westexflyboy
Active Member
Van's hasn't said with certainty, but something tells me the RV-12 will come with final size matched hole parts throughout most of the basic airframe.
To me this means:
1. Read the plans and instructions
2. Pull the right parts out of the box
3. Smooth the edges, round the corners, pull off the plastic
4. Wash and lightly prime critical areas
5. Cleco parts together. The parts are self-aligning so no jigs required.
One assembly should be sufficient in most instances with very little drilling, deburring, dimpling, and 2nd or 3rd assembly. So next step:
6.Replace clecos with a pneumatic pull riveter one at a time.
I envision the entire stabilator, for example, going together in a single day. And, the need for an extra set of hands is all but gone.
When we get to controls, instruments, wiring, plumbing, etc. the build process will be just about the same as any other RV, and that can still take several hundred hours. Basic sheet aluminum assembly should "fly" together. What do you think? 500-600 hours total from a standard kit?
Chase Snodgrass
Presidio, Texas
http://flybigbend.com
To me this means:
1. Read the plans and instructions
2. Pull the right parts out of the box
3. Smooth the edges, round the corners, pull off the plastic
4. Wash and lightly prime critical areas
5. Cleco parts together. The parts are self-aligning so no jigs required.
One assembly should be sufficient in most instances with very little drilling, deburring, dimpling, and 2nd or 3rd assembly. So next step:
6.Replace clecos with a pneumatic pull riveter one at a time.
I envision the entire stabilator, for example, going together in a single day. And, the need for an extra set of hands is all but gone.
When we get to controls, instruments, wiring, plumbing, etc. the build process will be just about the same as any other RV, and that can still take several hundred hours. Basic sheet aluminum assembly should "fly" together. What do you think? 500-600 hours total from a standard kit?
Chase Snodgrass
Presidio, Texas
http://flybigbend.com
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