Building a Vans RV10?

[MAXTHRUSTV1]

Hi,

Im interested in getting one of these kits and have a few questions if anyone has any answers i would greatly appreciate it.

Do i have to be a qualified engineer to build one legally?
Do i have to apply for any paperwork in order to build the kit I.E CAA?
I am a qualified CPL with a MEIR would i need training on type before i could fly it?
At what stage is the structure checked and certified?

If anyone has been in a similar situation and has any experiences i would be very greatful.

[Solar]

Max

You don't need to be an engineer but any mechanical/electrical experience is helpfull and a decent set of hands.
Your best bet is to look at the RV UK or the LAA (Light Aircraft Association) websites where you will find all sorts of advice most of it helpful. You need to be a member of the LAA in order to get their engineering assistance and the Permit when completed.
Roger Hopkins who is the I think chairman of the LAA has built one and there are another few being built in the UK.

[MAXTHRUSTV1]

Thanks for the reply Solar ill check both of the places you have advised see if i can get any further information. Just out of interest do you know of any companies in the UK that offer a kit building service?

Thanks again.

MAX

[gasax]

Max you need to spend a bit of time reading the material on the LAA website. Some of what you are suggesting is illegla in the UK, much of the rest suggests you need a much better appreciation of the arrangements. It is all on the LAA site - although not terribly easy to find. You could also use the search facility here using 'permit' in the search term and that will give you a lot of information on the restrictions in operating a permit aircraft.

[Rod1]

You will register the project with the LAA and pay a fee. You will receive a build book which is split into build stages. Each stage will need to be inspected and signed off by a suitably qualified LAA inspector (full list of inspectors on the LAA web site). At the end of the build the aircraft receives a final inspection and then the build book and other relevant paperwork is sent off to the LAA. You receive a Certificate to Test back. At this point you need a suitably qualified test pilot who will fly off the test schedule (you may be able to do this yourself). You document the results and send them to the LAA. You receive the Permit to fly.

As had been suggested you need to read large chunks of the LAA engineering section. If you have an LAA strut nearby you might like to turn up and have a chat with people who have built aircraft before.

Rod1

[hatzflyer]

All of Rod's advice is correct. In reality you cannot build one without LAA involvement. ( In theory you could build under the CAA and operate on a CAA permit but this is not a practical route).
You cannot have the aircraft built for you as it invalidates the LAA system ,however you can receive an enourmous amount of help.
Vans aircraft have the best support of any kit aircraft within the UK and there is probably more experience and back up for them than any other type because of the vast number built in this country.
Vans owners/builders have a website which you will find helpfull .google Vans uk.
First port of call is the LAA.

Make no bones about it, it is a huge commitment ,you are about to embark on a journey that will take over your life for several tears ( that was a typo ,but may be accurate!) years.
If thats not for you ,then think about maybe importing one, www.barnstormers.com is a good site,but they go for good money and it may be an option to start a group.

[Steve N]

The RV Squadron Yahoo Group is your best source of UK related information. You will need to register to read it. If you want to build or buy/import there are people there that can advise you.

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/rvsqn/messages/

Vans Airforce website in the US is your best source for understanding what you would be taking on. Look at their forums. They are open to anyone to read.

Van's Aircraft RV Builder Forums and News.** ¯¯VAF¯¯

For builder websites see Van's website:

Van's Aircraft - Resources: World Wide Web Links

We bought our 9A when it was a year old.

hope this helps

Steve

[Rod1]

I did not think that LAA rules allowed a 4 seater home built like an RV10 to be imported, but this may be out of date information.

Rod1

[will5023]

Vans do a quick build for the RV10, which is just under half the build(50%), this cuts down your build time considerably. You may be able to import a finshed one, but you will have to check with LAA engineering before doing so, other RV4, 6, 7's have been imported from USA to the UK.