Much consideration went into choosing this model: What fer? How much will it cost? What type of construction? How long will it take? How much support is available?
What fer?
$100 hamburgers & pancakes, maybe light aerobatics, plus access to family & friends scattered across the country.
If we could fly today: 4 seats would be ideal for family travel, but at the top end of our price range. Seriously considered the RV-10.
Realistically, though, this is a 7-10 year project for us, as having our girls grow up with the construction is at least as important as having them able to fly in the finished product. By that time our kids will be heavily committed in various activities and will be off to college shortly thereafter. Therefore the bulk of our time with the plane will be as a couple, and the added benefit of aerobatics is enough to give a 2-seater the edge. Side-by-side seating is a must for cross-country flights, too.
How much will it cost?
The sky's the limit! On the cheap end are simple, light single-seat wood-and-dope planes, on up to retractable gear Porsches of the sky. Given our mission requirements, we're projecting the RV-7 to come in between $60,000-$85,000. And remember: the tools are an investment!
How long will it take?
The expectation is roughly 2,500 hours for a slow-build kit. We're shooting for completion within 10 years. This gives us plenty of flexibility for life to have its day; as one builder put it, I plan to finish this project with 2 things: a flying airplane, and the same family I started with - and not in that order!
If we are able to finish by 2022, the 50th anniversary of Van's Aircraft, terrific. If we can finish in time to fly to Oshkosh for the celebration, all the better. But if not, that's ok too.
What type of construction?
I've done a fair amount of woodworking, but the balance of expense, weight, and workability of aluminum make that very attractive. I'm not ready to tackle significant welding, and I think deburring and riveting will be easier for friends and family to pick up & pitch in (versus sanding fiberglass). Aluminum it is.
What support is available?
More than 8,000 Van's models are flying, which speaks to the completeness of the kits and the quality of the support available. That includes the manufacturer, of course, but also the informal community (forums, other builders' sites, etc).
Sounds like fun, but this doesn't seem like the plane for me. Are there any other options?
Yes, yes, yes! The Experimental Aviation Association (EAA) is a great place to start. Whether you're interested in single-seat planes you can park in your garage, sleek long-distance machines, restoring old warbirds, bush-flying to the best fishing holes or chasing the golden age of aviation in a low-and-slow biplane, there is something for everyone.
If you still need some ideas, drop me a note.
