Build, Learn, Fly!

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RV12 Aircraft Build GroupProposal Framework: Members to make ultimate rules

Version 0.2 19 Feb 2010

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Build, Learn, Fly!Proposal Framework: Members to make ultimate rules

“I have a dream…

…a dream where men can build an airplane affordably,

…a dream where men can learn and fly affordably,

…a dream to share the privileges of the sky with more like minded men.”

-Rudi Greyling (2010)

The concept is simple…A group of like minded aviation enthusiast group their time, resources and skill together to build, fly and enjoy an affordable airplane.

Execution is key…Choosing the right balance between group, airplane, cost and workload. Performing it in the right environment under the correct scrutiny. This is a PROPOSAL FRAMEWORK that ultimately needs to be MODIFIED by the ACTUAL members.

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Build, Learn, Fly!Proposal Framework: Members to make ultimate rules

The Group

The group should not be too big or too small.

A big group will make the airplane build workload less and also make the cost less. It will also make the airplane less available to fly because more people has rights to it.

For a small group more time and money is required which defeats the affordability objective.

A suggested group of 10 people will strike the correct balance between time, money and aircraft availability.

The individualsThe ideal group member is an aviation enthusiast that is willing to learn to build an aircraft.

The individual must be willing to contribute +/-80 hours of hand labor over weekends over a period of 3 to 4 Months.

Individuals from grassroots without a pilot license wanting to learn to fly to experienced pilots wanting to lower their costs, are all welcome.

A sociable person that works good in teams, without any commercial or personal gain aspirations from the group.

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Build, Learn, Fly!Proposal Framework: Members to make ultimate rules

The Environment

An aircraft build project like this should be located in a neutral nurturing place, ideally surrounded by airplanes, flying and other builders.

The local EAA chapter hangar is the ideal first choice, it is neutral. The local EAA chapter can also be the guarding wing to ensure the group is operated with good principles. The local EAA chapter has got the skill and the network to assist builders.

The local EAA chapter can use the build project as showcase and promote the chapter, which creates a win-win scenario.

The project should ideally be situated on a small but active airfield, to ensure free movement and flying and limit costs and expenses.

It is proposed that the first RV12 Aircraft Build Group be established at East Rand Chapter 575’s soon to be completed hangar on Springs Airfield. Springs Airfield is a friendly airfield with 3 runways and low membership cost.

A knowledgeable project leader should be appointed with enough experience to guide the build. The writer (Rudi Greyling) is willing to volunteer for this role if the group so elect. He has built a RV7, a RV12 and busy with a RV10. He has no commercial interest and willing to pay for 1 full ownership share.

PS: It is my way of giving BACK to the EAA community ;-)

The Project Leader

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Build, Learn, Fly!Proposal Framework: Members to make ultimate rules

The Structure

The aircraft should be put into a Close Corporation that will be created specifically for it and managed to good aircraft partnership practices. The Members can decide the specifics, but below can set the outline…

A bank account should be opened specifically to manage the build groups finances.

Each member will obtain 10% share after paying the membership entry fee.

Each member will have 1 vote during meeting and decisions.

Tie break decisions will be done by the longest standing member, or the project leader if it is build related.

Individual exit strategy would be for the member to sell his 10% share to another party.

Complete total exit strategy would be to sell all the assets of the CC and split the funds equally among the members.

The members will elect a treasurer and decide on the administration structures.

Members are expected to pay their fixed monthly costs before the 1ste of the new month typically by automatic recurring internet payments. Members are expected to settle their usage costs by the 15th of the new month, for the previous month.

Use of the aircraft is only allowed if all the member’s fees is paid up to date.

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Build, Learn, Fly!Proposal Framework: Members to make ultimate rules

Choosing The Airplane: RV12The airplane should be by a reputable manufacturer, that’s been in business for a long time, a stable company, to ensure support and resale value of the craft.-Vans Aircraft has been in the Metal Kit Aircraft business for more than 30 years and seen as the giant in kit metal craft. They have 8 models to choose from and more than 6,640 flying examples.

The airplane should be easy and fun to fly, to satisfy new pilots as well as old hands.-The RV12 is specifically engineered for the Sport Pilot category but yet keeping the Vans RV responsive feel which makes it a fun aircraft as well.

The kit should be easy and quick to assemble, to ensure the group gets to flying status quickly.-The RV12 is assembled with pop rivets and all the holes are already pre-drilled to final size, it is like a meccano set, and everything fits. All the metal and composite parts are formed to shape. It can be assembled in 700-900 hours (800h average). That means 10 builders @ 80 hours each means 10 Saturdays or Sundays.

The kit should be very complete, to limit sourcing parts from 3rd parties or making a lot of decision during the build. -Every nut, bolt, rivet, seat, cushion, wire harness, instruments, prop and engine is supplied in the RV12 kit. Just add fluids, paint and a bit of labor.

The airplane should be affordable to procure, operate and maintain. -It is conservatively estimated that a Standard RV12 can be assembled all costs included in South Africa for $87,500 ~ R700,000 or R70K per group member. See costing work sheet later.

-The RV12 uses a Rotax 912 100HP engine with 2000Hour TBO, and runs on standard Unleaded Motorgas at 15-25 liters and hour. Maintenance cost then is +/- R150 per hour and Fuel operating cost R120-R200

-The aircraft needs to be insured and hangared to protect the members investment: Monthly R350 per member

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Build, Learn, Fly!Proposal Framework: Members to make ultimate rules

RV12 PerformanceIt’s a two-seat all-metal side-by-side airplane with a large cabin that seats the occupants ahead of the wing spar for maximum room and superb visibility. Quick Removable wings. The low empty weight allows a generous useful load — two 95KG people, 75 Liters of fuel and 22 KG of baggage — something rare in the Light Sport Category. http://www.vansaircraft.com/public/rv-12int.htm

Engine

Top Speed 135 mph 217 km/hCruise (7500ft @ 5500 rpm)   131 mph 210 km/hCruise (7500ft @ 5000 rpm) 116 mph 186 km/hStall Speed 47 mph 75 km/h

Takeoff Distance 700 ft. 215 mLanding Distance 525 ft. 160 m

Rate of Climb 900 fpm 275 m/sCeiling 13,800 ft. 4.2 kmRangeRange (7500’ @ 5500 rpm)   555 miles 890 kmRange (7500’ @ 5000 rpm) 614 miles 988 km

Span 26’ 9” 8.1 mLength 19’ 11” 6.0 mHeight 8' 4" 2.6 mWing Area 127 sq. ft.

Empty Weight  740 lbs 355 kgGross Weight  1320 lbs 599 kg

Wing Loading @ GrossPower Loading @ GrossPropeller  Sensenich Ground Adj.

Speed - Gross Weight

Ground Performance - Gross Weight

Climb/Ceiling - Gross Weight

Loadings

Weights

10.4 lbs/sq. ft.13.2 lbs/hp 

Exterior Dimensions

Rotax 912ULS

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Build, Learn, Fly!Proposal Framework: Members to make ultimate rules

The BuildMembers will be expected to contribute 80 hours of weekend hand labor over 3-4 months, that’s 10 Saturday or Sundays. 2 Sets of complete aircraft assembly tools and additional 3rd or 4th often used tools need to be purchased to accommodate parallel building. The RV12 kit plans are broken into 50 chapters, with each chapter tackling a specific component. So a lot of parallel building will occur. It is anticipated builders will partner up with someone and build a specific chapter and part.

Here is an example: http://www.avcom.co.za/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=64&t=37050

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Build, Learn, Fly!Proposal Framework: Members to make ultimate rules

The Costs

Total complete assembly cost is for a STANDARD RV12 is estimated at $87,500. A Member’s share is $8,750 paid up front (Yes Fixed Dollar Based membership, because most of cost is Dollar based)

Monthly cost for insurance and hangarage is estimated at R350 per month.

Usage costs is estimated R150 per hour dry. Member to supply own fuel, MotorGas Unleaded 95

No kits or parts should be ordered until 10 confirmed members have signed up, and no kits should be ordered on credit.

RV 12 Build Club Version 1.0 Dated 17 Feb 2010

RV12 Kit Costs (www.vansaircraft.com) Kit Crating Running Costs Per Hour (Flier Pays)1 Fastener Kit $285 Rotax Engine Overhaul/Replace R200K/2000h TBO R 1002 Empennage/Tailcone Kit $2,195 $65 Services, Accessories, Maintenance R 503 Wing Kit $5,535 $75 *Per Hour R 1504 Fuselage Kit $4,685 $75 *Excludes owner provided5 Finishing Kit $8,620 $85 *Fuel (15-20 liter/hour) Unleaded 95 Mogas6 Avionics - Standard $12,685 *Instructor costs for own account if training7 Powerplant $26,985 $85

$60,990 $385STANDARD RV12 KIT $61,375 Monthly Cost (Each Owner Pays)

OPTIONAL ITEMS Insurance on R700K value = R3,000 per month/10 R 3008 *Finish Kit Upholstery Options $1,095 Hangarage at Springs = R500 per month/10 R 509 *Avionics - Autopilot $1,950 Monthly Per Owner R 350

10 *Avionics - Duel Screen $2,350$66,385

DELUX RV12 KIT $66,385

RV12 Standard Kit Complete (*Delux = +$5K more) $61,375 Notes:3 x RV12 Tool kits (Allows Parralel Building) $4,500 Payments will be DOLLAR Based since majority of costs is $VAT (14%) (Paid in Rands) $9,223 ~R75K $8.75K Payment split into +/-( $7.0K Foreign, $1.75K Local)Shipping to SA approximate $6,000 Foreign payments done directly to Vans AircaftSA Tools, Consumables, Customs (Paid in Rands) $6,403 ~R50K Local Payment directly to CC

Total Costs $87,500at R8/$1 = +/- R 700,000

10 Owners each with 10% Share $8,750

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Build, Learn, Fly!Proposal Framework: Members to make ultimate rules

Aircraft Availability and BookingThe biggest concern with a partnership after the cost and maintenance are accounted for is will the aircraft be available when I want to fly it. Typically flying includes short local flights, longer weekend flights, and then maybe once a year a bit of aircraft touring.

It is proposed that Each member receives guaranteed booking time, local flight time and bonus time to cater to these needs. Scheduling and booking to be done on a FREE online calendar so everyone can view it.

It is proposed that during each year, each owner get:

Guaranteed Time:

1 x Pre-booked Weekend AND 1 x Pre-booked Midweek

Nobody can challenge these, and this will typically take the airplane away from its home base. That leaves the airplane typically at home for 42 other weeks.

Local Flight Time:

There is no limit on local flight time bookings. The only suggested rule is that they are only 2 hours long, and you can only prebook 2 local flights in advance, to ensure the aircraft is available for others to book for local flights too. You may book 2 consecutive 2 hour sessions to get it for a total of 4 hours at a time.

Bonus Time:

If the aircraft is available, and you want to book it for an ad-hoc longer period which is not covered above, the aircraft is available for use as long as there is no objections. In case of objection then the person logging objection need to book and utilise it.

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Build, Learn, Fly!Proposal Framework: Members to make ultimate rules

The RV12 will be registered as a Amateur Build, Non Commercial, Non Type Certified, Experimental Aircraft, which will allow owner builders to perform their own maintenance which will save huge annual costs.

The Manufacturers Website with all the details: http://www.vansaircraft.com/public/rv-12int.htm

Rudi Greyling’s RV12 Build Thread: http://www.avcom.co.za/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=64&t=37050

Nice youtube video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MH5BDcf72WM

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

Here is the link to the Kitplanes Magazine Review: http://www.kitplanes.com/issues/pdfs/1008-0817.pdf

EAA Sport Aviation Magazine Reviewed by a Retired Military Pilot: http://rvbuildershotline.com/articles/2008/rv12_001.pdf

Flight Summary: Cessna 172 drivers Comparison, Watch out: http://www.vansairforce.com/community/showpost.php?p=270181&postcount=15

More about the Vans Aircraft RV12

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Build, Learn, Fly!Proposal Framework: Members to make ultimate rules

If you are interested or have questions about this contact Rudi Greyling:

• By hitting the Email button on the left or send email to greylingr (AT) yahoo (DOT) com

• Or Phone on 083-245-9955 during 7:30-8:30PM at night

Questions and Contacts