, which may not be the most streamlined fastener, but have the advantage that you don't need two people to do the riveting as is often the case with traditional rivets. Also, the neighbours don't have to put up with the rattle of a riveting gun, which is another plus.

 

6. Its uses a Rotax 912ULS, which is a good engine that runs on premium unleaded, but can also use 100LL if necessary. Handy to have a choice. It's also more economical that Lycomings, mainly because the fuel is cheaper to buy. The actual quantity of fuel used for any given trip is probably about the same, because although a Lycoming powered RV will use more fuel per hour, it will also get there faster.

 

7. The wings are designed to come off easily, so I could actually keep it at home. Although I don't really expect to, it will be handy if I can bring it back the the workshop for maintenance. It will also take up a lot less room with the wings off, so that may make it easier and cheaper to find hangar space.

 

I guess they're the basic reasons, and judging by the rate at which the kits are selling it's going to be a popular plane. They only became available in late 2008/09. I ordered mine at the end of January (kit number 346), and it won't ship until early June.

 

Cheers,

 

rgmwa

 

 

[dazza 38]

Thanks mate, for you very informative post. I didnt relise the RV 12 Kit, included engine etc etc.

 

 

[facthunter]

Rv ?

 

rgmwa...Do you have any idea what the final BASIC weight should end up being? They are a high quality kit and I have never heard any complaints from builders of RV's. It's almost like "50 million frenchmen can't be wrong". I post on the SAAA forum and have just replied to an RV aerobatics post, which I wouldn't mind your opinion on. Cheers Nev

 

 

[rgmwa]

Nev,

 

The advertised empty weight is 740lb. Van's personal RV-12 (he built it himself) came in at 718 and the factory demonstrator weighs 724. All up, of course, it can't exceed the LSA limit of 1320lb.

 

I also just read your post on RV aeros over on the SAAA forum. My only aero's experience to date was as a passenger in a 152 Aerobat, so I can't speak from personal experience, and have only ever spoken to one RV6 pilot. He was impressed by the controllability and accuracy of the RV. However, Van himself says the RV's cannot compete with competition aerobatic aircraft, and they are not designed to do so. They are intended for sport aerobatics. Sorry, I can't be more helpful. Ask me again in a couple of years, when I've got a bit more experience :)

 

rgmwa

 

 

[winsor68]

Very good reasoning on why to build an Rv-12.. smart engine choice and lets face it... who needs to fly at more than 100 odd knots to enjoy recreational aviation... And Vans is a solid company.