What’s an RV?
An RV-7 is a two-seat, all metal homebuilt aircraft. The kit is manufactured by Van’s Aircraft in Aurora, OR.
The airplane is available with either conventional (tailwheel) or tricycle (nosewheel) landing gear. That is a decision I will have to make later.
Depending on the engine that is installed, the RV-7 will economically cruise at 165+ mph, or will approach a top speed of roughly 200 mph, with a range of between 750-1000 miles.
You’re building this thing?
Sure. With a little training and familiarity with the required building techniques, anybody can build this airplane.
I’ll be building in the garage at home. Most of the airplane can be completed there, until the wings are ready to be attached. At that point, the airplane will need to be transported to an airport, since the wingspan is about 25 feet.
The airplane is a kit that is available in portions. You can buy the kit a portion at a time, or you can buy the whole thing all at once. I got a good deal on the tail kit, so that’s where I’m starting. In fact, that’s where most people start the RV, since the tail is generally easier, and the building process gets a little more complex as you move on through the wings and the fuselage.
