The RV12 is a kit airplane. That means it comes in boxes with instructions. The boxes are large and there are many of them. The
instructions are great! I've never seen better. I'm amazed at how well all
the parts fit together. As a retired aerospace manufacturing and development engineer I can appreciate the
quality and thoughtfulness of the designers and parts manufactures that have gone into this kit.
At the beginning of the instructions it has the following statement: "Welcome to the wonderful world of homebuilt aircraft. The project you are about to undertake will probably be the most frustrating, time-consuming, enjoyable, fulfilling, and rewarding that you have ever experienced." So far all applies except for the frustration. It's a great experience.
The RV12 actually comes in many kits. They can be purchased one at a time, as funds and time are available, or all at the same time. The kits and the order I purchased them were as follows:
First order - Empennage / Tailcone Kit [arrived 11/9/11]
Second order - Wing Kit and Fuselage Kit [arrived 1/5/12]
Third order - Finish Kit, Avionics Kit, and Powerplant Kit [arrived 5/15/12]
At the beginning of the instructions it has the following statement: "Welcome to the wonderful world of homebuilt aircraft. The project you are about to undertake will probably be the most frustrating, time-consuming, enjoyable, fulfilling, and rewarding that you have ever experienced." So far all applies except for the frustration. It's a great experience.
The RV12 actually comes in many kits. They can be purchased one at a time, as funds and time are available, or all at the same time. The kits and the order I purchased them were as follows:
First order - Empennage / Tailcone Kit [arrived 11/9/11]
Second order - Wing Kit and Fuselage Kit [arrived 1/5/12]
Third order - Finish Kit, Avionics Kit, and Powerplant Kit [arrived 5/15/12]
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| This is the crate that my empennage/tailcone came in.[11/9/11] |
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| Opening the crate was like Christmas in November. |
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| I found hundreds of parts cut to size and bent to shape. |
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| The welded parts were powder coated. |
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| The first thing you do is inventory each part to make sure you received everything. |
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| This is the look my wife gave me when she first saw all the parts spread out. Her comment was "OH MY!". |
