Well....here I go again.
I got 1,500 hours into my RV-10 Project (http://websites.expercraft.com/seanb)
and had to sell because of the crummy economy. I have to try this again. It won't be easy to start over, but I learned a lot with the previous project.
This time around I initially chose to build the Van's RV-7A. It's a two place, aerobatic aircraft with a tricycle gear. It seems to cover all the things I want in an aircraft....speed, great climb performance, good range for cross country trips, and less expensive to build and operate.
I got 1,500 hours into my RV-10 Project (http://websites.expercraft.com/seanb)
and had to sell because of the crummy economy. I have to try this again. It won't be easy to start over, but I learned a lot with the previous project.
This time around I initially chose to build the Van's RV-7A. It's a two place, aerobatic aircraft with a tricycle gear. It seems to cover all the things I want in an aircraft....speed, great climb performance, good range for cross country trips, and less expensive to build and operate.
Several months into the build, I changed my mind to build the RV-7 instead. This is a tailwheel airplane. It honestly is the one I really wanted in the first place, but there is more training involved to fly it. Also, Colorado Springs is known for some good crosswinds. This adds to the challenge.
I probably won't land too often on unpaved runways, but want that option. The tailwheel handles that situation much better.
The tailwheel allows for larger engines (more horsepower !!!) because of the weight transfer to the main gear, rather than the nosewheel.
Finally, there's no doubt in my opinion the tailwheel airplane looks better. My goal is to build an aircraft that looks very sporty and backs it up!
I've decided to build this one at home, so I'm turning my garage into a workshop. It won't be as nice as the hangar I rented last time, but good for convenience and cost savings.
I probably won't land too often on unpaved runways, but want that option. The tailwheel handles that situation much better.
The tailwheel allows for larger engines (more horsepower !!!) because of the weight transfer to the main gear, rather than the nosewheel.
Finally, there's no doubt in my opinion the tailwheel airplane looks better. My goal is to build an aircraft that looks very sporty and backs it up!
I've decided to build this one at home, so I'm turning my garage into a workshop. It won't be as nice as the hangar I rented last time, but good for convenience and cost savings.
This a picture of the RV-7 (taildragger) from Van's website. It's a good indication of the work in front of me.
The plane essentially gets "built" several times. All these parts must be attached, then final drilled. Later, they are deburred and dimpled. I've also chosen to prime all interior parts...so that's another batch of work. Finally, solid rivets are used to attach the parts.
This still leaves all the electrical and mechanical systems, composites, upholstery, paint, panel, etc.
Lots of work...but reportedly well worth it.
The plane essentially gets "built" several times. All these parts must be attached, then final drilled. Later, they are deburred and dimpled. I've also chosen to prime all interior parts...so that's another batch of work. Finally, solid rivets are used to attach the parts.
This still leaves all the electrical and mechanical systems, composites, upholstery, paint, panel, etc.
Lots of work...but reportedly well worth it.
NOTICE: This website is a log to report and illustrate the construction of my Van's RV-7 Experimental Aircraft. This site is by no means intended nor should it be used by anyone for instructional purposes. This website and its contents are for entertainment purposes only.