After a short hiatus from conducting highly desired classes on building VAN’s RV kit planes, Tim Mix of Mix Aircraft Solutions led a personal hands on workshop to introduce new kit builders to the fundamentals on Friday, the 22nd of January. Typically delivered over a two day schedule, some attendees travel great distances just to attend this valuable learning experience.
During this weekend, Brian, a former Cessna 182 owner and general aviation pilot since 2000, decided it was time to embark on this adventure, certainly with his wife’s blessings. After having sold the Cessna, he wants to continue his passion in aviation, by intimately constructing his very own plane, with an RV-10 in mind. Based in California as a software developer working for a start-up technology company, it was natural for him to attend the class in Oregon, having gone to school in Lake Oswego, earlier in life. Today, he feels that he is in a good position to build an RV plane as he has access to a hangar where his project can come into fruition.
Like most attendees that participate in these classes, Tim introduces each future VAN’s RV builder to the tools necessary in building the aircraft. He relates his own personal experience from a long history of producing and servicing aircraft and ties in what is important when putting together a tool collection. Focusing on rudimentary concepts on tool selection, riveting, systems, sheet metal work, time management and commitment to the project, Tim stresses the importance on staying on task and challenging yourself to get the project done. On the average, it may take someone who has a “Do-It-Yourself” attitude around 2200 hours to complete the build. So, if you can commit an honest 16 hours every weekend, of legitimate production time to building an RV, you could potentially complete it in approximately 140 days. The world record stands at 85 days! If by your driven ambition that you find yourself beating someone’s personal and proven achievement, we want to talk to you and feature you on our website! We might even treat you to an authentic Moscow peroshki for lunch.
Tim is available for consultation and if you would like to find out more information on RV kit building, please reach out via our Contact Page.
