Welcome to my RV-7A project website where I plan to document the construction of my very own Vans RV-7A aeroplane.  If you’re a friend or family member then hopefully you check back from time to time and follow my progress. If you’re someone whose interest in aviation or homebuilt aircraft led you here, then I hope you find the site interesting and perhaps useful.

So……to answer a few of the most common questions…

What is a Vans RV-7A?
It’s a 2 seat, side-by-side aluminium kitplane produced by the Vans Aircraft comapany in USA. Basically a big model aeroplane!
It is however quite a slick machine capable of cruising at over 200mph (320kph), operating up to over 20,000 feet and covering a range of about 1500km in one hop.
It is 6.2m (20′ 4″) long and has a wingspan of 7.6m (25′). 
Finally, and possibly most importantly, it has great aerobatic qualities and I plan to be spending almost as much time in it upsidedown as the right way up.

If you want to know more about the RV-7A or any other Vans aircraft check out the Vans website, otherwise here is a pic.

Why build it?
I like making things and have long been interested in model aircraft. I also like flying so building my own aeroplane seemed like an obvious option. When finished I will have a brand new plane, equipped just how I want it and chosen for the type of flying I enjoy. I also like the idea of knowing the plane that I own/fly inside out and even being able to do some of the maintenance on it. Lastly, cost. I could never afford to buy a brand new aeroplane of the same or similar specification, but building yourself is much cheaper (note I said it’s cheaper……but still not cheap!)

How long will it take you?
I initially planned for about 4-5 years. May well end up being longer - who knows. I have a family, job and other interests/hobbies and I plan to still have a life so the plane is a sideline project. In terms of hours I’d say about 2000.

How do you know how to build a plane?
I don’t! But I do know how to do most of the thousands of small tasks that go into making one. Working with aluminium is not that hard, and the kits are very good quality. You just take it step by step and when you get stuck there’s plenty of experienced people to ask for advice. I will make mistakes along the way, that’s for certain. The trick is to try and minimise them and also make the best possible fix when you do.

Here’s what the kit looks like.