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New RV-12is builder Illinois side of St louis

Jshepherd

Member
Wanted to check in with the Air force. I have been a lurker for about a year and finally pulled the trigger on an rv-12 tail kit. A dream of mine for most of my life has started to come true. I became a pilot at 18 years old starting with gliders then into powered flight getting my PPL, then Instrument and Commercial with dreams of flying for the airlines. Then life and reality got in the way. I am 43 now and have flown on and off for the last 25 years. I am finally at a point where aircraft ownership is a possibility, and the vans line of aircraft has appealed to me since I can remember. I chose the 12 based on the mission I was wanting to do and also the time, money and skill I have to build.

I have a 36' X 30' heated and air conditioned garage in my back yard which has become a rv-12 factory for the next few years. I would really like to meet some other 12 builders / flyers in the area, mostly to show my wife that it is possible and I'm only slightly crazy for doing this. If anybody can recommend one of the EAA chapters in STL that they are a part of, it would give me a starting point to find other 12 owners.

Thanks in advance for all the help in future I am sure this site will provide
Jeff Shepherd

Here are some pics
Crate coming home
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12 construction facility
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Construction crew
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Future Pilot
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Already have a Vertical stab to be proud of (I'm the bald one:eek:)

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Jeff: let me be the first to welcome you to VAF:) (that can be hard to do on this forum). And congrats on choosing to build a -12, a project I've jumped into as well. Looks like you've made an awesome start and it's great that you've got the family involved! Good luck on the project and keep the updates and pictures coming.

Doug
Seattle area
 
Welcome

Hi Jeff,
Welcome to the RV-12 builders club. We have one under construction at C09, Morris, IL. Empenage and wings done. we are working on the fuselage now. Feel free to look us up if your in the area.
 
Jeff, my adventure started about 4 years ago...and I am just starting to enjoy my finished -12. Flew mine to Oshkosh this year..was a hoot.

The journey was fantastic (there will be bumps along the way); but the guys on this forum are outstanding! Enjoy every minute...will not be long before you are sitting in it making AC noises.

Best of luck..maybe..we'll bump into one another at a future fly-in!!

Ric
 
Hi Jeff -
Welcome to the RV-12 family. We should arrange a visit at hanger 12, Sackman Field (H49) outside Columbia IL. My RV-12 has been flying five years and I love it. I would be delighted to have you visit and take you for a ride if you wish.
Bill T
 
Hi Jeff -
Welcome to the RV-12 family. We should arrange a visit at hanger 12, Sackman Field (H49) outside Columbia IL. My RV-12 has been flying five years and I love it. I would be delighted to have you visit and take you for a ride if you wish.
Bill T

Would love to do that sometime. A glider flying friend of mine has a Rans S6 or 7 ,not sure which, that he keeps there that I have wanted to see for a while just have not been able to get together in a while. I still work so weekends are my best bet. Let me know some saturday or sunday in the future I would love to check it out.
 
Congratulations, I'm based at St.Charles County KSET. Eaa chapter 32 is based on the field. I'm not sure how far that is for you but there is a few rv12s in our chapter including our plane. If you have any questions or need to look at anything on our plane give me a call 314856519eight.
Chuck
 
Welcome, Jeff. I've been building in my garage in west central Illinois for a little over a year. Tailcone finished, wings almost finished, fuselage on order. I work too and have young ones at home, so don't get to work on the project as often as I'd like. Good luck and you're welcome anytime if you're passing through the area. This forum is a great resource.
 
Flying RV12

Jeff,
I finished my RV12 about 3 & 1/2 yrs ago & have about 130 hrs on it at this time. I am from Effingham, ILL. If you are up this way you are welcome to visit ride or whatever. Looks like you have plenty builders closer than me but you are sure welcome.
Thanks
Stan Bahrns
RV12 N618B
RV7-A N868B
 
I can't believe no one has asked this yet, but what's on the lift? Come on, gotta share... :)
 
It is amazing what you can get done on a 12 in a month

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I can't believe no one has asked this yet, but what's on the lift? Come on, gotta share... :)

It my 57 Chevy. It was a father son project my dad and I finished 6 years ago. As original a restoration a couple of amateurs could do.

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Considering RV 12 build

Jeff (and all)

I am strongly considering an RV 12 after years or research and thinking about it. I'm just about ready to finally pull the trigger on the tail kit. I'm in the St. Louis area on the Missouri side (Ballwin).

Any further progress or are you waiting for the next kit?

Tony Vitiello
 
Jeff (and all)

I am strongly considering an RV 12 after years or research and thinking about it. I'm just about ready to finally pull the trigger on the tail kit. I'm in the St. Louis area on the Missouri side (Ballwin).

Any further progress or are you waiting for the next kit?

Tony Vitiello

Tony

I have been waiting on the wing kit. I waited to long to order it. It is supposed to be crated and shipped the week of the 18th so I hope to have it before new years. Your welcome to come check out the project anytime. Im about 45 minutes away from you just send me a pm if you want to check it out.
 
Jeff,

Sounds like you almost need to order the wing kit at the same time as the tail if you know you'll be working on it in earnest. Did you order a tool kit from Cleveland etc or get tools locally at Wicks?

I'll probably take you up on seeing your progress. I've seen several flying RV 12's and even did a demo flight at the Midwest LSA Expo a few years back but have never seen one under construction.

Tony
 
I ordered the Cleaveland tool kit and have been very satisfied. I did upgrade to the pneumatic squeezer and have been really happy I did. Many trips to Harbor freight also and some other miscellaneous stuff from various places.

It's great having wicks ten minutes from my house I have bought a few items from them.

I also flew the twelve at the Midwest lsa show it was a great motivator
 
Have you decided on the 912 is or ULS? Fortunately you don't have to decide until you order the fuselage kit. I see pluses and minuses with each option. Would be nice to have the latest and greatest but I have some concern on being on the leading (or bleeding) edge.
 
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