Hi All,
I've been following this forum for the past few weeks after my friend introduced me to it. This is my first post and I'm looking for some honest feedback on if now is the right time for me to start an RV-12is build.
I got my Sport Pilot license in 2017 and have about 140 hours, majority of which are in tail wheel airplanes (Cubs, Champs). I have about 10 hours in a Tecnam P92. The airport I rent the tailwheels from don't allow people to land at other airports (due to hand propping) and I've been disappointed with the other LSAs to rent in my area (maybe 2 or 3 other airplanes in hour driving radius). This is primarily what got me interested in building an RV-12is.
I wouldn't say tinkering is my favorite hobby but I do like to build stuff and get a lot of satisfaction out of making things and developing skills. I would LOVE to have my own airplane and the freedom/pride that comes with that.
Concerns:
1. I have a 3.5 year old son and another kid on the way and am worried I won't have the free time I need to devote to it. My wife and I both work full time.
2. We are thinking about getting a new house soon.
3. Economy and job security is uncertain in pandemic.
4. Wife is "so-so" on Aviation. She can be prone to motion sickness easily. So far, she's more interested in the practicality of taking the family on vacation and getting there faster than driving (sounds like RV-10 mission to me). All that said, she wants me to start the build soon so I'll stop talking about it!
Questions:
1. If I finish a couple kits (empennage and wings, for example), is it common to be able to sell the unfinished airplane if my situation changes?
2. For an airplane you built with your own hands, is the condition inspection straightforward? Or, is it more murky given there are no "plans" or assembly procedure like you're following when you build?
3. Here's one for fun since I've done some reading on here: should I prime or not?
I have the feeling like I did when I first decided to get my license in 2015. It's a feeling of feeling like it's impossible, but knowing in my gut that I'll find a way to do it.
Thanks in advance for the thoughts/advice!
Dan
I've been following this forum for the past few weeks after my friend introduced me to it. This is my first post and I'm looking for some honest feedback on if now is the right time for me to start an RV-12is build.
I got my Sport Pilot license in 2017 and have about 140 hours, majority of which are in tail wheel airplanes (Cubs, Champs). I have about 10 hours in a Tecnam P92. The airport I rent the tailwheels from don't allow people to land at other airports (due to hand propping) and I've been disappointed with the other LSAs to rent in my area (maybe 2 or 3 other airplanes in hour driving radius). This is primarily what got me interested in building an RV-12is.
I wouldn't say tinkering is my favorite hobby but I do like to build stuff and get a lot of satisfaction out of making things and developing skills. I would LOVE to have my own airplane and the freedom/pride that comes with that.
Concerns:
1. I have a 3.5 year old son and another kid on the way and am worried I won't have the free time I need to devote to it. My wife and I both work full time.
2. We are thinking about getting a new house soon.
3. Economy and job security is uncertain in pandemic.
4. Wife is "so-so" on Aviation. She can be prone to motion sickness easily. So far, she's more interested in the practicality of taking the family on vacation and getting there faster than driving (sounds like RV-10 mission to me). All that said, she wants me to start the build soon so I'll stop talking about it!
Questions:
1. If I finish a couple kits (empennage and wings, for example), is it common to be able to sell the unfinished airplane if my situation changes?
2. For an airplane you built with your own hands, is the condition inspection straightforward? Or, is it more murky given there are no "plans" or assembly procedure like you're following when you build?
3. Here's one for fun since I've done some reading on here: should I prime or not?
I have the feeling like I did when I first decided to get my license in 2015. It's a feeling of feeling like it's impossible, but knowing in my gut that I'll find a way to do it.
Thanks in advance for the thoughts/advice!
Dan