Building my Van's RV 12iS story (a five year story)

This is the story on how I got to this point on my Kit build RV-12iS ELSA. I will take you back to 2013 when I first had the idea. Come see how I built two fuselages and why.

[@draidangraham]

Ive watched this so many times. About 3/4 way through the emp. Fuse is stored ready to start. You built a fine aeroplane there 😁

[@fpvflyby6855]

Wow what a great video. Congratulations even though it’s 4 years later

[@FlyVansAircraft]

Very nicely done! Especially like that baggage bulkhead with the notes on it!

[@CraftingN112DR]

Thanks Van's, You guys make a great kit.

[@Rv7traralgon]

Great Video , I too have built one .... first 12IS in Australia. Nice little plane . Build another RV7 now Enjoy your plane ✈️

[@lonsobel2580]

Very nice. I especially liked how calm you were when you learned that you'd built the fuselage for the "classic" RV-12 and then Van's came out with the new and improved RV-12iS. Most people would have been very upset. Important thing: you finished the 12-iS and now have many years of flying pleasure ahead of you.

[@bertschb]

Well done! Very nice looking plane. Hope you enjoy many years of adventures flying it.

[@rigilchrist]

That's quite an achievement, well done. I hope you are loving flying her!

[@reinoutdas1244]

Amazing, a really inspiring video, I like the reasons why you choose the RV12 iS, good luck!!

[@lawsonhollenbaugh3626]

AWESOME JOB, I NOW WANT TO SEE YOUR FIRST FLIGHT, & THE PAINT SCHEME..! ENJOYED WATCHING YOUR WORK.!

[@N8747U]

This is one of the best kit build videos I've seen. Very inspirational. Thank you and congrats!

[@CraftingN112DR]

Thank you for the kind words, My hope is inspire others to build and fly there dream airplane. Thanks for watching and hope you can watch the rest of my journey on my channel.

[@craigblackhall6847]

I enjoyed your build summary. To get through the first "classic" fuselage and then regroup and build the new iS version was impressive. Congratulations, and I look forward to additional videos of flying fun.

[@jrcolmena]

I'm such a different person, I would have been like "I ain't doing this again, 912 ULS it is"

[@gpchastain]

Great video and great looking RV-12! I started mine in Dec 14 and should be flying my RV-12 early in 2020! Can't wait!

[@CraftingN112DR]

Cant wait to see you in the sky.

[@forsecurity1privacy]

You give me hope!

[@robertcadena5972]

Amazing!!! I enjoyed your journey

[@kaweeka]

Nicely done, both the video AND the build. I have 550 hours on my -9A and love it!

[@scotth985]

I love that plane. How long did it take you to build it?

[@Rico11b]

What an awesome plane. Thanks for sharing with us. I do wish small plane designers would take the time to solve the weight and balance issues to place the pilot in front of the leading edge of the wing. Low wing planes tend to block most of the downward views and high wing planes tend to block most of the upward views. If they could get the pilots butt to be sitting on the very leading edge or just in front of the leading edge of the wing it could be so much better.

[@CraftingN112DR]

Thanks for taking the time to watch.

[@brockjudd3385]

Awesome work! Thanks for sharing.

[@shawnmccrary5526]

I own 2 but never built one. Got a hangar snd plenty of time so I’m looking around. Nice job. I’m sure you’re very proud of the outcome.

[@CraftingN112DR]

ADVENTURES ALASKA great Aircraft 👍

[@JeffreyinChina]

great video almost no building but perfect 'story telling' I enjoyed it!!

[@CraftingN112DR]

“No building” what do you think I was doing for 6 years?

[@slappyhappy2213]

Nice! Can’t wait to see it fly!

[@CraftingN112DR]

Slappy Happy me to just got AW Cert on 1/24/2020

[@slappyhappy2213]

Awesome David! Great production with the video. I admire the way you switched gears to get the new airframe. (Expensive) The panel looks neat. You do that? Seems the most daunting part is the electronics. Starting a 14 in 1.5 years myself. (Retirement gift) Good luck and have fun!

[@CraftingN112DR]

@@slappyhappy2213 Thank you and good luck with your to.

[@robertmcnaught4725]

Really impressive!

[@CraftingN112DR]

Thanks for watching

[@greatrino3056]

Great job on the airplane. The video is just as nice.

[@CraftingN112DR]

Thanks, hope you can have a look at one of the first flight videos

[@greatrino3056]

@@CraftingN112DR I viewed the test flight. I thought that was pretty interesting it was neat to see the Maneuvers that he did and testing and how he went through the whole process. The plane looks great in the air.

[@CraftingN112DR]

@@greatrino3056 Thanks need to work on the camera vibration issue.

[@blancolirio]

Excellent!

[@bassface84]

EXCELLENT!

[@airtrafic1]

Hi If you don’t mind what type of chemicals you used before primer? Thank you

[@redbaronmodeling]

it looks like you followed time wise the same as the group i built one with

[@alfredwickens8719]

What materials were used when priming, both to chemically etch the aluminium and then to prime (what type of epoxy primer was used)? Also, great build and great video! Thank you.

[@scotabot7826]

Nice build. Congratulations!! I just wish the fuel was in the wings! Too many of these have burnt up in accidents. I'm going with the Ran's S-19.

[@CraftingN112DR]

I think if the crash is not survivable then it really does not mater where the fuel is. In a survivable crash, I think it is better to have it in the cabin the most protective part of the aircraft. Also keep in mind the new RV-12iS was redesigned with new transverse fuel tank and support structure. All the original RV-12 aircraft that crashes have had the old style fuel tank design. Ran's makes a great product have you had a look at the Sling LSA?

[@scotabot7826]

@@CraftingN112DR I have seen the sling, but it just doesn't do it for me, even though it has a nice useful load. I have decided on the Ran's S-19 with a UL power 350. I'm a old school pilot who likes direct drive. I just don't like geared high revving engines, although Rotax has proven themselves over the last decade. When the Rv-12 first came out, Richard had said there could be a possible Lycoming O-233 firewall forward kit, but it never came to fruition and fizzled out early. Now Lycoming has dropped the O-233.

[@froggyziffle]

A lot of meticulous work. Of course you know there will have to be an "in flight" video :-)

[@airtrafic1]

Any problem with ADAHRS horizon falling over due to the fuel pumps? I know a builder having this problem

[@CraftingN112DR]

I did not experience what you are describing.

[@airtrafic1]

@@CraftingN112DR thank you

[@kuanbruce7260]

Is that a cup holder on the center console? Nice & congrats!

[@CraftingN112DR]

Yes it is.

[@tpsu129]

If you don't mind me asking, what is your height and weight? I am a big guy and I am curious to your experiences. Are you able to take passengers? Etc.

[@CraftingN112DR]

300 and 5’8”. Don’t get a 12 not a big guy airplane. I have sold mine. Look at a 14.

[@scotabot7826]

Are you able to stay within gross weight with full fuel and a passenger?

[@CraftingN112DR]

For my A/C I can do two 200Lbs people, full full and 20 LBS of baggage and I will be at 1320 gross weight.

[@scotabot7826]

@@CraftingN112DR The reason I asked, you looked to be a larger guy like myself, that's why I was asking about full fuel and a passenger. Thanks for the info!

[@flymike23]

Is that @paul straub looking into the plane at 8:46?

[@CraftingN112DR]

Sure is!

[@flymike23]

@@CraftingN112DR Thanks for confirming. Small world!

[@N1WP]

How many hours do you have into her? How many hours did Van's say it would take? Any lessons learned?

[@CraftingN112DR]

I did not keep track of hours at all, was not needed. Build in a two car garage if you have the space.

[@markadams7328]

Is there a 'story' that goes with the selection of N112DR?

[@CraftingN112DR]

Yes I wanted a "12" in the N number it since it's a RV-12 and 12DR was taken so just added a one and the letters are my initials.

[@markadams7328]

@@CraftingN112DR 👍 Enjoy your new 'baby' and be safe.

[@creative3872]

Thats the way a plane should be build! Look in old Cessnas Wings, no corrosion protection!!

[@CraftingN112DR]

The outside will be painted someday. Thanks for watching.

[@alvesbruno17]

What was the Total Cost ??

[@CraftingN112DR]

Half the price of what it is today.

[@alvesbruno17]

$50k with the engine and avionics ?@@CraftingN112DR

[@droge192]

Aw man such a great video but I have to be honest, ruined by the incessant, distracting, abrasive library music. I couldn't make it to the end. Why does everyone who makes a video have to pretend their a 'film maker' now, plastering their content with noise and 'cinematics'? Listen to this transition 3:49 - why would anyone want that 'painful on the ears' music blasting in their ears after the transition?