RV-15 Options

[Scotsman58]

Greetings -- new member here. I currently own a DA40 but am thinking about downsizing to a two-seater that has the capability of getting easily into New England grass strips while retaining a reasonable cruise speed and possessing good flying qualities. While I have never built before -- and so would definitely want a build assist program -- the RV-15 looks pretty interesting. I have seen hints that Vans intends to offer nosegear and BRS options. I would definitely want both of those (but I'm not intending to start up debates on either). Can anyone on this forum offer any insight on these rumors?
Thanks in advance for any information!

 

[flymore]

Vans's has stated both of those will be an option. Best wishes in your journey.

 

[Scotsman58]

Thanks! I will search these forums for some views on build assist centers, but if anyone wants to weigh in, I would welcome the input. Since I am in Connecticut, I believe the nearest one to me would be Custom Aircraft Builders near Binghampton, NY.

 

[rocketman1988]

Thanks! I will search these forums for some views on build assist centers, but if anyone wants to weigh in, I would welcome the input. Since I am in Connecticut, I believe the nearest one to me would be Custom Aircraft Builders near Binghampton, NY.

There are build assist centers already? The complete kit isn't even available yet...

 

[Scotsman58]

There are build assist centers already? The complete kit isn't even available yet...

Yes, of course, but there are a number of build assist shops with established expertise with Vans kits, and I'm guessing that most if not all of them will be gearing up to help with RV-15 kits (if they haven't already). Custom Aircraft Builders already has a RV-15 tab on their website, for example, although there isn't much information there yet.

 

[C130Nav]

Thanks! I will search these forums for some views on build assist centers, but if anyone wants to weigh in, I would welcome the input. Since I am in Connecticut, I believe the nearest one to me would be Custom Aircraft Builders near Binghampton, NY.

This will be my first RV and I will be using CAB as a builder assist for my RV-15. I will start as soon as the tail kit and wing kit arrive. Both kits are scheduled to ship at the end of June and I hope to start soon thereafter. (I will take a one month break during Oshkosh.) This will not be a two week to taxi builder assist. I plan to be there every day and truly build the plane with their assistance.

 

[Scotsman58]

Cool! If you don't mind my asking -- are you planning on the tailwheel or (the apparently forthcoming) nosewheel options? BRS parachute (another supposedly forthcoming option)? Also, if you are willing to share any details on your expected budget, I would be very interested. I am thinking about doing one with CAB but want to see what Vans may announce at Oshkosh (particularly with respect to nosewheel and BRS) and am also wondering if the total cost is going to take me into territory where a Sling HW might make more sense for me. I will interested in hearing how your experience with CAB unfolds.