Phyrcooler
Well Known Member
I have to admit I was a bit disappointed in the announcement of the RV-14.
Given the financial crisis going on, I personally believe announcing another kit that is slightly larger than an existing model and costing $90,000+ to complete is just not good timing. Frankly, I expect that the majority will be customers who had already decided to build one of the other kits and may switch to the Rv-14.
Giving the statements from Van in the past over his displeasure of the cost of LSA and the recent experience gained by Kruger and Scott in building the KK-1, I was really hoping that they would introduce a new kit that would cost @ $25,000 to build and fly. Yes, it would have required Van's to depart from the certified Lycoming and Rotax engines, but I believe engines like the AeroVee, and others, have proven reliable enough. To me, the Sonex and/or Onex is an example.
I really believe the customer base in this price range could be very large to include not just the first-time builder, but those who have other aircraft who simply want a second that is cheap to build and fly. Given Van's typical kit quality and popularity, it certainly would be attractive and priced right so the decision to purchase would be much quicker than the other higher cost models. It would also provide Van's a complete fleet of aircraft that a builder could migrate to as their needs change over the years.
Giving that every alphabet organization is trying to promote aviation and to attract new and old pilots and getting them in the air, I just don't think introducing yet another $90,000+ aircraft that will take you 3+ yrs to complete is going to accomplish much.
Just my $.02 worth.
I understand and appreciate the evolution that the 14 represents. Having seen the difference that the latest technologies in both the kit and the documentation can yield to build-ability - I applaud what Van's has done with the 14. However, that said I agree 100% with everything else you have said. If we don't find a low cost, easy, attractive way to get planes in the air, we're going to see GA come to a slow painful halt. Personally, I desire a lightweight, low cost tandem. Update the 4 or something similar. Give us the VAN's equivalent of a Sonex or CX-5!
(added my $.01 to your $.02. Value's going up!) DJ