I just realized that the one-year anniversary of the christening of my RV-12 just past. First flight was April 17, 2014. I thought it would be interesting to provide an recap of the first year. It sure was a busy one.
I put a little over 130 hours on the airframe and engine and had approximately 110 takeoffs and landings.
I replaced the following parts on the airplane: rear window, voltage regulator, fuel pressure sensor, Dynon engine module, landing light lens, left main inner tube, electrical fuel pump, fuel flow sensor, carb floats, and both wing walk pads.
I visited 23 different states during my travels: Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Missouri, Nebraska, New Mexico, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Wisconsin, West Virginia, and Wyoming
I was fortunate to receive a Workmanship Award at Oshkosh and my airplane was featured in a two-page article in Sport Aviation in November 2014.
I could go on with silly lists of stuff, but you get the point. I built it to fly and fly it has, from one ocean to the other. Of course, being retired affords me the freedom to do that. People often ask me for my impression of the -12 so here are a couple:
Love it. Period. It has exceeded my expectations and I simply love the airplane. Visibility is great, handling is great, capabilities are surprising, support is second to none.
I'm a little tepid on the Dynon. I've had my share of hardware problems. I love using it and find it a really easy piece of gear to use. I'm worried about its durability. Dynon support has been great. Good company.
I also am impressed with the Rotax. I had some concerns going in but the engine has been solid and the Service Bulletins livable. It is well engineered.
I wish I had more than 20 gallons of fuel. I may implement additional capacity at some point that can be installed in the passenger seat.
I'm looking forward to another active flying season. I'm already planning a trip with my daughter to our family birthplace up in northern Wisconsin and Michigan. Then Airventure, then New England, etc. To steal a line from Rosie, "Keep
pulling those rivets!"