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Van's Aircraft, Inc. RV-12

Website: http://www.vansaircraft.com

Email: info@vansaircraft.com

Phone: (503) 678-6545

Aurora, OR 97002 - USA

Emirates Airline Employees Build an RV-12

By Dan Johnson || November 10, 2013 Leave a Comment

Earlier this year, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) announced in Abu Dhabi a regulation for Light-Sport Aircraft by the director-general of the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), Saif Mohammed Al Suwaidi. GCAA reported, "Sport aviation enthusiasts will be given access to light aircraft of certain specifications only at licensed sport aviation clubs in the UAE, according to a statement by the civil aviation regulator." This action represents another country to join the parade of those accepting ASTM industry consensus standards as a means of approving an aircraft. As we reported in March this year, UAE adds to USA, Australia, Columbia, Brazil, the EU, and China as countries that embrace either a nearly identical regulation to the U.S., or at least they accept the ASTM standards with some differences in their country. For example, some countries allow in-flight adjustable props where the U.S. does not, however, the ASTM standards accommodate that difference and can do so for other differences far more easily than a hodgepodge of regulations in each country. Some places (EU, China) require more, such as a restricted or special type certificate and possibly design and production organization approval. Now, UAE is getting its first example, even before the new rule making has wound its way through the full bureaucratic process. UAE's Emirates Airline did something completely different when airline employees built and unveiled a Light-Sport Aircraft. A group of 40 trainees (photo) assembled what they report as 11,000 parts in two years to complete a Van's RV-12. "Constructing this aircraft from scratch is a tremendous achievement for our trainees whose knowledge and hands-on technical experience have now been significantly enhanced," Emirates executive vice-president and chief operations officer Adel Al Redha said in a statement to Khaleej Times. Another official said Emirates Airline's continued fleet growth caused a need for continued investment in engineering and aftermarket services. "Building this new sport airplane with its trainee engineers gives the airline a hands on-approach to learning differing techniques on airplane manufacture, servicing, maintenance and inspections," the official said. In a process familiar to any American home builder, Emirates Airline COO Al Redha said the trainees' first task was to unpack the crates, check the components against the inventory and create a storage system where items could be easily retrieved. The build process started with the aircraft's tail fin and rudder. Along the way, students learned about the alignment of different sections, anti-corrosive treatments, painting, drilling, wiring, testing and approval processes. "The canopy and rear window proved to be a huge challenge as the thermoplastic glass had to be drilled without cracking. This required extreme patience and was fortunately completed without any mishaps," Al Redha added. The RV-12 will be used to promote Emirates' UAE National training programs. New RTF RV-12s — At nearly the same time Emirates employees were finishing their RV-12, Van's Aircraft announced availability of their second batch of what they call "a fully-finished, fly-away, pick-it-up-at-the-factory-door airplane." Company founder and aviation icon Dick VanGrusven said, "We believe our factory built RV-12 S-LSA will provide opportunities for GA growth," as he referenced flight schools and flying clubs, as well as individuals. "We've been pleased to see the RV-12 serve as a core for several flying partnerships" A new group of '12s is now under construction with delivery available "soon." Prices range between $115,000 and $123,000. Each RV-12 uses the Rotax 912ULS engine, a ground-adjustable carbon fiber Sensenich (video) propeller, Dynon's SkyView, and Garmin comm radio plus day/night Aero LED lighting, and a nicely outfitted interior rounds out the standard equipment, said Van's Aircraft. Options include 2-axis autopilot, ADS-B with weather and traffic information, matching wheel fairings and a pinstriped paint scheme in a choice of seven different colors. The first dozen RTF '12s sold out quickly so interested buyers might need to act quickly. Van's has a dedicated website expressly for the fully-built RV-12 with full specs and pricing. If you're ready to act, contact Van's directly at this email.

Van’s Announces Fully Built (SLSA) RV-12

By Dan Johnson || October 13, 2012 Leave a Comment

Something new from big kit producer, Van's Aircraft. Read my experience flying the RV-12.

Nearly 200 RV-12 kits are reported flying.

Forty years of Van's popular RV line of kits was celebrated this year.

Experimental Amateur Built kits and ELSA are all buyers could choose until yesterday. Watch our video about the kit project.

Honestly, I didn't expect much LSA news at AOPA's Summit in Palm Springs, California this week. Despite several LSA on display (Kitfox, Evektor, Flight Design, Arion, Jabiru, SportCruiser, Skycatcher, and CubCrafters), the AOPA event is not a common place for Light-Sport announcements. Certainly I didn't expect the world's largest * supplier of kit aircraft to offer a fully built Special LSA. Van's Aircraft, Inc.. reported, [We are] pleased to announce a new program to build completed, fly-away, RV-12s." The Aurora, Oregon company detailed a working agreement with Synergy Air to manufacture the airplanes in the U.S.A. Synergy Air is a well-established company providing instructional seminars, videos, and builder assistance to complete kit airplanes, located at the Eugene, Oregon airport. Van's noted, "Nearly 200 kit-built RV-12s have been completed and flown as ELSA and EAB aircraft, accumulating thousands of hours in the hands of typical pilots." Under LSA rules, the company famous for their line of RV models had to fully build one RV-12 in order to sell ELSA kits. However, until now, that's been the only factory built example though more than 300 kits have been delivered and almost 200 are operating today. "Production SLSA RV-12s will include the benefits of this real-world flight experience, rather than just factory testing done by professional pilots," observed the well-known kit producer. It gets better for those who have lamented the high cost of the top-of-the-line models. "Introductory price of the completed airplane is targeted at $105,000," stated Van's. Standard equipment will include the [not fuel injected] Rotax 912ULS engine; Dynon's Skyview EFIS, which includes a Mode S transponder and GPS); Garmin's SL-40 comm radio, Flightcom stereo intercom; 406Mhz ELT; Flightline interior; and LED lighting for night flight. Options will include wheelpants, ADS-B equipment, a two-axis autopilot, premium paint finishes, and Oregon Aero seats and interior. Synergy Air is building an initial production run of a dozen aircraft to define and codify the production process. "We plan to offer these 12 aircraft as 'Signature Edition' models that will include all options at an introductory price of $115,000, ready for fly-away delivery at the factory," said Van's. That makes a good deal an even better one for the first buyers. Van's said that it is working to establish a network of Service Centers to maintain and repair the RV-12. "We plan to begin accepting orders before the end of November 2012, and expect initial deliveries in early 2013. Those interested in reserving a delivery position may contact Van's by calling Gus Funnell at Van's Aircraft 503-678-6545 or via email. Many expected Van's might one day offer a fully-built model and now, finally, RV-12 in SLSA form is coming. Check their intro video below. * Van's Aircraft is widely regarded as the leader in the kit airplane industry, with a most impressive 8,000 RVs flying around the globe. However, Quicksilver Aeronautics has delivered almost twice as many of their much-simpler aircraft. Without question, though, Van's is the present-day leading kit supplier as the company reports producing kits for over 500 complete airplanes each year.

Honestly, I didn’t expect much LSA news at AOPA’s Summit in Palm Springs, California this week. Despite several LSA on display (Kitfox, Evektor, Flight Design, Arion, Jabiru, SportCruiser, Skycatcher, and CubCrafters), the AOPA event is not a common place for Light-Sport announcements. Certainly I didn’t expect the world’s largest * supplier of kit aircraft to offer a fully built Special LSA. Van’s Aircraft, Inc.. reported, [We are] pleased to announce a new program to build completed, fly-away, RV-12s.” The Aurora, Oregon company detailed a working agreement with Synergy Air to manufacture the airplanes in the U.S.A. Synergy Air is a well-established company providing instructional seminars, videos, and builder assistance to complete kit airplanes, located at the Eugene, Oregon airport. Van’s noted, “Nearly 200 kit-built RV-12s have been completed and flown as ELSA and EAB aircraft, accumulating thousands of hours in the hands of typical pilots.” Under LSA rules, the company famous for their line of RV models had to fully build one RV-12 in order to sell ELSA kits.

Flying the Van’s Aircraft RV-12

By Dan Johnson || April 19, 2010 Leave a Comment

RV-12 rear quarter

Checking out in the RV-12 with 11,000-hour RV instructor Mike Seager (15,000 hours total time) was a professionally-handled experience.

After mounting the wing from the front, you can simply step onto the floor of the RV-12.

While lots of attention was paid to the PiperSport at Sun 'n Fun 2010, and while Cessna's Skycatcher remains the dominant collector of order deposits, another legacy producer that has entered the LSA sector is Van's Aircraft. *** By most reckoning, Van's can lay claim to being the largest kit aircraft company in the world. Their LSA-sized RV-12 represents another indication that major manufacturers see merit in Light-Sport Aircraft. I finally got a flight in this new model; my full report will appear in a future issue of Plane & Pilot magazine but here are some sample bits. *** Most simply put, RV-12 is a Van's. My experience in a RV-4 and -9 -- plus affirmative comments from folks with much more RV experience -- confirms the same great qualities found throughout the Van's lineup. These shared characteristics include light responsive controls with ailerons truly pleasant. Many GA drivers will sense the RV-12 to be notably lighter handling than their experience, however, they'll get used to it quickly. *** Though it may not look as sleek as the shapely carbon fiber LSA, RV-12 proves its cleanliness by quickly accelerating as you lower the nose, and, on approach at 65 knots, the -12 retains plenty of float. *** Stalls were very slow, in the high-30-knot range and stall behavior -- power off or with full throttle -- was excellent, a clean break but no tendency to drop a wing. *** Pricing the RV-12 kit components offers us a clue about general cost-of-production for any fully-built LSA. The -12 airframe kit with interior is a relative bargain, roughly $23,000. The powerplant kit represents a larger share at $27,000. Van's avionics kit boosts the total another $13,000 before extras like a second Dynon screen ($2,350) or an autopilot ($2,000). Thus, with kit shipping, paint, and finished interior, I estimate you'll reach approximately $70,000. Assuming about 500 hours* of experienced, professional building labor in a facility with tools valued at only $30 per hour, a finished RV-12 is worth something like $85,000, a figure covering only modest profit and marketing. Perhaps this helps put general LSA prices in better perspective. *Van's estimates the build time for an "average builder" to be 700-900 hours to a paint-ready stage.

While lots of attention was paid to the PiperSport at Sun ‘n Fun 2010, and while Cessna’s Skycatcher remains the dominant collector of order deposits, another legacy producer that has entered the LSA sector is Van’s Aircraft. *** By most reckoning, Van’s can lay claim to being the largest kit aircraft company in the world. Their LSA-sized RV-12 represents another indication that major manufacturers see merit in Light-Sport Aircraft. I finally got a flight in this new model; my full report will appear in a future issue of Plane & Pilot magazine but here are some sample bits. *** Most simply put, RV-12 is a Van’s. My experience in a RV-4 and -9 — plus affirmative comments from folks with much more RV experience — confirms the same great qualities found throughout the Van’s lineup. These shared characteristics include light responsive controls with ailerons truly pleasant.

Legendary “Van” Flies His Own RV-12… to Work!

By Dan Johnson || January 14, 2010 Leave a Comment

RV-12 N912VA, known as "New Blue," is based in Maryland and was built and flown by Van's East Coast rep, Mitch Lock. Look for New Blue at Sebring and Sun 'n Fun. "Ole Blue" is the original prototype RV-6A, still soldiering along with 5,000+ hours on the airframe, said spokesman Ken Scott. Click for RV-12 specs and info.

Yes, Cessna's Light-Sport Aircraft entry helps to validate the concept of industry consensus standards in lieu of government certification. They'll populate airports with their C-162 Skycatcher as shipments ramp up in 2010. Yes, other big companies are looking at LSA -- as most LSA enthusiasts know Cirrus offered an entry though work has stalled, and late 2009 rumors hint at entry by another legacy brand. *** While it's good to see big boys coming into the game, the biggest-of-all kit builder is also playing. And, in their characteristic way, Van's Aircraft is quietly racking up sales. According to Ken Scott, "We've sold 315 [starter kits] for RV-12. Fifteen are flying and judging from the number of powerplant kits we've shipped they should start sprouting like mushrooms pretty quick." *** The company founder likes RV-12, too. Ken added, "Dick VanGrunsven and his brother Jerry recently completed and flew their personal RV-12 and Van often uses it to commute from his home to [the factory in] Aurora. *** Scott also reported that the first Australian RV-12 has flown and that several more are under construction in countries from Brazil to South Africa. *** Van's recently released an interior package for the airplane, as well as a 2-axis autopilot option. Additional options -- including dual EFIS, lighting, and wheel fairing packages -- are under development. Wiring and switching for these has been provided in all kits, so they should install easily, even into finished airplanes.

Yes, Cessna’s Light-Sport Aircraft entry helps to validate the concept of industry consensus standards in lieu of government certification. They’ll populate airports with their C-162 Skycatcher as shipments ramp up in 2010. Yes, other big companies are looking at LSA — as most LSA enthusiasts know Cirrus offered an entry though work has stalled, and late 2009 rumors hint at entry by another legacy brand. *** While it’s good to see big boys coming into the game, the biggest-of-all kit builder is also playing. And, in their characteristic way, Van’s Aircraft is quietly racking up sales. According to Ken Scott, “We’ve sold 315 [starter kits] for RV-12. Fifteen are flying and judging from the number of powerplant kits we’ve shipped they should start sprouting like mushrooms pretty quick.” *** The company founder likes RV-12, too. Ken added, “Dick VanGrunsven and his brother Jerry recently completed and flew their personal RV-12 and Van often uses it to commute from his home to [the factory in] Aurora.

Van’s RV-12 is SLSA #100; Here Come the ELSA ’12s

By Dan Johnson || September 15, 2009 Leave a Comment

RV-12 wins its LSA wings... As required by regulation, Van's had to build at least one SLSA RV-12 to allow conforming ELSA kits. Now, possibly hundreds will follow. Check RV-12 specs. Center photo courtesy Kitplanes magazine.

[UPDATE: The Krucker Cygnet won approval on July 3rd, making that weight-shift LSA #99... so Van's RV-12 is technically the #100 LSA model to win an airworthiness certificate. It was previously reported as #99.] The top-selling kit airplane producer, Van's Aircraft of RV-xx fame, secured an airworthiness certificate for their fully-built RV-12 Special Light-Sport Aircraft on July 21, 2009. And the next day, the company's East Coast representative, Mitchell Lock, got an ELSA certificate for his RV-12. EAA reported that 250 RV-12s are under construction around the world. *** So, quickly, Van's looks ready to dominate the ELSA community that has been waiting to take off. True, thousand of ELSA are flying today -- many more than SLSA at present -- but that's because so many "fat ultralights" were converted to ELSA status under FAA's now-expired grandfather period. *** Van's reports that it will take 600-900 hours to complete an RV-12 to unpainted stage, so the rush of RVs into the LSA fleet may not be swift, but they'll just keep coming. The company's website keeps a constantly updated "Hobbs meter" of completions. As of this post that figure was 6,293. *** Van's website stated, "In the E-LSA category, there is no '51%' rule, and no restriction on who may assist in building the airplane. This allows any amount of help, professional assistance or even a fully professional-built airplane." It will be interesting to see how this unfolds, but meanwhile, the LSA community welcomes SLSA #99 and manufacturer #71.

[UPDATE: The Krucker Cygnet won approval on July 3rd, making that weight-shift LSA #99… so Van’s RV-12 is technically the #100 LSA model to win an airworthiness certificate. It was previously reported as #99.] The top-selling kit airplane producer, Van’s Aircraft of RV-xx fame, secured an airworthiness certificate for their fully-built RV-12 Special Light-Sport Aircraft on July 21, 2009. And the next day, the company’s East Coast representative, Mitchell Lock, got an ELSA certificate for his RV-12. EAA reported that 250 RV-12s are under construction around the world. *** So, quickly, Van’s looks ready to dominate the ELSA community that has been waiting to take off. True, thousand of ELSA are flying today — many more than SLSA at present — but that’s because so many “fat ultralights” were converted to ELSA status under FAA’s now-expired grandfather period. *** Van’s reports that it will take 600-900 hours to complete an RV-12 to unpainted stage, so the rush of RVs into the LSA fleet may not be swift, but they’ll just keep coming.