Love the Van's RVs! I would love to build and own an RV14. They are awesome! Think of your own personal paint job! I paid particular attention to the 14 at OSH18. If you could make vids of your 14 build I would definitely pay attention. You may even put me over the edge and get me to place my empennage order! Thanks, Steve and crew. You guys do a great job. I'll be watching.

@FlightChops

5 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the encouragement! This sort of feedback is really helping push me toward going for it!

@vidmikevid

5 жыл бұрын

FlightChops if at all possible go for it. I’d watch every second of it. (And be jealous of it all too) You have great content and I thank you for it. I bought a 182Q and it was one of the best moves I’ve made

@MalteJanduda

5 жыл бұрын

@@FlightChops I got the empennage kit for my 14 a few weeks ago. Watching your video gives a motivation boost. Thanks!! :)

@Blackt1g3r

5 жыл бұрын

FlightChops we just started our RV-14 build. I’m sure a lot of people would love to see the build process, but be careful not to let trying to document it slow down your build!

@GWMRed

5 жыл бұрын

I'm confident you would have the rapt attention of a loyal audience, should you decide to build and fly the plane. OTOH, have you investigated the ramifications of flying an aircraft labeled "experimental"? My life insurance becomes void, if I do so. You experience may vary. ...😃

That RV-14 looks like one fun airplane!

Built and flying my 14A. Now with 230 hours on it. I can fully recommend the airplane. It is a fun build. Brought back memories of transition training with Mike out in Oregon in the 14A. Great video.

@FlightChops

5 жыл бұрын

Congrats on completing your RV!

Build one and video it, I'll watch every rivet.

@FlightChops

5 жыл бұрын

Awesome! :)

@jirons2709

4 жыл бұрын

Foreshadowing

Building an RV12 right now for the Mckinney Aviation Academy. We have one finished and will get the other one done before the summer. Lots of fun

It's cool to see Dick is still so involved.

@Rhaspun

2 жыл бұрын

He has the best the job in the world. He's doing something he loves.

I can't wait to finish mine. Just engine installation and painting left. The 172kII is going to be jealous.

Talk about living the dream. Being able to get to Van's like you did is a dream!

Of course I'd like to see you build it, fly it and have fun with it. Aerobatics, sights, and instruments :)

Flight Chops build it! We all will watch. As an RV-7 owner my recommendation is the RV-14. You are a tail dragger pilot; The Van's Tail draggers look so much better than the Tricycle gear variants. Flight planning at 200mph is a blast and you can't chase clouds upside down in the family model. I have watched every one of your productions. Great work.

I am almost finished building my RV-14A. Being an Experimental, I, of course, had to deviate from the plans and powered it with a Superior XP-400 & Whirlwind 74RA Composite Prop , which allowed me to build the engine itself at the Superior Factory in Dallas, TX. Many parts upgrades: stainless steel break lines, stainless steel eyeballs, vernier throttle, EarthX Lithium Battery, B&N alternators & voltage regulators, Full IFR AFS Panel, etc.

I don’t know of too many private pilots who don’t dream of ownership, much like yourself, and see the experimental owner built category as the only financially feasible option. I would absolutely love watching a build on your channel. Super great episode man.

I built a tailwheel Sonex in my garage. Building and flying your own airplane is an incredible experience. The RV-14 is my dream airplane. Gof for it!

Great interview with Van.

@FlightChops

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks Juan. Of the many amazing aviation stories I've been privileged to tell, this one was probably top 5

my old boy just upgraded from a Jabiru J430 to a new RV14, he is absolutely in love with the RV

I helped my wife’s cousin’s husband to rivet the main spar of his trike gear RV-8, and I flew in it a few times. Compared to others I’ve been in, it was a sports car of the air. It was a surreal trip to fly in something that started life in a garage, and that I had a small part in building. It’s not something you can really imagine until you discover the world of experimental aircraft and home builds. Love flight chops.👍👍

So this is where it all began! Can't wait to see the build.

I would absolutely watch a build! I love watching Jason Ellis build his RV 10

I actually had my first lesson in an RV 12, about 4 years ago now, when I was 10. The high school in that area had built it as a school project. I don't remember much about flying it, except for the fact that it was incredibly exciting! I now take lessons in an Evektor Sportstar, which from my personal experience is extremely forgiving and quite snappy. I've still got 1 and a half years before I'm old enough to solo, but I'm excited nonetheless!

I’m a Cessna 182A owner... but after watching this video I would certainly entertain building one of these RV someday! I certainly enjoyed the interview with the man himself Van, you certainly captured his passion, in all aspects of his life, thanks for that.

Awesome! I'm in the middle of building my RV7A, and its great to see the comparison between the two models. I can attest to the highs and lows of the build. Just like leaning to fly it has amazing days and some days that are not so great. But what an adventure!!!!

Oh yes! I will definitely follow your build process of an RV, no matter which one you choose to build!

Steve, you definitely seemed like a kid in a candy store! And for good reason. I would up my current Patreon subscription to watch you build one and follow the adventures. As with most of your videos, the story behind the story you present was of particular interest. The interviews with the founder and the intern added a lot of value for me. The instructor flying with you was awesome. "Keep the nose up until the last dog is gone..." brilliant!

I am building an RV-12 and I cannot say enough good things about Van's kits. The quality, fitment and attention to detail is phenomenal. I really enjoy your videos and love your goal to honor your families aviation history. My build has turned into a father-son project with my dad, who is a retired airline and Air Force pilot, and I feel similar to you with my journey in aviation. We are even considering building a second aircraft together, probably the RV-10 when we get the 12 flying, so I can't wait for part 2 of this!

love to see you build an RV14...I would definitely watch those films....cool.

I grew up just south of there in Salem. I had no idea that's where VANs was located. Very cool to see this video. I appreciate all the videos

I remember in the mid-'60s I had a burning desire to build a BD-5 in partnership with a friend, sadly it didn't come to be. Good luck with your endeavor. I really enjoyed the instructor's coolness and smooth vice.

Very nice video just for the contact with the people at van's. Well done...

@FlightChops

4 жыл бұрын

Glad you enjoyed it

Nicely done Steve! Heck yeah I’ll follow along on the journey of building a 14!

Very calm demeanor from the top down with that company. Great video! Thanks for posting..

This is my favorite video you have ever done! What a treat to fly all these different RV's!

@FlightChops

5 жыл бұрын

Glad you enjoyed it - and heck yes it was a good time - so happy to share it!

I'd 100% watch a full build. #Patron

@FlightChops

5 жыл бұрын

Right on! Thanks for the support!

@experimental_av

5 жыл бұрын

@@FlightChops me too but go for the quick build kit, listen to Jason Ellis

I have a friend that is building a RV 14. He's built a RV 12A and flying it now. Van's is a great airplane!

Be great to follow an RV-14 build . Go for it !!

I would definitely follow a build series on the RV14!

As for you doing a RV-14 build. YES. This is such an opportunity to showcase G.A. For the youth and us “young at hearts”. It will fit in great with your contribution to aviation history. Your Grandfather would be very proud..

I'm on board with that, Steve (building your own RV) - I think that would be a great series! For all the work you put into these KZread videos, and what you do for aviation, you deserve it! As I'm pretty new to the aviation world, I didn't know much about Van's aircraft. Looks like some nice stuff there! Pretty impressive performance for the money. Good to see the founder still involved with the company. That right there speaks volumes about them. GREAT video, Steve! Thanks! I'll be looking for the next ones on these. 👍👍

Gosh your Channel just continues to both improve and take me on unexpected journeys. Thank you very much

So happy to see this! The RV-14 is on my short list for ownership, and the idea of building something with my own two hands bumps it to my #1 slot.

At the 20:00 min mark. The RV-7A might need the exhaust looked at. I just noticed a little shaking from prop blast. It might be nothing but I would feel bad not saying anything.

@russellschwalbach2368

5 жыл бұрын

Noticed the same thing at 6:40. Figured i'd check to see if anybody else said anything. Good eyeball Hull.

Aw, FlightChops. I cannot say enough good things about your vlogging. You helped keep me motivated to get my PPL over the past couple years and now you're moving onto RVs. A flight in an RV-6 after graduate school pushed all the right buttons for me and buying / building one is something I hope to do with my son in the future. It would be really interesting to see you vlog about your experience building one of these planes and eventually have the RV-grin in the bird you build.

Yes,I'd love to see you build and fly it!

Building something like an RV is a great experience. However, I'm currently involved with a group building a homebuilt, and I would have to say that you mustn't underestimate the large time commitment involved, especially if it's your first build. You are already challenged to find the time to finish your IFR training and then you need to put in more Harvard time if you intend to move forwards with your Spitfire plan. My suggestion is that for now, you focus on one goal (Spitfire) rather than taking on another separate time consuming project. It would be fun to see you document a build but there are many others on KZread or blogging who are already currently doing that. What is unique about you is how you vary from posting to posting and yet keep your enthusiasm over the newness of it all. If you were to build seriously in order to complete within a year or two (or three), that would require not doing many of the other things you now take to time to explore. If you aren't making building a prime time focus, then you are years from completion so you might as well finish other goals first and then go at the build. You'll finish just as soon.

@FlightChops

5 жыл бұрын

I really appreciate your thorough insights here. You’ve put into words the abstract doubts I’ve been having - definitely given me pause. There is no doubt that if I were to take this on, I’d need to do it with help. I am meeting with some friends that want to help to discuss a real plan to see how feasible it is.

@jeffreythompson9549

5 жыл бұрын

Building an aeroplane isn't a big job, just many thousands of small jobs.

@williamrobin2638

5 жыл бұрын

@@FlightChops What's time consuming is as well as the building (lets do another couple of hours of de-burring today before we can start finally riveting), is discovering that general knowledge of what you need to do next is somewhat useful, but what you really require is specific knowledge--which you don't have on a first build. There's much time recognizing that you know you don't know something and then you have to figure out how to find out what you need to know and then next finding the real thing which you then will have to have. You aren't installing a fuel line as a concept, you are installing pieces of real material which, in aviation, have standards for construction. It isn't a certified aircraft but a Transport Canada inspector is going to look at everything twice to see if it is built to standard. So for a fuel line, is it going to be an aluminum line, if so what size and aluminum type (how do you find that out?), do you have the tool to flair the ends properly, what fittings will be used, where can the fittings be sourced from, what will be used to support the line, etc. etc. This after needing to plan the routing of the line--which will involve making sure it doesn't conflict with something else which is or will be installed in or near the same location. Which means you will have already have needed to think of what will later be needed. Which you don't know because you don't know yet because that depends on something else you don't know. For every hour building, you may spend two or three additional hours thinking or doing research or asking questions. And you may spend more than a few hours undoing and then re-doing when something you didn't think of ends up requiring previous work to be modified. Kits from modern homebuilt companies are beautifully manufactured and have great instructions and customer service. But as each builder may pick from a variety of engines, instrument, radio types, and so on--what the kit manufacture provides is (in house building terms) all the necessary framing plus some basic finishing materials. You as the builder are the general contractor/client who will decide what's needed in each room in terms of services like electrical or plumbing or specific finishing and you are the one who is responsible for making sure the products and the installation are done to code and (as you are also the end user) are functional and easy to maintain (plus by then you will be into the aircraft for multiples of tens of thousands of dollars and so you might as well add that next item as it's just another thousand dollars and twenty more hours of work and it's something you'd now really like--I mean it's your own unique airplane you are assembling). Of course, once you learn each thing, then you will know it in the future. When a kit manufacturer says how many hours a build may take, that is probably a realistic number for a builder who has already done an airplane or two. For someone on their first build, I would at least triple that number. As I said in my original post, you have a number of goals you are currently working to get to and those achievements require a (large) number of hours of commitment. I'd spend the next year or two getting those out of the way. Doing a build will also require a (larger) number of hours of commitment. If you start a build now, it will take time away from those previous goals while having those goals will also take time away from any building. If you focus on one and finish and then start the next and finish, in the end, that will be way more time efficient than spreading your energy on two goals at once and in actual time, you will eventually get both finished sooner. In the meantime, join your local Recreational Aircraft Chapter and help out on other people's builds, in your spare moments start thinking about things like what you would like in your eventual RV 14 panel and what's involved with planning an installation like that, start becoming familiar with aircraft acceptable methods, techniques and practices manuals, and start saving your money (like any home reno project, look at your expected budget and then maybe plan on doubling it).

@DanMooreNCF

5 жыл бұрын

@@FlightChops I went from "homebuilders are crazy" to building my own. It was actually my wife's idea(fault). Instead of buying, she said why don't I build instead and do it with my son as a father/son project. We are still working through the build of a Just Aircraft SuperSTOL. Building can be a huge, multi year project, or it can be a big project done relatively quickly, especially with a RV. Get all the quick build options, pick a model with match drilling (which you have), order their pre built wiring harnesses and standard avionics packages, don't make any modifications (different canopy, change the cowling, etc), and have knowledgeable friends (huge advantage for you with our public presence) and you can bang together an amazing plane in a year. Most of the hard stuff is already done, you are just assembling. I had a professional builder help me the first two weeks, where we learned all the hard stuff that you wouldn't already know. Then he turned us loose and we've been building on our own ever since. With your connections you could do something similar very easily. You already have a crazy schedule, but I'd assume you have some down time at home as well. Get up, edit, make those phone calls, then head out to the garage and knock out that left doodad. As long as you make a bit of progress routinely, it doesn't really matter where you are in the project.

Nice video,you want find a better value in aviation than a Van’s Kit. A friend built a quick build RV-6 with a FP prop and an O-320. His was the 53 rd QB kit for a 6. There is a guy near me that’s working on an RV 8 that has a Rotec radial. I like the slider canopy better than the tip up but as they say it’s the builders choice!

This was a great video production, and I am certainly envious of your chance to fly all of those sweet planes in one day. If you build the RV-14, I would love to follow and view your progress.

I'd love to follow your build....years ago there was a TV show that was building an RV...now I have to dig!

Yes. Build an RV-14 and let us follow along.

Awesome! I have been waiting for this video since the_candourist posted his video of your trip to Van’s. I love the RV-14 and got a demo flight with Mike Seager at Oshkosh in 2017. I plan to start building an RV-14 in a couple years, and would love to watch you build and fly one.

This was a great video! I am building an RV-7A and am active on the forums, this video truly will help a lot of people make up their minds on which one they want to build. A question I see a lot between the -7 and -14.

@FlightChops

5 жыл бұрын

Agreed - yes - it is a tough choice

Always loved Vans RV planes. I think this would make a great build and IFR learning platform for you! I am IN on the build and training in an RV! Go For It!

Great Video, I especially loved the I tercies with Mr. Van himself but I really enjoyed the flight Instructor he was so cool and laid back.

@reydogmotor

2 жыл бұрын

Sorry Interview, with Mr Van

I absolutely would follow along, please do it

NIce comparison video for the 7 and 14. Thanks.

Hi Steve ; Know this is old , but would like to mention what I saw on your Vans visit ... The RV7A had a loose exhaust header , RT side . Hope it was detected . Thanks for the video

RVs are awesome. Especially the fact that they are experimental but perform as well or better than the "mainstream" planes. And you get all the cool electronics at a fraction of the price. It's sad that in Europe you can't do IFR with Experimental aircraft, if we could it would change the GA field here. I would of thought an RV10 would be better to take the family with, but I definitely get the appeal of an acrobatic RV14 :) Build series would be awesome, would definitely watch. Looking forward to part 2 !

@tikkin11

5 жыл бұрын

Chops' videos are so consistently amazingly awesome...both in content and editing. You have definitely found your calling Steve!

I think one of the coolest things I’ve ever seen was when I was taking a nap on the top of Mt. St. Helens and I was awoken by an RV 3 buzzing over me at what must have been less than 100 feet above the summit. It was the best alarm clock to get me up to go ski down!

Yes, the taildragger. And yes build videos.

What great episode! I just started phase 1 in my RV8, it took me 8 years to build, it's worth every minute. I helped a friend with his 14A, that kit is a HUGE leap forward in comparison to the 7/8. I did my transition training with Mike a couple of months ago, I can't recommend transition training and Mike enough. I'd like to see you build and fly an RV, I think it'd be especially interesting learning the differences between the USA and Canadian regs.

Great video. I did my -9A transition training with Mike in 2011, brought back lots of memories.

Definitely build it. Your videos have an easy going and honest vibe that would be perfect for others who are nervous about taking that first step toward building their own airplane.

I instructed in an RV-12 down in Eugene the first half of this year - I loved that plane!

I so love that RV-14. I really want to build one.

Very well done. I enjoyed this video a lot!

@FlightChops

4 жыл бұрын

Thank you very much!

I will definitely be following along all the way from South africa if you go ahead and build a RV14. Ill be waiting in anticipation!!! Great stuff!!!

Do it! I am (hopefully) about 2-3 months from my 7A (with a 390) being ready to fly. If I were to start again today, I'd opt for the 14 but that wasn't an option when I started. All great planes, great company, and the best thing of all is the community of builders to help out. There is no perfect plane, but the Van's lineup tick a lot of boxes.

Please, I can’t think of anybody I would rather watch build videos from. Usually they are a yawn, but I think you would do a great job!

@FlightChops

5 жыл бұрын

Thanks! I am not gonna lie - the prospect of documenting a build is daunting - but I am up for the challenge

My brother built an RV8 a few years ago, including a kit engine from Superior. I helped out here and there with the build, and in particular spent a week with him building the engine. That was one seriously awesome aeroplane! I'd love to ride along for the build process with your RV!

Mike is the best! I did my transition with him for my RV-8.

Years ago a group of us flew into Aurora for a pre arranged tour of Van’s factory and I’ve flown into Aurora for a fly-in/air show and several other times for the fun of it. The factory tour was awesome. There was no tower there then.

I REALLY hope you end up getting a RV-14 . That would just be mega cool !

Hey Steve, Note to pilot: The right muffler pipe on the RV 14 was rather loose compared to the left that did not move at all!! Never diagnosed but my wife says I'm a little OCD! LOL I just notice stuff others totally miss. Sorry I missed you at Sun and Fun. Catch at Oshkosh I guess be safe brother!

Another great video Steve, kudos to you and your team. I always enjoy your video's and I look forward to seeing you become a RV builder, its great fun. As current an RV9 builder, I can tell you there's very few things in life more satisfying than building your own airplane. One of the cool things with a Vans airplane is you can either do a quick build or a slow build based on your own situation. Come on, join the RV family!

Thanks for answering a few questions i had about RV-14. I think has a fellow pilot this aircraft fills to many of my own goals. I want to GO. Far Within 3 HRS. This aircraft i believe will give me options. One thing i have noticed there are not to many owner review's on tube. A few not many. I hope that's not a bad sign. Loved the V-LOG.

@FlightChops

Жыл бұрын

If you're new here, I've got some good news :). There is A LOT more RV-14 content on the channel now. There's an entire series covering us building one over ~2 years, and check out some of the latest episodes to see me flying it. But I can confirm it has been a GREAT go far and fast IFR platform - among other things :)

I would love to see you build ! Working on my PPL and my long term goal is to build my own plane. The VAN's definitely looks interesting.

@FlightChops

5 жыл бұрын

Glad to hear it! Stay focused on the goals!

I'd love to see a build series!!!!

Chops! One of your BEST videos yet! Love those RV's! Reminds me of my 77 Grumman Tiger! If I had the time and the money, I'd definitely consider an RV-10A! Nice job!

Very humble owner- nice to see that

What a great video. I love to see the passion they have in their planes and how they're like little hot rods of the sky. Truly remarkable aircraft, and I agree, the RV14 just seems like the best one. I hope you get a chance to own one. You guys are the best aviation channel period.

I've looked long and hard at various Van's offerings, particularly the RV-9. The 12 and 14 are pretty tasty too. Some day...

I love Vans airplanes! Have you seen Jason Ellis? He has been documenting his rv-10 build. I've watched all of his videos since he started I think it was about three years ago. I agree with you In my opinion the rv-14 is the best airplane that is for sure the one I would choose to build. Taildraggers are the best!

@FlightChops

5 жыл бұрын

Yes, Jason Ellis does an amazing job covering the build process - I am going to reach out to him for some help with this if I decide to go for it

So awesome, yes, yes, yes, please build one and let us follow along

Will be watching the build mate. This’ll be fun!

Yes please, I would love to follow a full build vlog of one of the Van's airplanes!

Steve, I'm helping out on my third RV build. Do not underestimate the amount of time needed to build one of these aircraft. One RV-7A build took 5 years. One RV6-A build has taken 15 years. An RV-8 quick build has taken so 4 years. Two of the builders pretty much gave up flying while building. Just something to keep in mind if you decide to build. Quick build may be more expensive but will save you a whole load of time.

@psalys

5 жыл бұрын

Hi Steve, I want to reinforce what acengineer737 said. I am building an RV-12-iS and am currently finishing the powerplant kit (kit 5 of 6). I originally wanted to build a 14 but settled on a 12 because I'm a first time builder and thought it would be more manageable, and I am very glad I did. This project is MUCH harder than I expected. For example, just last weekend I was installing the radiator and oil cooler and thought it would take an hour or two but it ended up taking all day. This is the norm. It is a very gratifying experience but it will take time, a lot of time, so make sure you have it available. It is also very frustrating at times. The building process starts out quite easy and gets more difficult as you go. The finishing kit is a bear! RV-12 as an exercise in problem solving. You will make many mistakes. There will be incorrect or missing parts. Instructions will be wrong or unclear. This is just how it goes. You will be calling Van's for builders help or ordering more parts on a regular basis. Building an airplane and flying an airplane are entirely different skills. I've been flying for 30 years and that experience has helped me approximately 0.1% in building an airplane. Also, don't BUILD an airplane because you want to HAVE an airplane. They are very different things. If you want to HAVE and airplane, just go on Barnstormers.com buy an already built RV. They are out there because there are lots of folks who like to build more than they like to fly. Only BUILD an airplane because you want to BUILD an airplane. It is an enormous task but it is also very gratifying. If you really want to build a 14 as your first airplane, I would highly recommend partnering with an experienced builder. I would be happy to discuss this more with you offline. I have enjoyed your videos immensely and am very impressed with your tailwheel training and attitude towards flying in general. Thank you, -Patrick from Eugene, OR

Thank you for considering doing this. You really are helping the community by taking on this challenge. If you could please make your how to build videos intricate down to the last minute detail, I and many others would be extremely grateful. There's just something about having someone show you how to build, rather than reading a manual, a project that is so much more helpful. I would rewind and watch each and every section of your build as we go through our build. Great painstaking detail would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

I've been looking at aircraft purchases. The cost of a new aircraft is simply out of my range. I've looked at 50-60 year old Cessnas /Pipers, but many would need some upgrades to work, and by that time ..IDK. Then I discovered Vans Aircraft-Oh, yeah baby! This is it. I've got my mindset on an RV10!

@FlightChops

3 жыл бұрын

Good choice! It was between a 10 or a 14 when I decided. In my case, the tail wheel / flying upside down aspects made it worth sacrificing the backseat and going for the 14.

Brilliant episode, what a plane and what and instructor.

What a cool calm instructor. Great video and great aircraft.

Great, and great flying with the legends...

As an RV-10 owner, I LOVE THIS VIDEO. I had planned on an RV-14 but needed 4 seats. Just with the 10 could do basic acro. Would be happy to take you for a spin in it. I'm in Milwaukee and I'm at OSH every year.

Awesome video! I did a demo flight in N137RV this past year as well. I wish I had know the history when I did that flight myself. Definitely became a believer as well Vans aircraft. Thanks for putting this video up. Really enjoyed it!

I just got to fly in the N214NV........it was AWESOME !!!

Watching you build the RV14 would be so cool! 100% aboard for that journey!

Think of the flight chops logo on the side of one of those!

@FlightChops

5 жыл бұрын

Totally! :)

@jdubboost

5 жыл бұрын

@@FlightChops You're sold

Still working on my tailwheel endorsement, and super impressed by your TW landings in an unfamiliar aircraft. *Love* the 3-view footage of cockpit / stick / wheels on those.

5 RVs in one weekend? That sounds like an incredibly fun way to spend a couple days.

@FlightChops

5 жыл бұрын

Yes, it was a great time!

Yea, build the RV 14 , love that plane.

Please, keep flying the RVs !

Hell yeah, I’d watch a build series! RV14 with a big ole Chops logo painted on the tail! Love the content, sir. Keep up the great work.

Steve, exceptional job and a well earned Scotch on the publish point!!!! Yes, all in on the build. Beautiful aircraft and a Van's is definitely on the short list of planes for me!