Van's Aircraft RV-7 Demonstrator
Welcome to My Site! Please Join Me in the Construction of a Truly Amazing Aircraft
Let me preface this by saying that the object here is to finish this aircraft! My log entries are far from up to date, but I have tried to include a bit of information & pics for each major area. I will attempt to do better!
The Van's Aircraft RV-7 is a side by side 2-place kit built aircraft. It is primarily riveted aluminum construction, similar to most of the aircraft with which you are familiar. The airframe is rated for simple aerobatic maneuvers and will be utilized primarily for travel and just plain fun!
My current plans are to provide power using a 200 HP fuel injected Lycoming Engine turning a Hartzell constant speed (variable blade pitch) propeller. With this combination, normal cruising speed is between 185 & 200 MPH with a maximum range of 750 miles!
I appreciate you taking your time to visit this site. Prior to this point in time, I have already logged close to 250 hours of building time - gee, only 2000 hrs & 17,000 rivets to go. It may take some time to get the logs on the site up to date, so please visit often and share our progress!
On a related note, if you have any interest in learning about aviation or going up for a flight, shoot me an email or give me a call. You won't have to twist my arm too hard!
The Van's Aircraft RV-7 is a side by side 2-place kit built aircraft. It is primarily riveted aluminum construction, similar to most of the aircraft with which you are familiar. The airframe is rated for simple aerobatic maneuvers and will be utilized primarily for travel and just plain fun!
My current plans are to provide power using a 200 HP fuel injected Lycoming Engine turning a Hartzell constant speed (variable blade pitch) propeller. With this combination, normal cruising speed is between 185 & 200 MPH with a maximum range of 750 miles!
I appreciate you taking your time to visit this site. Prior to this point in time, I have already logged close to 250 hours of building time - gee, only 2000 hrs & 17,000 rivets to go. It may take some time to get the logs on the site up to date, so please visit often and share our progress!
On a related note, if you have any interest in learning about aviation or going up for a flight, shoot me an email or give me a call. You won't have to twist my arm too hard!
My current ride is a Cessna Cardinal C177RG - N2516V
Why Build an Airplane?
I have been flying since 1995 and am a member of 'The Flying Country Club' based at the Quad City Airport in Moline, IL. As a not for profit corporation we own and operate six aircraft with an active membership of 60-70 pilots. I personally enjoy flying our Cessna Cardinal, a 200 HP aircraft with retractable landing gear.
With any group operation, there is the normal wear & tear on equipment, as well as the fact that our airplanes were built in the late 1960's & 70's. The Cardinal will cruise between 140 & 160 MPH. To get a better cruise speed takes a lot more plane and, of course, a lot more money. Also associated with a production type aircraft are the ongoing expenses for maintenance, repairs and the ever present 'annual inspection'. The majority of this work must be done by an FAA certified A&P mechanic, so standard aviation labor rates apply!
In the summer of 2003, while at a local air show, I saw a Van's RV8. This plane was 'show quality' and had won numerous awards. My brain started moving, which as you know can be sort of scary. I had seen thousands of planes during my previous years visits to the Oshkosh Air Show, but this time something just clicked.....no, it was much louder than a click! For the next few months, I researched many 'kit' planes, but kept coming back to Van's. I found that by building the plane myself, the manufacturer/type would actually be listed as 'Swaim/RV7'. The FAA allows the plane manufacturer to do all the maintenance and inspection work on the aircraft.....so for the price of an old used aircraft with a mediocre instrument panel, plus 4-5 years of labor, I get a brand new, very fast aircraft with a state of the art panel and a new engine & prop! Such a deal!
With any group operation, there is the normal wear & tear on equipment, as well as the fact that our airplanes were built in the late 1960's & 70's. The Cardinal will cruise between 140 & 160 MPH. To get a better cruise speed takes a lot more plane and, of course, a lot more money. Also associated with a production type aircraft are the ongoing expenses for maintenance, repairs and the ever present 'annual inspection'. The majority of this work must be done by an FAA certified A&P mechanic, so standard aviation labor rates apply!
In the summer of 2003, while at a local air show, I saw a Van's RV8. This plane was 'show quality' and had won numerous awards. My brain started moving, which as you know can be sort of scary. I had seen thousands of planes during my previous years visits to the Oshkosh Air Show, but this time something just clicked.....no, it was much louder than a click! For the next few months, I researched many 'kit' planes, but kept coming back to Van's. I found that by building the plane myself, the manufacturer/type would actually be listed as 'Swaim/RV7'. The FAA allows the plane manufacturer to do all the maintenance and inspection work on the aircraft.....so for the price of an old used aircraft with a mediocre instrument panel, plus 4-5 years of labor, I get a brand new, very fast aircraft with a state of the art panel and a new engine & prop! Such a deal!
