The Most Popular Homebuilt Airplane In The World

Поділитися
Вставка
  • Опубліковано 9 лис 2023
  • RV Vans line of airplanes is the most sold homebuilt kit plane in the world and I show you why.
    Get a part of the Elvis Jet at www.SaveThe310.com before they are gone forever
    Learn more about Vans Aircraft here: www.vansaircraft.com/
    Facebook: / jimmys-world-104845438...
    Instagram: / therealjimmysworld
    View the Entire 310 Series: • I just Bought 3 Abando...
    Other Abandoned Airplanes:
    Abandoned for 20 years, Will it RUN? 1947 Bonanza V-Tail • Abandoned Airplane Wil...
    Abandoned 7 Years, Can I get it running? 1968 Piper Aztec • Abandoned Airplane Wil...
    10 Fastest Cheap Airplanes You Can Buy For Your Family • 10 Fastest Cheap Airpl...
    10 Fighter Jets You Can Buy! • 10 Private Fighter Jet...
    For Business/Media: therealjimmysworld@gmail.com
  • Авто та транспорт

КОМЕНТАРІ • 935

  • @conradboss
    @conradboss 6 місяців тому +420

    I built an RV 10 using the standard build method, took four years and over 2500 hours. 😊 I now have about 650hrs on the airframe. N700SE .

    • @TheXxxcodexxx
      @TheXxxcodexxx 6 місяців тому +10

      Nice work. The plane looks great. White with a red stripe. Clean and classy

    • @tropicthndr
      @tropicthndr 6 місяців тому

      As Textron locks down the parts market to keep prices in the stratosphere, and their profits, the experimental market is the best way to stay away from that horrendous scam.

    • @danblumel
      @danblumel 6 місяців тому +30

      I built a "slow build" original Glasair 1-RG it took me more than 4000 hours and about 10 years building part time. That's an average of 8 hours per week for 10 years. Been flying it since 2004, even flew it to Alaska with my son and to the Arctic Circle while up there. N789DB

    • @embededfabrication4482
      @embededfabrication4482 6 місяців тому +20

      @@danblumel what about all that time sitting on the couch watching TV you missed out on?

    • @charliehilbrant
      @charliehilbrant 6 місяців тому +2

      How’s she fly?

  • @SnoDawg
    @SnoDawg 6 місяців тому +748

    Jimmy please learn to let the person finish their story without interrupting them. One of the skills a good interviewer learns over time.

    • @jimmyjames2903
      @jimmyjames2903 6 місяців тому +67

      I didn't think he was going to let him get a word in edgewise😮

    • @scottyscave
      @scottyscave 6 місяців тому +79

      YES! He’s always cutting people off. Drives me crazy.

    • @travismayselah
      @travismayselah 6 місяців тому +51

      Hey guys, go watch someone else..respectfully. Jimmy has a particular personality that most of us enjoy. Or start your own channel..

    • @L2FlyMN
      @L2FlyMN 6 місяців тому +4

      A.D.D & A.D.H.D are personality or mental disorders. Most can’t control it well without specific training to overcome it, although very high IQ’s are a common result.
      Inventive skills common, often seeing things others are blind to.
      The brain literally works so fast, it goes out ahead of most conversations, especially difficult if a person takes forever to finally spit out whatever they’re trying to say. 😖

    • @davidkoogler5266
      @davidkoogler5266 6 місяців тому +1

      Stop being such dicks. We are all lucky and should respect the time and trouble it takes to put these together

  • @camarogs1
    @camarogs1 6 місяців тому +14

    I built one of the First customer built RV-6s. First flight was July 1989. No pre-punch parts, I drilled and dimpled every hole in it.

  • @rvator7291
    @rvator7291 6 місяців тому +13

    I built a RV-6 back when nothing was punched and even riveted my wing spars. Kit was $10K back in 92. Took me 8yrs to finish. Built it VFR for $32,000 and then flew it for 8 yrs and 700 hrs. Lots of fun , but college funds became a priority. No regrets.

  • @Mtlmshr
    @Mtlmshr 6 місяців тому +19

    As 63 year old metal fabricator with 40+ years building race cars, this would be my choice of plane to build! I find this factory absolutely amazing!

  • @Leland189
    @Leland189 6 місяців тому +41

    Hopefully Van will be able to stay in business. A great company that is so necessary to GA.

  • @C-L-A-W
    @C-L-A-W 6 місяців тому +54

    I've been a Aircraft Structural Maintainer in the Air Force for 14 years and i'm always watching fabrication videos like yours to learn about new technologies. We recently recived a 1100 Ton Hydraulic Press and it's made a huge difference in replicating 30 year old parts for the A-10 that aren't manufactured anymore. Seeing that CNC Turret Press is an absolute game changer!

    • @arcanondrum6543
      @arcanondrum6543 6 місяців тому +8

      AHH yes, the A10. From an honest aircraft company that just made great aircraft instead of puffing their bank accounts with lies about "invisible skin", then using some of that money to grease the skids.

    • @pwffstube
      @pwffstube 6 місяців тому +2

      its not a turret. its a single station with rotation and a tool changer. but appropriate commentary in a company thats toast due to incompetence concerning fabrication process.

    • @TrueHelpTV
      @TrueHelpTV 5 місяців тому +2

      I need cooler friends

  • @davidfarrish9000
    @davidfarrish9000 6 місяців тому +40

    Hmm interesting timing. A week or so Vans just shut down in an attempt to reorganize as they are out of cash, have 2 times the amount of inventory they should have and orders have been slow to com in. They have appointed a new CEO, the previous CEO of Glasair to head the work in an attempt to turn this around. I wish them all the best luck in the world. They have a big task ahead of them. Hope they are successful.

    • @bwnco
      @bwnco 4 місяці тому

      Glasair. Another great kit plane

    • @waynerussell6401
      @waynerussell6401 11 днів тому

      DO AN 'ELON.
      There is a lot of dead wood and redundant practices in old companies. Makes it very hard to implement change. Startups have the nimble advantage of a clean sheet. Elon looked at the Space Market and saw the obvious flaw. 'You use these how many times?'
      With very small TAMs the only hope for small companies is the third Industrial Revolution with cheap robotic labour and lean design for manufacture.
      They have to sack all the employees, hire back half of them and introduce new blood at all levels, then hold on for a few more years until Musk has the robotics factory turning out a million a year at $20k each.

  • @Rufus6540
    @Rufus6540 6 місяців тому +10

    I can't get over the visibility in that cockpit. What a remarkable little plane!

  • @ele4853
    @ele4853 6 місяців тому +14

    I built my RV-8 from scratch in less than 2 years. I am flying it for about 240 Hours now. AMAZING AIRCRAFT! FLIES AMAZINGLY WELL! I LOVE MY RV-8

  • @gibbage1
    @gibbage1 6 місяців тому +10

    Grag is an amazing man. He helped me a lot when making the SWS Vans series for Flight Sim! Give it a fly before you even buy!

  • @gregdcross
    @gregdcross 6 місяців тому +82

    So glad you are showing Van's operation. With their announcement recently that they are having current financial hardships, it's important to show how big their operation is and the attention to not just new kit purchases but the ability to make a part from prior kits purchased decades ago. Try doing that with Beech, Piper or Cessna.

    • @lcfflc3887
      @lcfflc3887 6 місяців тому +6

      seems like the general aviation industry is losing its grip, i heard compared to other times that the US ain't producing enough pilots plus aviation in general took a big hit during covid, well it looks like it hasn't recovered quite yet, who's going to buy the new planes, a experimental or a big airliner if the demand to fly more is not even there.

    • @gregdcross
      @gregdcross 6 місяців тому +6

      @lcfflc3887 For at least the last fourth years the aviation community has been saying there will be a shortage of pilot and mechanics, yet cockpits keep being filled and mechanics have been available (although a lot of places are filling positions with people that don't have an A&P). What has been a trend for the last decade is people turning g old enough to enter the job market DON'T want a career which tales them away from home or to have to work with their hands or out in the weather.

    • @lcfflc3887
      @lcfflc3887 6 місяців тому +7

      @@gregdcross the passion for aviation perhaps is what's missing compared to few decades back plus the economics behind it is a factor too plus so many Job choice available this days make same amount of money by doing very little.

    • @gregdcross
      @gregdcross 6 місяців тому +7

      @lcfflc3887 Agreed. But back in 86 after graduating with a BS in Aviation Maintenance Management and getting g my A&P, my first job was at an FBO that was a Beechcraft dealer at BNA. Starting salary was $16,225/year while working on all sorts of corporate aircraft. So imagine walking across then hanger floor carrying a part that costs $30K, yet a mechanic at a car dealership was making twice as much. After 6 months and an excellent evaluation my my crew chief and Maintenance manager, they gave me a 3% raise. Pay was @ 10% of what they charged for shop rate and all mechanics were expected to be able to finish tasks in less time than the shop standard billing time, then move to another task.

    • @lcfflc3887
      @lcfflc3887 6 місяців тому +3

      @@gregdcross despite the pay been a lot hier today as a starter, Young people seems to be more interested in other things even so the aviation industry is so large and has so much opportunities to offer, the evolution of computer tech and other technologies today has taken future prospects out of the aviation arena plus so many regulations and certificates for this and that sure is overwhelming enough to keep many young people away, computer graphics designers, software developers, or a carrier in business, are attractive carries opportunities that are hot today and young people just want a big chunk of money from the very start, things has changed.

  • @squeakersc063
    @squeakersc063 6 місяців тому +12

    I like to describe the process of building this thing to my family like a 3D printed lego set. Someone sends you all the 3D printed pieces and you clean them up and stick it all together following the instructions. Sometimes I do read ahead and then get a little panic at the scope of a section and have to remind myself to work one page at a time.

  • @jimpalmer1969
    @jimpalmer1969 6 місяців тому +13

    There are a lot of Van's Aircraft UA-cam videos out there. This one is the best! Good Job Jimmy's World!!!

  • @thomaswampler9039
    @thomaswampler9039 6 місяців тому +19

    I used to work at one of those third-party companies. Vans aircrafts are awesome

    • @thomaswampler9039
      @thomaswampler9039 6 місяців тому +2

      To funny those spars are what I made to cool

  • @wayneroyal3137
    @wayneroyal3137 6 місяців тому +55

    We have a RV-7A, fantastic aircraft. Built from scratch. I wish the best for Vans, they are great people top to bottom. Great video Jimmy.

  • @marshallgibson8872
    @marshallgibson8872 6 місяців тому +19

    Grew up watching my grandpa build his 6 tail dragger. When I went up in it was one of the best experiences in my life. He also got me my young eagles certificate when I was about 6 in a starduster II!

  • @WirewalkerDon
    @WirewalkerDon 5 місяців тому +23

    An incredible story of survival sharing during this flight. One of the best pilot stories I've ever heard. EVERYONE should watch this! It is emotional, frightening, poignant, instructional, and a lesson we should all think through BEFORE we ever encounter a situation like this ourselves. Thank you so much for sharing this!

    • @13699111
      @13699111 5 місяців тому +2

      I agree with your comment . This man's training saved lives .

  • @terrallputnam7979
    @terrallputnam7979 6 місяців тому +62

    I got my first look at an RV-12 at the airport one day last year. The fit and finish was absolutely fantastic as you like to say. I hope VANS can keep building kits for people who want to build a fine new airplane. My old Ercoupe is all I can afford right now. Thank you for SHOWCASING this great company and these great airplanes.

  • @chaseandkill3756
    @chaseandkill3756 6 місяців тому +40

    Jimmy, love this video. Vans are so awesome. (I think you guys should invest in one of those gyro camera stabilizers. It would up your video quality tremendously.)

    • @2wheelsdown1fingerup
      @2wheelsdown1fingerup 5 місяців тому +1

      or a tripod 😵‍💫 but this could be stabilized in post pretty easily

  • @CMFL77
    @CMFL77 6 місяців тому +6

    The people make that company great and in turn their products are phenomenal! I truly hope they weather the storm and come out the other side stronger.

  • @theworldssexiestman
    @theworldssexiestman 6 місяців тому +13

    Even more impressed with Van's aircraft after seeing this behind-the-scenes video. Very professional operation.
    Jerry

  • @dpalfr
    @dpalfr 6 місяців тому +10

    Outstanding video! I actually saw the damaged RV7a in a hangar in Boulder, so appreciate the story from Greg.I fly an RV6 and am building an RV10 (for the family!). The grin does not go away!

  • @russpayne6808
    @russpayne6808 6 місяців тому +13

    A very valuable video, as it clearly shows why so few people can build a high-performance home-build these days. Hats off to Van's - an amazing company that does not seem to have any competitors here in the UK, due to high labour costs, factory costs and dare I suggest, over-regulation of the GA world. I learned to fly in an 80's Slingsby T67A, hand-built in the UK, of which only 10 were built. Those were the days.

  • @satelite990
    @satelite990 6 місяців тому +7

    I could easily watch a whole series of the Van's factory operations. Still appreciate the hour long video Jimmy. Thanks, and I hope Vans aircraft come out the other side of the clouds flying.

  • @bernardjones6162
    @bernardjones6162 6 місяців тому +24

    WOW! The equipment alone is in the multi million dollar cost! You have to love aviation to invest a lifetime into manufacturing! As A/P myself having worked at Boeing I can see what is involved in making this company!

  • @Avi8tor857
    @Avi8tor857 6 місяців тому +130

    I truly hope Vans survives this financial storm they are in, it would be a huge hit to the GA world if they don't.

    • @vgrof2315
      @vgrof2315 6 місяців тому +8

      Me too! Hope Van's survives. The trend, however, is not good. The awful GA fatal accident rate is not helping the whole community. Lots of poor judgement going on.

    • @zq3yp
      @zq3yp 6 місяців тому +10

      @@vgrof2315wtf are you talking about “ga accident rate” have you ever looked at real data before? Accident rates aren’t rising.

    • @mr.ginnationfunlifestyle3891
      @mr.ginnationfunlifestyle3891 6 місяців тому +9

      Let’s hope, they survive and get out of their financial struggles they are into. 😢 The airplanes are awesome. Van‘s people, please don’t screw around with quality. Even knowing money is short. Keep up the quality and please don’t ruin your business because of rushing out kits to gain money. Keep your faith your great standards and your good philosophy up. The people out there will thank you for this and honor this. You have great airplanes and people know this. We have hard times in the world. Hopefully you will make it. Van’s aircraft is huge in the GA community and the GA needs these airplanes. Good luck 🍀👍 😊

    • @spacexenthusiast1799
      @spacexenthusiast1799 6 місяців тому +14

      @@zq3yp the hilarious part is GA accidents are actually lower than previous years, not sure where this bozo made this up from

    • @TheMilwaukieDan
      @TheMilwaukieDan 6 місяців тому +2

      @@spacexenthusiast1799the real issue in part is the liability issues that have plagued GA for many decades. Any kind or type of accident happens and multiple law suits are filed for millions in damages.
      It was for this same reason that GA Mfg lijj my e Cessna and
      Piper, etc stoped manufacturing for twenty to thirty years. Ending in tge later 80’s. At that time some legal concessions had been made. However it’s still an issue.

  • @HyphenDude
    @HyphenDude 6 місяців тому +3

    Just got to see Redline Airshow (father and son aerobatic team) flying in their RV8's. What an amazing plane.

  • @morespamfortom
    @morespamfortom 6 місяців тому +12

    I just finished building a 9A, I'm painting it now. Very high quality kit that goes together easily. Took me a year to complete and will be another month or so to paint. I highly recommend Van's, their support has been good. I hope they weather the storm they're currently going through.

    • @simonhughes-king8493
      @simonhughes-king8493 6 місяців тому +3

      Only a year? From the start? That's fast.

    • @morespamfortom
      @morespamfortom 6 місяців тому +1

      I got the project from another builder who had finished building the tail and gave up. I built everything else. The fuse was a quick build, that helped. Also, I'm retired so that really helps.

  • @stephenullman4534
    @stephenullman4534 6 місяців тому +14

    This was one of the best videos I've seen on kit aircraft. Really well done! These are very well produced kits. Great commentary!

  • @bertruttan129
    @bertruttan129 6 місяців тому +3

    I just love these factory walk throughs. The quality and thoughtfulness that goes into building a super sweet RV is awesome. Thank You. Jimmy and RV!

  • @joemueller4738
    @joemueller4738 6 місяців тому +7

    Love your enthusiasm Jimmy, I like how inquisitive you are, don’t ever change!

    • @twistedyogert
      @twistedyogert 6 місяців тому +4

      He's like a kid on Christmas morning. Most of us get a little cynical as we age, but Jimmy seems to have avoided this.

  • @bobwollard9105
    @bobwollard9105 6 місяців тому +47

    Jimmy, that was a fascinating video. The people at Van's are awesome. Their planes are really special. Let's all hope they can overcome the current financial struggles. They have been such a valuable addition to modern aviation.

    • @leonjohansson6542
      @leonjohansson6542 6 місяців тому +4

      Vans needs to get some military contracts to help balance their bottom line.

    • @arcanondrum6543
      @arcanondrum6543 6 місяців тому +1

      The people who complain aboutbtheir Taxes and who support more spending on the military are usually the same person. I wonder if they listen to themselves.

    • @PRH123
      @PRH123 4 місяці тому

      Looking at the scale of the operation, it's really impressive, I had no idea it was so big. They're doing some really impressive things.
      It's obviously also a very big investment.
      The history of light aviation though from day 1 is full of companies with big dreams that over invested. Some (most?) went bankrupt and disappeared, some are still around. I don't recall exactly but Piper went bankrupt I think at least 3 times in their history.
      The reality of the aviation biz never measures up to the dreams...!

  • @w4fej
    @w4fej 6 місяців тому +8

    Wow Jimmy, you're a crazy bastard but I still watch all your videos but this Vans video was super excellent, your best by far !! I always just assumed that Vans were simply ANOTHER home built aircraft but your factory tour completely changed my mind !! Well done mister "what could go wrong" !!

  • @Mike.Howard
    @Mike.Howard 6 місяців тому +5

    I think Jimmy needs an RV-12 in his life 👍👍

  • @franksando635
    @franksando635 6 місяців тому +6

    WOW Thank-you for taking us on this tour I enjoyed it 👍👍

  • @gix40
    @gix40 6 місяців тому +24

    Excellent video Jimmy I love the Vans Aircraft. I work with a couple of high schools in GA building an RV12 then later selling them if they have not spoken for. Wonderful build and great experience for myself and the younger generation of aviators and mechanics. Great vid Jimmy

  • @jamesjacobs4209
    @jamesjacobs4209 14 днів тому

    I helped a friend of mine build an RV12iS. Took a little over a year and we just finished its first condition inspection with minor adjustments. Flies great and climbs really well even with us two lead butt pilots in it. Avionics are fabulous, autopilot and all that is available in the Dynon panel. The RV grin is a real thing and I recommend Van's aircraft to anyone that wants a decent plane that will not break the bank.

  • @mrbill8542
    @mrbill8542 6 місяців тому +3

    That flight was OUTSTANDING !!! you're a lucky man Mr. Jimmy !!!

  • @wesleyjamison4442
    @wesleyjamison4442 6 місяців тому +5

    Great video. Did not realize their operation was that big. A friend of mine built an RV-8 from scratch. A beautiful flying airplane. Wish Van's the best in their current struggles.

  • @kiwis0uth
    @kiwis0uth 6 місяців тому +3

    I doubt if you could have found a more knowledgeable chap to take you through the tour, Excellent

  • @jfarinacci0329
    @jfarinacci0329 5 місяців тому +5

    One of your most informative ad exciting videos yet Jimmy. Greg is truly gracious, knowledgeable, and a solid representative of Vans Aircraft Company. Thank you for this vedeo.

  • @62heliman
    @62heliman 6 місяців тому +6

    That was an awesome tour, Jimmy.

  • @600torque
    @600torque 6 місяців тому +9

    Jimmy, this is one of your top videos. well done.

  • @MD-NWWI
    @MD-NWWI 6 місяців тому +4

    I applied for a job at cirrus just so i could get a one on one tour. It's cool seeing how airplanes are built!

    • @twistedyogert
      @twistedyogert 6 місяців тому +2

      If you ever want to get a little dizzy, just look at a picture of Boeing's Everett plant.
      I can't imagine the army of people needed to churn out a 737 in only 18 hours.

  • @jamieclarke321
    @jamieclarke321 5 місяців тому +4

    The cameraman’s a bit jittery

  • @mikerv-9a494
    @mikerv-9a494 6 місяців тому +9

    Fantastic video. I built a RV-9A 12 years ago and love it. Always wanted to tour Van's facility but now have a pretty good idea of what it looks like. Vans if a great company and hope they are able to get back on track soon.

    • @jcheck6
      @jcheck6 6 місяців тому +1

      Got you beat Mike, finished my RV-4 34 yrs ago.

  • @laxplayer99
    @laxplayer99 6 місяців тому +10

    your camera operator could use a gimble rig

  • @Cupcardriver
    @Cupcardriver 6 місяців тому +15

    The greatest part of this video is all the employees doing exceptional work while still using their hands along with their brains. Being in the automotive business for 30yrs, younger kids generally seem to have an aversion to this type of work. I’m quite certain these are well compensated people. Kudos!!!

    • @ryansaindon5559
      @ryansaindon5559 6 місяців тому +1

      I'm 20 id love to work and do something like this there's so much to do and learn there. Currently working on trying to get my pilot's license and then amp school to get my mechanical and airframe certification.

    • @lwheatcraft
      @lwheatcraft 5 місяців тому

      @@ryansaindon5559that’s great! And don’t let OP’s anecdotal and discriminatory post get you down. Good luck! One point of order, it’s A&P school: airframe and powerplant.

  • @brentprosser7293
    @brentprosser7293 6 місяців тому +2

    Buck rivets are so hard to do solo. Thats why Sling has been gaining popularity using pull rivets.

  • @phillipclark9914
    @phillipclark9914 6 місяців тому +1

    My uncle has an RV-6 tail dragged he built years ago. Lots of fond memories in that one.

  • @P-J-W-777
    @P-J-W-777 6 місяців тому +4

    He makes a perfect point while telling his bird strike story and something I agree with very much. If you are going to fly you should spend hours in the cockpit on the ground learning the entire cockpit by feel. Had he not been able to remember his panel things might have worked out differently for him.

  • @Fast351
    @Fast351 6 місяців тому +4

    The RV14A is the plane I would build if I can figure out how to swing the build time. It's literally the perfect plane if it's just you and one person travelling. Nimble, fast, and pretty!.

  • @alanc6781
    @alanc6781 3 місяці тому

    I just showed a visitor a photo of my RV-4 which I built in the 1980's. Fabulous aircraft. In the 1990's I visited the factory and Richard took me for a demo flight in the RV-6. Magic stuff. I wish I could do it all over again, but I am a bit old now. Thank you, Richard, for a wonderful experience.

  • @RWBHere
    @RWBHere 6 місяців тому +4

    This is genuinely one of your most interesting videos, Jimmy. Thanks for sharing this experience with us. 🙂👍

  • @floridasaltlife
    @floridasaltlife 6 місяців тому +3

    Love the Vans airplanes, I always wanted the 8A

  • @jonathanfreedom1st
    @jonathanfreedom1st 6 місяців тому +8

    Jimmy's tour guide was an exceptional tour guide. Very knowledgeable, well spoken,descriptive and had a fairly pleasing voice. He did a great job. Now in fairness I'm not in the market for an aircraft, I couldn't be in the market for a riding lawn mower 😂😂 but nonetheless. Cheers Jimmy 🇺🇲

  • @XGamesJ6
    @XGamesJ6 6 місяців тому +2

    I would be so excited to build an airplane, I would nerd out throughout the whole thing, even after it's done

  • @berndm9743
    @berndm9743 6 місяців тому +2

    Most enjoyable tour and commentary. Thanks for taking us along 👍👍👍👍👍

  • @avrtt
    @avrtt 6 місяців тому +19

    Great video. Assuming you could find the hanger space, this would be a great video series. It would be great to see you and your son building one rather than spending time and money on A/C that have many issues.

    • @nedkelly22
      @nedkelly22 6 місяців тому +2

      The videos of a project like this would also be of enormous interest to youe subscribers.

  • @ChrisB257
    @ChrisB257 6 місяців тому +5

    For those who follow Flight Chops - his RV14 is a fantastic plane, and aero capable too. Lots of video of the build and plenty more videos since with flying. Fascinating video Jimmy and nice flight - and I'd hate to see Vans have to cease - the best kit planes out there IMO. :)

  • @conorhinds998
    @conorhinds998 6 місяців тому +2

    Wow, the take-off was quick and the pitch angle looked insane from the wing camera! Great video, lots of insight on the process and safety built into the aircraft.

  • @briancorbett8331
    @briancorbett8331 6 місяців тому +2

    I worked in fabrication at Douglas for part of my career, the forming of parts using form blocks always amazed me. Early 90s so transition from hand drawn MLO to CAD was occurring.
    Some of forming tools were from the 40s.

  • @Av8or7
    @Av8or7 6 місяців тому +16

    I don’t know when you shot this but Vans is having financial problems now. During the tour they were talking about shipping the buyer the kit to build one part of the airplane at a time. I am worried that if I buy one, I could get half way through the build and wouldn’t get the rest of my plane because the company went out of business. That wasn’t a worry until a week ago. Those of us why fly for fun should offer to donate to save this family owned company.

    • @twistedyogert
      @twistedyogert 6 місяців тому +1

      That's kinda sad. Their products look well made. Why are they in financial trouble? 😢

    • @wsmempson1
      @wsmempson1 6 місяців тому +11

      There are a few versions of the story doing the rounds at the moment. It would appear that they have had two main problems. Firstly, during the covid epidemic, they were swamped with orders that created a huge backlog of orders for which they had taken deposits (and thus committed themselves to delivering at the agreed price). In the interim, material and labour costs have soared leaving them out of pocket. Secondly, a sub-contractor that was using laser cutting to machine rivet holes, allegedly misused the technology and created a situation whereby the surrounding metal became brittle and then prone to cracking. So they have a large recall to manage and then the issue of having to supply replacement parts FOC. It appears to be a moving situation, but I'm sure they will get through it. Whether that will involve a chapter 11 situation, time will tell (which aircraft manufacturer has that NOT happened to?) time will tell. They're great aircraft, great guys, and I wish them well.

    • @Av8or7
      @Av8or7 6 місяців тому +1

      @@wsmempson1 which aircraft manufacturer hasn’t had to go through it? Van’s Aircraft. I sure hope they do make it. I have flown several Vans airplanes. I haven’t found one I dislike. The only reason I don’t own one is I don’t consider myself a builder. I had all I want, rebuilding an aircraft. At the same time I’m worried about buying used because I don’t know the quality of the build on someone else’s Vans.

    • @tropicthndr
      @tropicthndr 6 місяців тому +2

      You think that’s bad, watch the latest “Aerostar owners association” vids on parts availability, they’re all going to be grounded very soon with lack of parts being made. It’s a very telling forecast of the “certified aircraft market” as a whole. Experimental is the only way to go and stay flying.

    • @jcheck6
      @jcheck6 6 місяців тому +2

      @@pwffstube Some truth to what you stated but also the vendor did not use Van's pattern of starting the hole from the center but instead from the outer edge that created a heat/brittle issue.

  • @nikkojones2784
    @nikkojones2784 6 місяців тому +3

    Impressive build quality...quite the unit.

  • @ClearedAsFiled
    @ClearedAsFiled 6 місяців тому +2

    Dang.....Been wait8ng for this for the last 2 years....!!!!! Awesome Jimmy

  • @aFoundingYouTuber
    @aFoundingYouTuber 6 місяців тому

    Wow, that place is HUGE. And I notice the entire place is spotless and everything is in order. Most impressive.

  • @allengilby3054
    @allengilby3054 6 місяців тому +3

    Sheeze. What an operation that place is!!!

  • @davecasey4341
    @davecasey4341 6 місяців тому +4

    Sounds like a good idea for an addition to the cockpit. A small box attached to the bottom of the dash or the sidewall just big enough to hold a spare pair of glasses.

    • @alanc6781
      @alanc6781 3 місяці тому

      I would probably Velcro a soft something to somewhere convenient. Just in case.

  • @fractal4284
    @fractal4284 6 місяців тому +1

    I finished my aerolite 103 build this Friday was it's Maiden flight was so much fun...

  • @MH-on8ol
    @MH-on8ol 6 місяців тому

    Great tour and info. Thanks James

  • @grantnyenes3742
    @grantnyenes3742 6 місяців тому +4

    Excellent video Jimmy, could see you were loving it!

  • @michaelpilot1000
    @michaelpilot1000 6 місяців тому +4

    The RV flight was out of Pearson Airpark Vancouver Washington. I thought Vans was located near Hillsboro Oregon.
    Pearson is part of my old flying area.
    Its historical as the first airport in the early days of aviation. Its also the landing spot for the first Russia flight across the North Pole.

  • @sailingcapedissappointment2012
    @sailingcapedissappointment2012 5 місяців тому

    Brings back old memories, I used to fly in and out of there in the Christena Mini Coup , just a 22ft wingspan ....

  • @jaseg6673
    @jaseg6673 6 місяців тому +1

    What a coincidence, I work in the same area, and just got a ride in an Rv doing areobatics just the other day probably the same airspace. Cool to see Jimmy is in the area!

  • @bobmoyer8864
    @bobmoyer8864 6 місяців тому +4

    10,000 thumbs up on this episode.. great questionand answer sessions.... looks like you are reallyenjoyingthe Pacific NW.... how was it to fly with real mountains.... now we can say.... "out of the western sky comes Sky Jimmy"..... very coooooolllll!

  • @MT-cc2fz
    @MT-cc2fz 6 місяців тому +3

    Wow! maybe your best video ever. Truly enjoyable.

  • @paulg.yarger8797
    @paulg.yarger8797 6 місяців тому

    Cool, Thanks for the Tour Jimmy, and Vans Aircraft! Interesting for sure!

  • @davepeoples
    @davepeoples 6 місяців тому +2

    Great video! Thanks guys.

  • @bradley7723
    @bradley7723 6 місяців тому +4

    What an informative video. That was a pleasure to see how experimentals are produced.
    On another note I lived north of St. Helens when she blew and that sounded like a nuke bomb going off, not to mention the ash covered eastern Washington with inches of it.
    Must have been a blast to fly that plane, thank you for the video.

  • @speedonsteel
    @speedonsteel 6 місяців тому +7

    Hopefully they stay in business

  • @patrickscott-er1rr
    @patrickscott-er1rr 6 місяців тому

    Flew the RV 10 with Gus at Fun n Sun years ago sadly I did not build it, now sitting on the ground watching and sitting in the commercial seats. Miss it every day.

  • @maxhammontree3169
    @maxhammontree3169 6 місяців тому

    I love how you two constantly talk over each other.

  • @gregoryrizer
    @gregoryrizer 6 місяців тому +12

    That was totally awesome Jimmy that is one amazing airplane. Makes me want to purchase one besides the ultralight that I've been shopping around for. That plane you were in that can do 6 Gs + 3 Gs - is CRAZY. "What could possibly go wrong "

  • @daviddemarco7499
    @daviddemarco7499 6 місяців тому +3

    I'm getting motion sickness and only six minutes in. Why is the camera bobbing around like crazy!?

  • @musictheoryexcel7578
    @musictheoryexcel7578 6 місяців тому +2

    Jimmy, OMG what an amazing video. Thank you.

  • @bwnco
    @bwnco 4 місяці тому

    Been looking at Vans for 30 years now I love the RV for with the sliding cockpit cuz it looks like a fighter airplane the stall speed is awesome top speed is great I don't think you can beat this kit. I just don't have the skill I don't think to put one together or the patience hats off to those who have completed these kits!!

  • @papatangovictor
    @papatangovictor 6 місяців тому +9

    Very cool! I spent three years of my life (2012-2014) building an RV-12 here in Brazil. A phenomenal kit that is currently a bestseller. Unfortunately, I had to sell it during the divorce proceedings and was unable to fly on my plane. My ex-wife got half of the plane. In any case, it is better to lose the saddle than the horses. Sweet memories of a perfect moment in my life. Meanwhile, I've remarried twice more and am hoping for another opportunity to build an airplane again when I'm retired. Who knows?

  • @tomeauburn
    @tomeauburn 6 місяців тому +3

    Enjoyed this a lot. The safety manager built one of these kits at the small airport outside of Live Oak Fl. Always liked listening to his experiences.
    On the River Sturgeon topic they are in the Suwannee River. I was diving in the dark Tania water and just saw it approaching. Since it's on a few ft of vis wasn't sure if it was a bull shark coming upstream until the last minute. Scared the C out of me.
    On another note they jump out of the water fairly high and people on Jet Ski and boats have hit them. They injure people pretty bad and there have been a few deaths.

    • @tomeauburn
      @tomeauburn 6 місяців тому +2

      A interesting side note is the safety managers last name was Vans but not related of course. His instructor helped him and others that live around the airport to build the plane. I live a bit east of there in Lake City and we have a small airport. I have always wanted to learn to fly but never got the chance. I grew up next to a family that owned a charter service and flight school.

  • @chrisgilbert2152
    @chrisgilbert2152 6 місяців тому +2

    without a doubt, THE MOST INTERESTING VIDEOS TO DATE!! Kudos to the spokesman, fantastic info. I dont fly, BUT I WANT ONE!!

  • @Watson1
    @Watson1 3 місяці тому +1

    When you ask a question, give him time to answer it. Don’t talk over him. Dan Johnston makes this mistake all too often. Let them talk, because they will answer your question, but may have something else to include. Great video 👍🏻🇦🇺

  • @larrysouthern5098
    @larrysouthern5098 6 місяців тому +4

    Jimmy...you lucky dog....
    If you are serious about building your own airplane...
    THIS IS WHERE THE BIG BOYS GET THEIR STUFF...
    GREAT VIDEO...
    I remember back a few years ago..
    Hot Rod Magazine had a cartoon..
    There were two guys looking hapilly at a finished rail dragsters
    Front end..
    there were two shiny spoked wheels attached to the front rail assembly and a fiberglass nose cone..
    That was it....
    Behind them in the garage was a large wooden crate un opened that said ( Engine..rearend..mainbody frame and rear wheels..Asembly required)
    One of the guys looked at the other one and proudly said:
    WELL NOW THAT WE GOT THE HARD PART DONE...WE SHOULD BE RACING THIS DRAGSTER IN A COUPLE OF DAYS....
    NO PROBLEM...
    😮 😂 👀

  • @peterwebster3076
    @peterwebster3076 6 місяців тому +3

    great video jimmy you really need to build a kit plane it would be an awesome video series go for it please

  • @FernandoSLima
    @FernandoSLima 3 місяці тому

    I used to fly an RV6... and RV10... They are amazing!!!!!!!

  • @TeachingAviation
    @TeachingAviation 5 місяців тому +2

    Great I have built about 10 different RV7 and RV10. What a great designed kit plane. All with Lycoming engines. Haven't done one with a Rotax yet.

  • @Alex420DT
    @Alex420DT 6 місяців тому +3

    man rich people really live different

  • @WhereNerdyisCool
    @WhereNerdyisCool 6 місяців тому +3

    Interesting timing given they just announced they are having some serious financial issues - which I hope they can resolve!

  • @trig1900
    @trig1900 2 місяці тому

    LOVE the experimental! Magic aircraft with great visibility. Thanks for the video!

  • @bnelson313braveheart8
    @bnelson313braveheart8 6 місяців тому +1

    Great informative tour Jimmy!

  • @johnfitzpatrick2469
    @johnfitzpatrick2469 6 місяців тому +3

    G,day Jimmy from Sydney Australia. Absolutely fantastic episode this week. I really enjoyed and appreciated the look into Vans Aircraft company manufacturing facilities. Words like;
    * production efficiency
    * partners and stakeholders
    The product knowledge and experience of experimental plane building unsurpassed.
    Birdstrike over the "Rockies"
    Was the windshield plexiglass? I often think of the central support division to divide the screen into two?
    🇭🇲🐝