At least another two weeks...

I talked to Van's today.

My kit is complete, but there's a two week backlog in getting it crated and shipped.

They're doing more business than they know what to do with out there, which if a luxury item like a homebuilt airplane is any kind of economic barometer, it really makes me wonder where exactly we are with regards to an economic recovery.

Interestingly, it's not just the RV-12 that's selling like hotcakes, although they do tend to get back logged on that one quicker because they're selling very fast and for that kit "they do everything but the fiberglass in-house." I'm not sure what that means with relation to the other kits, unless she was referring to the quick build kits that get farmed out internationally.

The 12's also backlog much more quickly because they build so much faster than the other models.

So, two weeks more without my winter project. That means I might as well hunker down and get my taxes done (which never improves my mood) and accelerate the annual inspection on the RV-6. No sense putting that off, even if it isn't due until April.

I'm also strongly considering getting the wing kit ordered. I haven't broached the subject with the Schmetterling CEO yet, but if it's going to be four or five months (that's the most recent estimate and she said it is getting ready to slide back again), I ought to get my place in line secured.

Tracking my tail

As of this morning, October 8, 2009, the tracking status of my tail kit is:

YOUR SHIPMENT WAS DISPATCHED FROM OMAHA, NE TO SOUTH CHICAGO, IL (WITH AN ETA OF 10/08 AT 12:08) LOADED TO SOUTH CHICAGO, IL.

They're estimating delivery on Tuesday, 10/13. I'm not sure how that makes sense - it should be in Columbus tomorrow. I wonder if instead of me picking it up at their central facility, they're bringing it to my house. That would be nice; it's in a big 10' long crate and weighs 203 pounds.

Sure, I could lift the weight by myself, but the size of the crate is too unwieldy.

Ok, you're right. Even my share of 101.5 pounds is way more than I want to lift. It's going to be just like the kayak kit: dump the big box in the garage and I will carry the pieces/parts to the basement one by one.

Tail is on the way!

I'm not sure when it will arrive, but the RV-12 tail kit is definitely on the way. Van's has been dead silent on the issue (although I've been told that official notification will come via postal mail) but Visa has not: the charge was applied to my card. I think they immediately charge a 25% or 50% (can't remember which) deposit charge when you order one of the major kits, but I would be surprised if they put a charge for 100% of the cost on my Visa if they didn't have the kit in stock and ready to ship.

Shipping is reportedly not going to be quite as easy as the kayak was - they brought that right to the door. Apparently these kits get shipping via commercial haulers and you have to go pick the kit up at the local (hopefully) transfer station. Inconvenient and expensive; I guess it's yet another measure of your devotion to the cause. Hey, if it was easy, everyone would build an airplane. And what kind of world would that be?? Ok, a pretty good one, but still!

My decision to go with the RV-12 (or more accurately, the factors I used to make my decision) continue to be reinforced by those that have gone before me. Consider this missive posted on the Van's Air Force forum:

RV-12: An Open Letter To Van's Aircraft

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I'm done with building portion of the RV-12, and I'm now looking forward to the flight testing phase. I was issued an air worthiness certificate yesterday for N912VZ with no squawks.

Thank you Van's for a great airplane kit, and all your help.

I learned during the inspection that my DAR built serial number #6 RV-3. He talked about construction of jigs, plumb lines, drilling this & spacing that, bending everything to fit. When I told him how compete the RV-12 kit comes he was amazed, but not surprised. "Van has always been on the cutting edge of kit planes". ; he said. But he was really surprised at the in depth completeness of materials, parts, plans, and paper work. Seriously, the RV-12 is a modern engineering marvel, second to none, and in some ways those of us who have or are building the RV-12 are just as much pioneers as the first RV-3 builds were.

Thank you Van's for being a pioneer in homebuilt aircraft kit building.

There have been a few challenges along the way and I may have been vocal about them here on VAF, but the challenges themselves have been very minor in scope given the immensity and complexity of the RV-12 E-LSA project. I sincerely hope, in some small way, I have contributed to the process for creating the new frontier in kit built aircraft.

Thank you Vans, for allowing me to "participate".

Personally, I have throughly enjoyed every minute. The building process, the materials, plans, directions, and instructions are 1st class, top of the line. I have throughly enjoyed interacting with Van employees, engineers, the man himself, others on this website, and the hours spent sending e-mails and phone calls back and forth. The VAF / RV family is truly one of a kind.

Thank you Van's Aircraft for making my dreams come true.

Press Release

PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
SEPTEMBER 29, 2009


Schmetterling Aviation
Office of Public Relations
Contact: Mr. Hogarth Kramer
SchmetterlingAviation.blogspot.com


SCHMETTERLING AVIATION TO PROCURE VANS RV-12 TAIL KIT


Grove City, OH: Schmetterling Aviation announced today that a late evening discussion between the CEO and the locally-based Production Supervisor has resulted in the decision to proceed with the procurement of an RV-12 Empennage/Tailcone Kit from Van's Aircraft of Aurora Oregon. This kit will begin a years long effort that Schmetterling Aviation spokesdog Hogarth Kramer says will culminate in the completion of an entire aircraft. Delivery of the kit is expected within a couple of weeks. Construction of the aircraft will begin upon the completion of a detailed inventory of the kit.


Schmetterling Aviation is the aviation-related venture capital firm recently founded by Big Hat Stable, LLC of Bradford, OH. Big Hat Stable has heretofore concentrated its efforts on horse and automobile racing. The creation of Schmetterling Aviation marks a bold new direction in capital investment.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

SEPTEMBER 29, 2009