RV-7A construction begins

[Flyfalcons]

So here it is, the beginning of what's going to be a long, expensive journey. When it's done it should resemble an RV-7A, at least that's the goal! I'm in the process of reorganizing my garage to have a larger work table on wheels instead of the smaller table fixed against the wall, but I couldn't help getting started working on a few parts until then. What you're seeing here is the rear spar of the horizontal stab taking shape. This is my first time working with sheet metal, aside from a small practice kit, so the learning curve is pretty steep right now. Anyway, this should keep me busy for a while. Here are a few pics I have so far, including the arrival of the manual and plans, the GF and me getting demo rides in the Van's demonstrater, and some work pics. I'll be sure to post some progress updates every now and then!

[jongurley]

Cool deal, my buddy Daryll Ham from Goldsboro, NC built a nice nice Rv7,, took him 3 years,, I will post some pics in the next day or two, but it is beautiful,, and it will haul butt to,, he has a 0-360 lycoming in it,, he went with the tail drag,, are you going with the trigear or tail drag version,

[Judge]

Touch base with Darwin Barrie. He has built one already and is in the process of building a second one. Lives in the Phoenix area. He can also give you lots of good advice on various web forums and RV user groups. Long time modeler and flies med evac helis for a living. Got his RV check out time up in your neck of the woods too. Here's a photo of his, looks like a big pattern plane!!

I'll PM you his email

And yes, that IS a Team Futaba hat he is wearing!!!

[jongurley]

Here is Darryl's,, I could get you his email or phone if you want it,, he is a great guy, and has one of the most beautiful RV's ,,

[danielph]

Awesome! I've been to the RV factory, and have flown the 4, and 6, and they are awesome aircraft!

[Larry Lewis]

You'll enjoy it buddy1
I spent 4 years helping my buddy build his RV-8. What a beautiful airplane. He's building a second RV-8 now, with the fast back turtle deck.

[N726AC]

Wow! Not going the quick build route ??? My HERO !

[A-Track]

Subscribed. Very curious to watch the progress of this, always liked these planes and would like to build one someday.

[rnav]

I have been looking at them at Barnstormers.com. How wide is that cockpit? is it wider that a Cessna 152? I'll be watching the thread.
Thanks for the show.

[M64]

Hey all,

I did workshadow at a company here in cape town south africa, who builds the vans kits for customers. may get a job there during the next school holidays. these kits are amazing and the RV-7 is a brilliant plane to fly - its fairly quick too!

Subscribed!

[hpapilot]

Awesome Ryan! When you get it all done, you gonna bring it back to NC so we can check it out??

RJ

[RV-8]

Awesome

I started my RV 8 about eight years ago, it took four and a half years to build. I stoped moddeling during that time as there was not enough money or time for both. I did two hundred hours in my RV during the first two years, that should let you know just how much fun they are.

Good luck you will enjoy the build

[Judge]

When you get ready for the tailwheel, take a look at this. My buddy Darwin and Jason Krause (Heli master!) are doing this:

http://www.jdair.com/

Big time upgrade and I think Van's is going to link to it from their site as well

[ITSME]

Hey Ryan, looks like you got your work cut out for you, should be quite the adventure your taking on, cant wait to start to see the build pics!

[GMoney]

Take a ton of pics. This is going to be a great project. "Subscribed" I was looking at the RV-4 kit before losing my job early this year. Good Luck

Thanks
G$