I'd be curious to know what percentage of this channel's subscribers are actually in the financial position to buy an aircraft. I definitely don't have that kind of scratch, but still find the content very interesting.
I like to think "one day". If you're into real-estate investing basically $1 in real-estate fully capitalized can pay for $1 in aircraft. So buy a house to rent out, pay it off in 25 years of rentals keep it paid off and use profit to pay for flying a plane of similar value to the house or something to that effect.
As a point of information, I'm currently working on my private pilot's certificate (and maybe an endorsement or two) and I fully intend on purchasing an airplane within the next year or so.
I'm 6'3" and flew in the backseat of an RV8. I was very comfortable at that height especially with the stick yoke where I don't have to worry about my knees obstructing the more conventional yokes in single engine pipers and cessnas. Also, plenty more head clearance than those single engine cessnas and pipers. Typically the top of my headset just barely fits under with a half inch to spare in those planes, but in the RV8 I have at least four inches of clearance. This is plenty of room even when inverted 🙃
In experimentals Parts are cheaper. Few rules about the avionics and other parts you can install. Possible to do all labor yourself. Cheaper upfront costs. The price differences can be dramatic.
Absolutely wonderful! My dream plane is the RV-8. Buddy of mine has a high-compression IO-360 200hp on his with a Hertzel constant-speed. Thing climbs like a homesick angel and slows down on a dime - so I'm told. As always, LOVE your videos man!
Presently building a RV-8 taildragger, and yes, I know the EXACT cost. Do your reasearch, get on the VAF forums, and join EAA. You can get the cost down to $75K for a bare bones airplane. LOTS of ways to save money building these aircraft.
There comes a point to ask, is it worth it? I think the rule of thirds is a pretty good indication for kit planes. 1/3 is the kit cost, 1/3 is the engine cost, 1/3 avionics cost.
1/3 rule is a good guideline. In my experience its even closer 1/4. And the 4th quarter being misc. Shipping, taxes, government fees, tools, primer, paint, tank sealant, odds and ends at harbor freight, workshop items, it goes on and on. When I was building my Vans the misc category of costs kept pace with the others. Not to mention reordering ruined parts, dang, I mentioned it. I paid $200 just for shipping to replace a rudder skin i bungled up.
@@TheOwenMajor The engine + propeller is the highest cost, way over the 1/3 ratio. If you don't have the skill and don't have 5 years to build, look to buy. There are a lot of low time Vans for sale now; low time in comparison to the certificated Cessna/Piper
Sling High Wing TSI, I know it's new to the market but it's the plane I want to save up for and buy in the future! Such a cool nee design that feels like a modern day C172
I looked at buying an experimental, including an RV-6 or RV-7, among others. Biggest barrier was insurance. Companies either refused to insure altogether, or wouldn’t insure the airplane once its wheels left the ground, which was pointless.
Just bought an RV-8 last month. So far it’s been a blast and seems to do pretty much everything reasonably well. Did transition training in an RV-7 and believe it or not the -8 is easier for me to land (mostly wheel landings) than the -7. Looking forward to learning formation flying as well as additional aerobatics. 😊
I'm considering buying one, but am torn between it and an ACA Super Decathlon. I know the former will be much faster in cruise, and have that "fighter" feel. But I just love Super Ds. And for the RV8s and Super Ds I am considering, the prices are in the same ballpark. So, it's a good problem to have. Nevertheless, I'd be interested in your take on this matter.
@@Ethan-bu2zy I'll be contacting the closest EAA chapter to see if they know anyone with an RV8. Good advice. By the way, most of my time in in TW aircraft. I owned a Citabria and later, a Globe Swift with the O-360 engine and CS prop. I have looked over the cockpits in some of these RV8s listed, and they seem straightforward. I don't imagine it would take too long to up to speed on one. A pilot I know who owns an RV4 said they are easy to fly with good air and ground handling characteristics. In other words, no bad habits. The same cannot be said of the Swift if you did not respect it and operate it as designed. It was not a forgiving airplane as far as its ground handling. They don't even like being three pointed. You have to wheel land them, or risk pranging the landing gear.
$500 annual (condition inspection in the experimental world) is unrealistically low in my experience, unless you were the builder and do it yourself. I've owned three experimentals (including an RV-9) and two certified aircraft.
I budget for doing your own annuals on experimentals. In USA you need to build the plane to do the maintenance but most places the owner can do their own whether they built the plane or not.
If you want to send me one I'll put it in my plane and review it on my channel. Just bought the plane, about to do the big reveal. Just a thought, actually needs a new battery too.
@@CompleteWalkaround I'd like to see actual airplane pictures in a video with an actual person. Cant give away free batteries, but, email me for a deal.
Who buys a tail-dragger? Ground loops happen to military, stunt, crop-duster pilots, professionals all...everyone. Why buy and choose to fly a guaranteed accident?
The guys who got into aviation because it makes them feel better than others (With the exception of people who fly STOL). Spend enough time on the internet and you will find plenty of macho pilots who bemoan technology, efis, tricycle gear, BRS ect. They boast about flying the old six-pact tail dragger and say if you don't you're not a "real" pilot. They tend to be dinosaurs like blancolirio or Dan Gryder.
Tail draggers are more fun for me to fly. Flying has risks, I accept that. May I some day ground loop and bend metal? Sure. I could. And I’ll make my insurance claim and move on with my day. Aviation is interesting to me, in that every pilot I know has some thing they call “unsafe” and can’t believe people do it. Single engine over water. Trail dragged. Aerobatics. Off airport landings. Single engine IFR. At the end of the day, it’s a hobby. We do it because it’s great fun, and we should all get the specific training for the type of flying we do, and stay proficient at it. I’m building an RV-8. It’s a tail dragger.
Who buys a taildragger? I do…for many reasons. They are an absolute joy to learn how to fly! Once you develop the skills to properly take off and land a TW, you’ll never want to go back to a nose dragger. Nothing against tricycle gear, as that is what I got my private in, but a tailwheel just can be so much more rewarding. It teaches you to use all four limbs and creates great crosswind techniques and skill. You mention why choose a “guaranteed accident”? Yes, a ground loop is somewhat common place in the taildragger world but consistency, precision, proficiency, and awareness help you avoid it as much as possible. It amazes how many tricycle gear pilots manage to ground loop their aircraft. Again, tailwheel teaches you how to really use your feet. A tricycle gear just doesn’t require it. Learning this and mastering a great crosswind landing in a taildragger is so rewarding!! Just my two cents!
@@TheOwenMajor Yeah, I’ve never liked that attitude about “real pilots”. But I have a few tail draggers just because I wanted to try something different. The most important thing is to fly whatever gets you in the air!!
I bought an RV-8 kit, in no small part because of your RV-14 video.
Tail is done, waiting on wing. Totally gonna go 180HP engine.
That's really great Jon, Good luck with the rest and thanks once again 😀
Building my second RV8, fun to build, fun to fly. Why can you expect more?
I'd be curious to know what percentage of this channel's subscribers are actually in the financial position to buy an aircraft. I definitely don't have that kind of scratch, but still find the content very interesting.
Not this guy. Not even close to that kind of financial position.
I can afford plane kits, but only up to 1/48
I like to think "one day".
If you're into real-estate investing basically $1 in real-estate fully capitalized can pay for $1 in aircraft. So buy a house to rent out, pay it off in 25 years of rentals keep it paid off and use profit to pay for flying a plane of similar value to the house or something to that effect.
Most of us have at least one kidney to sell
As a point of information, I'm currently working on my private pilot's certificate (and maybe an endorsement or two) and I fully intend on purchasing an airplane within the next year or so.
I’m 6’ 5” and I’ll definitely get a perm for the next time I can snag a ride in one of these 😆 great video!
NOdak hiiii
I love you content
I'm 6'3" and flew in the backseat of an RV8. I was very comfortable at that height especially with the stick yoke where I don't have to worry about my knees obstructing the more conventional yokes in single engine pipers and cessnas. Also, plenty more head clearance than those single engine cessnas and pipers. Typically the top of my headset just barely fits under with a half inch to spare in those planes, but in the RV8 I have at least four inches of clearance. This is plenty of room even when inverted 🙃
Thanks for thr info!! I'm 6'4" and am looking to purchase a RV8 in the future
Once again the commentary is precise, relevant, and loaded with at least one witty gem: I could close the canopy without flatting my perm.
I'd love for you to break down the difference between owning an experimental aircraft versus a regular one.
In experimentals Parts are cheaper. Few rules about the avionics and other parts you can install. Possible to do all labor yourself. Cheaper upfront costs. The price differences can be dramatic.
Absolutely wonderful! My dream plane is the RV-8. Buddy of mine has a high-compression IO-360 200hp on his with a Hertzel constant-speed. Thing climbs like a homesick angel and slows down on a dime - so I'm told. As always, LOVE your videos man!
At 6’9 and the need for speed / craving agility, this really has seemed like the best option for me under $500k
Love my RV-8A. Great video!
I flew in a rv 8 a few months ago, it was painted to look like a p51 mustang. Awesome plane.
Presently building a RV-8 taildragger, and yes, I know the EXACT cost. Do your reasearch, get on the VAF forums, and join EAA. You can get the cost down to $75K for a bare bones airplane. LOTS of ways to save money building these aircraft.
There comes a point to ask, is it worth it? I think the rule of thirds is a pretty good indication for kit planes.
1/3 is the kit cost, 1/3 is the engine cost, 1/3 avionics cost.
And the 90/90 rule of building
90% done 90% to go
1/3 rule is a good guideline. In my experience its even closer 1/4. And the 4th quarter being misc. Shipping, taxes, government fees, tools, primer, paint, tank sealant, odds and ends at harbor freight, workshop items, it goes on and on. When I was building my Vans the misc category of costs kept pace with the others. Not to mention reordering ruined parts, dang, I mentioned it. I paid $200 just for shipping to replace a rudder skin i bungled up.
@@TheOwenMajor The engine + propeller is the highest cost, way over the 1/3 ratio. If you don't have the skill and don't have 5 years to build, look to buy. There are a lot of low time Vans for sale now; low time in comparison to the certificated Cessna/Piper
Currently building my RV-8A. Great video thanks.
How's the build going?
Sling High Wing TSI, I know it's new to the market but it's the plane I want to save up for and buy in the future! Such a cool nee design that feels like a modern day C172
I hope you keep making these for a long long time.
I looked at buying an experimental, including an RV-6 or RV-7, among others. Biggest barrier was insurance. Companies either refused to insure altogether, or wouldn’t insure the airplane once its wheels left the ground, which was pointless.
EAA has an insurance department. They will insure just about any experimental you could want.
@@CompleteWalkaround Good to know!
Just bought an RV-8 last month. So far it’s been a blast and seems to do pretty much everything reasonably well. Did transition training in an RV-7 and believe it or not the -8 is easier for me to land (mostly wheel landings) than the -7. Looking forward to learning formation flying as well as additional aerobatics. 😊
I'm considering buying one, but am torn between it and an ACA Super Decathlon. I know the former will be much faster in cruise, and have that "fighter" feel. But I just love Super Ds. And for the RV8s and Super Ds I am considering, the prices are in the same ballpark. So, it's a good problem to have. Nevertheless, I'd be interested in your take on this matter.
@@lonzo61 haven’t ever flown a Super-D but have flown a Citabria. Would highly recommend getting a flight in an RV-8 before making the decision.
@@Ethan-bu2zy That's what I will have to do. I'll poke around and find an owner of one within a couple hour drive.
@@lonzo61 you should definitely do that. That experience would be well worth it!
@@Ethan-bu2zy I'll be contacting the closest EAA chapter to see if they know anyone with an RV8. Good advice.
By the way, most of my time in in TW aircraft. I owned a Citabria and later, a Globe Swift with the O-360 engine and CS prop. I have looked over the cockpits in some of these RV8s listed, and they seem straightforward. I don't imagine it would take too long to up to speed on one. A pilot I know who owns an RV4 said they are easy to fly with good air and ground handling characteristics. In other words, no bad habits.
The same cannot be said of the Swift if you did not respect it and operate it as designed. It was not a forgiving airplane as far as its ground handling. They don't even like being three pointed. You have to wheel land them, or risk pranging the landing gear.
Awesome video as always! Can you do an aircraft from EXTRA? 🙏
ua-cam.com/video/2t7WMdEAX64/v-deo.html
Have to go for the tricycle gear. Don't have the tail-wheel endorsement yet
Please do a cost to own for the vans RV-12!
should do the Pipistrel Virus/Sinus/Alpha Trainer sometime
And a Shark Aero Shark. Cute airplane!
Can we get a video for an rv12? for us slower guys lol
This is the plane that I'd personally love to build and own, if I ever get the money.
Please do the Ikarus C42. It’s the one I’m learning on at the moment 👍
Hey man are you able to do the Aeronca Champ next (7AC)
Can you do one on the Luscombe 8? :)
Can you do the Supercub next?
Hows your rv14 build going
How does these costs compare to C-172?
I have a 172 video completewalkaround.com/video-library
Do the RV7
$500 annual (condition inspection in the experimental world) is unrealistically low in my experience, unless you were the builder and do it yourself. I've owned three experimentals (including an RV-9) and two certified aircraft.
I budget for doing your own annuals on experimentals. In USA you need to build the plane to do the maintenance but most places the owner can do their own whether they built the plane or not.
Thanks!
I would love one
Without a doubt this is the sexiest home built on the planet. Vans beat “weird science” w this one 😂
“Carries a bunch of stuff.” Hahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha
A comb is a lot.
First to comment! Woo! Can you do a Cessna 340A Ram VII?
NICE!!!!!!!!!
reduce cost of flying by getting a lithium battery from Aerolithium, lasts longer, lightweight.
If you want to send me one I'll put it in my plane and review it on my channel. Just bought the plane, about to do the big reveal. Just a thought, actually needs a new battery too.
@@CompleteWalkaround I'd like to see actual airplane pictures in a video with an actual person. Cant give away free batteries, but, email me for a deal.
Tall guys unite!
ROLF
Who buys a tail-dragger? Ground loops happen to military, stunt, crop-duster pilots, professionals all...everyone. Why buy and choose to fly a guaranteed accident?
The guys who got into aviation because it makes them feel better than others (With the exception of people who fly STOL).
Spend enough time on the internet and you will find plenty of macho pilots who bemoan technology, efis, tricycle gear, BRS ect. They boast about flying the old six-pact tail dragger and say if you don't you're not a "real" pilot.
They tend to be dinosaurs like blancolirio or Dan Gryder.
I will give my own thoughts on this soon
Tail draggers are more fun for me to fly. Flying has risks, I accept that. May I some day ground loop and bend metal? Sure. I could. And I’ll make my insurance claim and move on with my day.
Aviation is interesting to me, in that every pilot I know has some thing they call “unsafe” and can’t believe people do it.
Single engine over water.
Trail dragged.
Aerobatics.
Off airport landings.
Single engine IFR.
At the end of the day, it’s a hobby. We do it because it’s great fun, and we should all get the specific training for the type of flying we do, and stay proficient at it.
I’m building an RV-8. It’s a tail dragger.
Who buys a taildragger? I do…for many reasons. They are an absolute joy to learn how to fly! Once you develop the skills to properly take off and land a TW, you’ll never want to go back to a nose dragger. Nothing against tricycle gear, as that is what I got my private in, but a tailwheel just can be so much more rewarding. It teaches you to use all four limbs and creates great crosswind techniques and skill. You mention why choose a “guaranteed accident”? Yes, a ground loop is somewhat common place in the taildragger world but consistency, precision, proficiency, and awareness help you avoid it as much as possible. It amazes how many tricycle gear pilots manage to ground loop their aircraft. Again, tailwheel teaches you how to really use your feet. A tricycle gear just doesn’t require it. Learning this and mastering a great crosswind landing in a taildragger is so rewarding!! Just my two cents!
@@TheOwenMajor Yeah, I’ve never liked that attitude about “real pilots”. But I have a few tail draggers just because I wanted to try something different. The most important thing is to fly whatever gets you in the air!!
Rv-4 is faster on average
No chance
According to Vans, RV7 and 8 and 10 have higher top speeds than the RV4. The RV 3, 7, 8 and 10 have higher cruise speeds.
This video is not for my income bracket