Rudi's RV12 Build Progress

[RudiGreyling]

Hi RVators,

Well with RV Zulu 7 flying I am getting builder's withdrawel. I like building!

So I ordered a wingkit for a Vans Aircraft Light Sportplane version i.e. the RV12 with a Rotax 912.
Here is the Oskosh 2008 PDF Handout giving an overview of the aircraft:
http://www.vansaircraft.com/pdf/Oshkosh_08_flyer.pdf

Here is a 10 Min Flight review Video on YouTube:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xaIAvADklSw

This one should be interesting with removable wings ala glider that go on and off in literaly minutes. It means it could be built 100% at home, trailer it to the airfield, and test fly it that same morning Some interesting hangar and storage ideas come to mind lowering storage costs. They USA guys are already talking RV12 trailors for storage and towing, same as gliders...hmmm.
Go check out the youtube video of how quickly the wings go on and off.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AnWrXKfh_XM

Build time is estimated by Vans at 600-900 hours we will see how long it takes me 2nd time around, hopefully I can do it in the time they say and not double the amount of time i.e. 2500 hours like the RV7. (but some people say I am too a perfectionist that is why it took so long )

UPDATE: Here is the link to my Detailed Builders Log: http://www.mykitlog.com/rudigreyling
UPDATE: If you are thinking about kit building PHONE me to HELP you: o 8 3 - TWO 4 FIVE - Double NINE Double 5

Groete
Rudi

VANs RV 12 Flying 1.jpg (29.75 KiB) Viewed 5348 times

VANs RV 12 Flying 2.jpg (50.25 KiB) Viewed 5316 times

UPDATED: 2008-10-06 ..Added Flying Video and Oskosh 2008 Handout.

[raptor]

Sucker for punishment.

[Stephan Rossouw]

Congrats Rudi... We will watch this series with eyes wide open!!

[George]

Being bean counterI look at numbers... as matter of interest will the RV12 be any cheaper (before instruments) than the RV7 given the huge increase in RATTEX prices?

[MMP]

Well done Rudi - if its anything like your RV7 it will be a great job. Thanks for the donation to HAA for your testing flights! Anytime. Where are you flying from

Miles Pearce

[RudiGreyling]

Being bean counterI look at numbers... as matter of interest will the RV12 be any cheaper (before instruments) than the RV7 given the huge increase in RATTEX prices?

Hi George,
It is not all about $ numbers, you need to consider the other numbers

600-900 hours build time VS 2500 hours, turn that into $ and you'll see.
1-2 year project vs 3-6 year project
Able to fly with a lower medical, if CAA get it right in SA.
1 hour of jolly flight much cheaper on fuel than 1 hour of jolly flight in RV7.
Removable wings! Hangarage, storage, towing ideas.
Building latest and greatest with latest technology and advancement metal kits available in the world.
Being one of new kids on the block in SA having one of the first new RV kits in SA.

For me it is more, the build time and gratification of haveing the latest RV kit available to build.
Knowing there is a RV7 already in the hangar.

If time, medical and operating cost is not a problem then a RV7,8,9 makes more sense I guess.

Regards
Rudi

[RudiGreyling]

Well done Rudi - if its anything like your RV7 it will be a great job. Thanks for the donation to HAA for your testing flights! Anytime. Where are you flying from

Miles Pearce

Hi Miles,
My pleasure, how did you know about the donation, I only briefly mentioned it, and paid a small amount directly into your guys account. I believe if you use, you need to contribute. I Fly from Springs, but it get's bussy there, and pretty buildt up so there are not a lot of places to land a new airplane being tested if things go wrong. HAA was perfect for my testing. Thanks for your guys' hospatility.
Groete
Rudi

[MMP]

Being treasurer at HAA I get to see what comes in and saw your dep.

All the best with your new project, will look forward to the thread.

Miles

[RudiGreyling]

Being treasurer at HAA I get to see what comes in and saw your dep. <SNIP>

[Deanw]

Wishing you all the best and looking forward to following the build.

[George]

Being bean counterI look at numbers... as matter of interest will the RV12 be any cheaper (before instruments) than the RV7 given the huge increase in RATTEX prices?

Hi George,
It is not all about $ numbers, you need to consider the other numbers

600-900 hours build time VS 2500 hours, turn that into $ and you'll see.
1-2 year project vs 3-6 year project
Able to fly with a lower medical, if CAA get it right in SA.
1 hour of jolly flight much cheaper on fuel than 1 hour of jolly flight in RV7.
Removable wings! Hangarage, storage, towing ideas.
Building latest and greatest with latest technology and advancement metal kits available in the world.
Being one of new kids on the block in SA having one of the first new RV kits in SA.

For me it is more, the build time and gratification of haveing the latest RV kit available to build.
Knowing there is a RV7 already in the hangar.

If time, medical and operating cost is not a problem then a RV7,8,9 makes more sense I guess.

Regards
Rudi

Sounds awesome...

[slysi]

Good luck with your next chapter Rudi, I look forward to reading the new thread!!!

p.s. have you told your wife yet?

[cvh:.]

REALLY testing the wife's patience ...

[RudiGreyling]

Hi Guys,

Well I have an update...The wings is on the water enroute to me, another month or so to go before it is here.
I asked VANs to ship me an extra set of Wing plans via Airmail ahead of the kit and got them yesterday, I spend some time last night going through them.

WOW these plans are a huge improvement on the RV7 plans.
There is no more builders manual instructions on the one side and big A1 CAD drawings on the other side like with the RV7.

The RV12 plans and instructions are all contained in chronological A3 sheets, with a section for each sub assembly. Each page contains step by step instructions and referring the drawings on the same page showing just the drawing sections you need for that page. No need to go back and forth referring different sections, or trying to dismantle a complete 3D view to try and understand where your little task, you are busy with right now, fits into the big 3D drawing.

You start with step 1 and refer to figure 1 and continue to complete all the steps on that page and when you are done with that page you never having to come back! Turn the page and start FRESH again step 1 referring to figure 1 and so you go forth...so simple it is almost bound to be illegal to build an aircraft kit this way

Just like before I am going to make electronic soft copies of the plans, for my use only, so I can read-up and plan over lunch at work what I am going to do at night at home when I work on the plane. I am just waiting to go into our head office later this week to put them through the big scanner.

If you are interested let me know and I will post 1 or 2 page samples of the new RV12 plans after I scanned them.

Kind Regards
Rudi

[RudiGreyling]

I have found an online example from another builder...so no need to wait for my scans...click to enlarge