By Ron Gawer, EAA Lifetime 825943
I am happy to say that my RV-12’s first flight on August 19, 2018, was a successful one.
I should first start by saying that my first build was a Zenith 601 XL, and I have an RV-10 in progress in the back of the garage. But I changed jobs and needed to reduce my driving commute of three hours each way to something reasonable, so I stopped building the RV-10 and started commuting to work in my Beech Baron B58. However, the cost of commuting in a Baron convinced me to get back to building a less expensive commuter, which is my RV-12.
I bought my kit in 2014, but then life got in the way, and it took a lot longer to get through the 711 hours I logged building it. I built the airplane almost entirely in my garage and then moved it to my hangar and installed the wings. I worked many hours some weeks and none others, with about one year of no work. I probably averaged 10-15 hours most weeks.
Note that I registered mine as an experimental amateur-built with several modifications from experimental light-sport aircraft drawings. I have a UL350iS engine, WhirlWind GA-350UL-2B propeller, a self-designed fuel system consisting of wing tanks, dual electric fuel pumps below the baggage floor, and a 2.5-gallon header tank, which is also located below the baggage floor opposite the fuel pumps.
I need an IFR platform to ensure reliable commuting to work, so I have dual G3X displays, GTN 625 approach GPS, GMC 307 AP head unit, GTR 20 remote comm, GTX 45 remote transponder with ADS-B In/Out, heated angle of attack/pitot (left wing), Vertical Power VP-X Sport electrical system, EarthX LiFePO4 battery, and an Artex ELT. I’ve also adapted the RV-4 aileron trim kit to my left flaperon so that I have dual axis auto trim (not that you even remotely need that in a -12, but it was there and I was able), and finally, custom-made LED rocker switches.
Now back to that first flight, which accelerated and took off with ease. It surprised me how quickly it became airborne. I’m happy to say it performed very well. It was light on the controls and flew straight with a light touch on the stick — a pleasure all in. I’m pretty happy with my first landing in an RV-12 as well. Compared to a B58 Baron, this is a huge change — like going from a ship to a jet ski. I’m used to approaching at 120 knots and touching down at 95 knots, so getting myself to accept a 55-knot final took many landings. Overall, it’s nimble, fun to fly, and hugely economical by comparison.
The engine is amazing, although a discussion of why UL and not Rotax is probably best saved for another day. It definitely required extra work to make the engine fit, which included a custom engine mount and a handmade carbon fiber cowl. But now that it’s “done,” I’m pretty happy with the cowl and very happy with the engine.
I have considered painting the cowl, landing gear, empennage tips, and wingtips in navy blue and then polishing the rest. However, the reality is that I fly it almost every day, and getting it painted has been low on the priority list. If anyone has a suggestion on a paint scheme, I’m pretty open to input. Other than that, I think I may just polish it up for now and enjoy.
My dad inspired me to get into aviation and taught me to work with my hands. I wish he were around today. I can only imagine the smile flying this little RV would give him. I was at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh this year and bought a new sign to hang on my garage wall that will inspire me to finish my RV-10. It says, “Keep calm and build the plane.” Perfect advice.
If you’re going to build an RV, just go for it. The instructions are very well done. I thought it was a blast and a very well-done kit. Additionally, I have a group of friends who were able to commiserate with me about our building trials. Moral support is a big thing. Lastly, having my wife’s support on this (and aviation in general) has been invaluable. I’m currently encouraging my older brother to build an RV-14, and he’s on the fence. I say go for a demo ride and build the toolbox. If that’s a good experience, buy the tail kit and just get going.
I’m based at C83 in Byron, California, and flying my new “daily driver” to work. Ironically, I brought my wife out for her first ride once Phase I flight testing was complete, and she commented, “It’s nice, but it’s too small, and where will the grandkids sit?” So, back to the RV-10 I go.
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