I built an RV 10 using the standard build method, took four years and over 2500 hours. 😊 I now have about 650hrs on the airframe. N700SE .
@TheXxxcodexxx Жыл бұрын
Nice work. The plane looks great. White with a red stripe. Clean and classy
@tropicthndr Жыл бұрын
As Textron locks down the parts market to keep prices in the stratosphere, and their profits, the experimental market is the best way to stay away from that horrendous scam.
@danblumel Жыл бұрын
I built a "slow build" original Glasair 1-RG it took me more than 4000 hours and about 10 years building part time. That's an average of 8 hours per week for 10 years. Been flying it since 2004, even flew it to Alaska with my son and to the Arctic Circle while up there. N789DB
@FourthWayRanch Жыл бұрын
@@danblumel what about all that time sitting on the couch watching TV you missed out on?
@charliehilbrant Жыл бұрын
How’s she fly?
@SnoDawg Жыл бұрын
Jimmy please learn to let the person finish their story without interrupting them. One of the skills a good interviewer learns over time.
@jimmyjames2903 Жыл бұрын
I didn't think he was going to let him get a word in edgewise😮
@scottyscave Жыл бұрын
YES! He’s always cutting people off. Drives me crazy.
@travismayselah Жыл бұрын
Hey guys, go watch someone else..respectfully. Jimmy has a particular personality that most of us enjoy. Or start your own channel..
@L2FlyMN Жыл бұрын
A.D.D & A.D.H.D are personality or mental disorders. Most can’t control it well without specific training to overcome it, although very high IQ’s are a common result. Inventive skills common, often seeing things others are blind to. The brain literally works so fast, it goes out ahead of most conversations, especially difficult if a person takes forever to finally spit out whatever they’re trying to say. 😖
@davidkoogler5266 Жыл бұрын
Stop being such dicks. We are all lucky and should respect the time and trouble it takes to put these together
@ele4853 Жыл бұрын
I built my RV-8 from scratch in less than 2 years. I am flying it for about 240 Hours now. AMAZING AIRCRAFT! FLIES AMAZINGLY WELL! I LOVE MY RV-8
@Mtlmshr Жыл бұрын
As 63 year old metal fabricator with 40+ years building race cars, this would be my choice of plane to build! I find this factory absolutely amazing!
@Rufus6540 Жыл бұрын
I can't get over the visibility in that cockpit. What a remarkable little plane!
@camarogs1 Жыл бұрын
I built one of the First customer built RV-6s. First flight was July 1989. No pre-punch parts, I drilled and dimpled every hole in it.
@C-L-A-W Жыл бұрын
I've been a Aircraft Structural Maintainer in the Air Force for 14 years and i'm always watching fabrication videos like yours to learn about new technologies. We recently recived a 1100 Ton Hydraulic Press and it's made a huge difference in replicating 30 year old parts for the A-10 that aren't manufactured anymore. Seeing that CNC Turret Press is an absolute game changer!
@arcanondrum6543 Жыл бұрын
AHH yes, the A10. From an honest aircraft company that just made great aircraft instead of puffing their bank accounts with lies about "invisible skin", then using some of that money to grease the skids.
@pwffstube Жыл бұрын
its not a turret. its a single station with rotation and a tool changer. but appropriate commentary in a company thats toast due to incompetence concerning fabrication process.
@TrueHelpTV11 ай бұрын
I need cooler friends
@ericbusby305511 ай бұрын
Yes Jimmy I have a similar complaint. Please stop interrupting your elders. I have a hard time watching such disrespect but I love your videos. Maybe you can work on this
@WirewalkerDon11 ай бұрын
An incredible story of survival sharing during this flight. One of the best pilot stories I've ever heard. EVERYONE should watch this! It is emotional, frightening, poignant, instructional, and a lesson we should all think through BEFORE we ever encounter a situation like this ourselves. Thank you so much for sharing this!
@1369911111 ай бұрын
I agree with your comment . This man's training saved lives .
@arc0019 ай бұрын
Camera is moving around way too much, highly irritating and distracting.. got to 10mins and quit, smooth camera work is easy on the eye.
@rvator7291 Жыл бұрын
I built a RV-6 back when nothing was punched and even riveted my wing spars. Kit was $10K back in 92. Took me 8yrs to finish. Built it VFR for $32,000 and then flew it for 8 yrs and 700 hrs. Lots of fun , but college funds became a priority. No regrets.
@Leland189 Жыл бұрын
Hopefully Van will be able to stay in business. A great company that is so necessary to GA.
@terrallputnam7979 Жыл бұрын
I got my first look at an RV-12 at the airport one day last year. The fit and finish was absolutely fantastic as you like to say. I hope VANS can keep building kits for people who want to build a fine new airplane. My old Ercoupe is all I can afford right now. Thank you for SHOWCASING this great company and these great airplanes.
@marshallgibson8872 Жыл бұрын
Grew up watching my grandpa build his 6 tail dragger. When I went up in it was one of the best experiences in my life. He also got me my young eagles certificate when I was about 6 in a starduster II!
@gregdcross Жыл бұрын
So glad you are showing Van's operation. With their announcement recently that they are having current financial hardships, it's important to show how big their operation is and the attention to not just new kit purchases but the ability to make a part from prior kits purchased decades ago. Try doing that with Beech, Piper or Cessna.
@lcfflc3887 Жыл бұрын
seems like the general aviation industry is losing its grip, i heard compared to other times that the US ain't producing enough pilots plus aviation in general took a big hit during covid, well it looks like it hasn't recovered quite yet, who's going to buy the new planes, a experimental or a big airliner if the demand to fly more is not even there.
@gregdcross Жыл бұрын
@lcfflc3887 For at least the last fourth years the aviation community has been saying there will be a shortage of pilot and mechanics, yet cockpits keep being filled and mechanics have been available (although a lot of places are filling positions with people that don't have an A&P). What has been a trend for the last decade is people turning g old enough to enter the job market DON'T want a career which tales them away from home or to have to work with their hands or out in the weather.
@lcfflc3887 Жыл бұрын
@@gregdcross the passion for aviation perhaps is what's missing compared to few decades back plus the economics behind it is a factor too plus so many Job choice available this days make same amount of money by doing very little.
@gregdcross Жыл бұрын
@lcfflc3887 Agreed. But back in 86 after graduating with a BS in Aviation Maintenance Management and getting g my A&P, my first job was at an FBO that was a Beechcraft dealer at BNA. Starting salary was $16,225/year while working on all sorts of corporate aircraft. So imagine walking across then hanger floor carrying a part that costs $30K, yet a mechanic at a car dealership was making twice as much. After 6 months and an excellent evaluation my my crew chief and Maintenance manager, they gave me a 3% raise. Pay was @ 10% of what they charged for shop rate and all mechanics were expected to be able to finish tasks in less time than the shop standard billing time, then move to another task.
@lcfflc3887 Жыл бұрын
@@gregdcross despite the pay been a lot hier today as a starter, Young people seems to be more interested in other things even so the aviation industry is so large and has so much opportunities to offer, the evolution of computer tech and other technologies today has taken future prospects out of the aviation arena plus so many regulations and certificates for this and that sure is overwhelming enough to keep many young people away, computer graphics designers, software developers, or a carrier in business, are attractive carries opportunities that are hot today and young people just want a big chunk of money from the very start, things has changed.
@wayneroyal3137 Жыл бұрын
We have a RV-7A, fantastic aircraft. Built from scratch. I wish the best for Vans, they are great people top to bottom. Great video Jimmy.
@gibbage1 Жыл бұрын
Grag is an amazing man. He helped me a lot when making the SWS Vans series for Flight Sim! Give it a fly before you even buy!
@Watson19 ай бұрын
When you ask a question, give him time to answer it. Don’t talk over him. Dan Johnston makes this mistake all too often. Let them talk, because they will answer your question, but may have something else to include. Great video 👍🏻🇦🇺
@CMFL77 Жыл бұрын
The people make that company great and in turn their products are phenomenal! I truly hope they weather the storm and come out the other side stronger.
@PrinceAlhorian Жыл бұрын
Guys awesome vid, but please, and I am saying this in the best possible way, keep the camera still. I had to pause and/or minimize a few times because the buzzy constant movement actually gave me vertigo and 10 minutes in I was developing a bit of a headache and some pseudo-motion sickness. Thanks for a great tour through the Vans facility.
@thomaswampler9039 Жыл бұрын
I used to work at one of those third-party companies. Vans aircrafts are awesome
@thomaswampler9039 Жыл бұрын
To funny those spars are what I made to cool
@jimpalmer1969 Жыл бұрын
There are a lot of Van's Aircraft KZbin videos out there. This one is the best! Good Job Jimmy's World!!!
@davidfarrish9000 Жыл бұрын
Hmm interesting timing. A week or so Vans just shut down in an attempt to reorganize as they are out of cash, have 2 times the amount of inventory they should have and orders have been slow to com in. They have appointed a new CEO, the previous CEO of Glasair to head the work in an attempt to turn this around. I wish them all the best luck in the world. They have a big task ahead of them. Hope they are successful.
@bwnco9 ай бұрын
Glasair. Another great kit plane
@waynerussell64016 ай бұрын
DO AN 'ELON. There is a lot of dead wood and redundant practices in old companies. Makes it very hard to implement change. Startups have the nimble advantage of a clean sheet. Elon looked at the Space Market and saw the obvious flaw. 'You use these how many times?' With very small TAMs the only hope for small companies is the third Industrial Revolution with cheap robotic labour and lean design for manufacture. They have to sack all the employees, hire back half of them and introduce new blood at all levels, then hold on for a few more years until Musk has the robotics factory turning out a million a year at $20k each.
@dpalfr Жыл бұрын
Outstanding video! I actually saw the damaged RV7a in a hangar in Boulder, so appreciate the story from Greg.I fly an RV6 and am building an RV10 (for the family!). The grin does not go away!
@satelite990 Жыл бұрын
I could easily watch a whole series of the Van's factory operations. Still appreciate the hour long video Jimmy. Thanks, and I hope Vans aircraft come out the other side of the clouds flying.
@squeakersc063 Жыл бұрын
I like to describe the process of building this thing to my family like a 3D printed lego set. Someone sends you all the 3D printed pieces and you clean them up and stick it all together following the instructions. Sometimes I do read ahead and then get a little panic at the scope of a section and have to remind myself to work one page at a time.
@chaseandkill3756 Жыл бұрын
Jimmy, love this video. Vans are so awesome. (I think you guys should invest in one of those gyro camera stabilizers. It would up your video quality tremendously.)
@2wheelsdown1fingerup11 ай бұрын
or a tripod 😵💫 but this could be stabilized in post pretty easily
@russpayne6808 Жыл бұрын
A very valuable video, as it clearly shows why so few people can build a high-performance home-build these days. Hats off to Van's - an amazing company that does not seem to have any competitors here in the UK, due to high labour costs, factory costs and dare I suggest, over-regulation of the GA world. I learned to fly in an 80's Slingsby T67A, hand-built in the UK, of which only 10 were built. Those were the days.
@franksando635 Жыл бұрын
WOW Thank-you for taking us on this tour I enjoyed it 👍👍
@wesleyjamison4442 Жыл бұрын
Great video. Did not realize their operation was that big. A friend of mine built an RV-8 from scratch. A beautiful flying airplane. Wish Van's the best in their current struggles.
@joemueller4738 Жыл бұрын
Love your enthusiasm Jimmy, I like how inquisitive you are, don’t ever change!
@twistedyogert Жыл бұрын
He's like a kid on Christmas morning. Most of us get a little cynical as we age, but Jimmy seems to have avoided this.
@stephenullman4534 Жыл бұрын
This was one of the best videos I've seen on kit aircraft. Really well done! These are very well produced kits. Great commentary!
@bernardjones6162 Жыл бұрын
WOW! The equipment alone is in the multi million dollar cost! You have to love aviation to invest a lifetime into manufacturing! As A/P myself having worked at Boeing I can see what is involved in making this company!
@PHMNX Жыл бұрын
Flying my RV-7 for two years now and it's a BLAST. Currently working on my aerobatic rating. I love Van's Aircraft.
@benjigault9043 Жыл бұрын
What is an aerobatic rating?
@PHMNX Жыл бұрын
@@benjigault9043 In the Netherlands you are required get an AR before you can fly aerobatics
@benjigault9043 Жыл бұрын
@@PHMNX Thank you sir, I did not know that.
@Cupcardriver Жыл бұрын
The greatest part of this video is all the employees doing exceptional work while still using their hands along with their brains. Being in the automotive business for 30yrs, younger kids generally seem to have an aversion to this type of work. I’m quite certain these are well compensated people. Kudos!!!
@ryansaindon5559 Жыл бұрын
I'm 20 id love to work and do something like this there's so much to do and learn there. Currently working on trying to get my pilot's license and then amp school to get my mechanical and airframe certification.
@lwheatcraft11 ай бұрын
@@ryansaindon5559that’s great! And don’t let OP’s anecdotal and discriminatory post get you down. Good luck! One point of order, it’s A&P school: airframe and powerplant.
@davidpearce8821 Жыл бұрын
I was really interested in this, but the constant motion of the videographer made me stop 5 minutes in. Cameras with motion stabilizers are readily available. Maybe I’ll try again one day if you can improve on this feature for your videos.
@bertruttan129 Жыл бұрын
I just love these factory walk throughs. The quality and thoughtfulness that goes into building a super sweet RV is awesome. Thank You. Jimmy and RV!
@Avi8tor857 Жыл бұрын
I truly hope Vans survives this financial storm they are in, it would be a huge hit to the GA world if they don't.
@vgrof2315 Жыл бұрын
Me too! Hope Van's survives. The trend, however, is not good. The awful GA fatal accident rate is not helping the whole community. Lots of poor judgement going on.
@zq3yp Жыл бұрын
@@vgrof2315wtf are you talking about “ga accident rate” have you ever looked at real data before? Accident rates aren’t rising.
@mr.ginnationfunlifestyle3891 Жыл бұрын
Let’s hope, they survive and get out of their financial struggles they are into. 😢 The airplanes are awesome. Van‘s people, please don’t screw around with quality. Even knowing money is short. Keep up the quality and please don’t ruin your business because of rushing out kits to gain money. Keep your faith your great standards and your good philosophy up. The people out there will thank you for this and honor this. You have great airplanes and people know this. We have hard times in the world. Hopefully you will make it. Van’s aircraft is huge in the GA community and the GA needs these airplanes. Good luck 🍀👍 😊
@spacexenthusiast1799 Жыл бұрын
@@zq3yp the hilarious part is GA accidents are actually lower than previous years, not sure where this bozo made this up from
@TheMilwaukieDan Жыл бұрын
@@spacexenthusiast1799the real issue in part is the liability issues that have plagued GA for many decades. Any kind or type of accident happens and multiple law suits are filed for millions in damages. It was for this same reason that GA Mfg lijj my e Cessna and Piper, etc stoped manufacturing for twenty to thirty years. Ending in tge later 80’s. At that time some legal concessions had been made. However it’s still an issue.
@43963 Жыл бұрын
Great company this is. Very interesting content. Unfortunately the restless movements of the camera makes me seasick 😒
@HyphenDude Жыл бұрын
Just got to see Redline Airshow (father and son aerobatic team) flying in their RV8's. What an amazing plane.
@BRONXDEVILDOG11 ай бұрын
Thank you for the video. For some reason this video looks so distorted. What camera did you guys use to film? Dont use it again.
@bobwollard9105 Жыл бұрын
Jimmy, that was a fascinating video. The people at Van's are awesome. Their planes are really special. Let's all hope they can overcome the current financial struggles. They have been such a valuable addition to modern aviation.
@leonjohansson6542 Жыл бұрын
Vans needs to get some military contracts to help balance their bottom line.
@arcanondrum6543 Жыл бұрын
The people who complain aboutbtheir Taxes and who support more spending on the military are usually the same person. I wonder if they listen to themselves.
@PRH12310 ай бұрын
Looking at the scale of the operation, it's really impressive, I had no idea it was so big. They're doing some really impressive things. It's obviously also a very big investment. The history of light aviation though from day 1 is full of companies with big dreams that over invested. Some (most?) went bankrupt and disappeared, some are still around. I don't recall exactly but Piper went bankrupt I think at least 3 times in their history. The reality of the aviation biz never measures up to the dreams...!
@jimarcher52553 ай бұрын
My son and I have built a RV-6 and then a RV-10. The trip through the plant is an eye opener. The people at Vans were very helpful when we were temporarily stumped on a problem. They never failed to help.
@mrbill8542 Жыл бұрын
That flight was OUTSTANDING !!! you're a lucky man Mr. Jimmy !!!
@jfarinacci032911 ай бұрын
One of your most informative ad exciting videos yet Jimmy. Greg is truly gracious, knowledgeable, and a solid representative of Vans Aircraft Company. Thank you for this vedeo.
@gix40 Жыл бұрын
Excellent video Jimmy I love the Vans Aircraft. I work with a couple of high schools in GA building an RV12 then later selling them if they have not spoken for. Wonderful build and great experience for myself and the younger generation of aviators and mechanics. Great vid Jimmy
@alanc67819 ай бұрын
I just showed a visitor a photo of my RV-4 which I built in the 1980's. Fabulous aircraft. In the 1990's I visited the factory and Richard took me for a demo flight in the RV-6. Magic stuff. I wish I could do it all over again, but I am a bit old now. Thank you, Richard, for a wonderful experience.
@600torque Жыл бұрын
Jimmy, this is one of your top videos. well done.
@kiwis0uth Жыл бұрын
I doubt if you could have found a more knowledgeable chap to take you through the tour, Excellent
@benward87 Жыл бұрын
I really wanna watch this but I'm seriously struggling with the camera jiggle and blur.... might be better on my phone...
@phillipclark9914 Жыл бұрын
My uncle has an RV-6 tail dragged he built years ago. Lots of fond memories in that one.
@mikerv-9a494 Жыл бұрын
Fantastic video. I built a RV-9A 12 years ago and love it. Always wanted to tour Van's facility but now have a pretty good idea of what it looks like. Vans if a great company and hope they are able to get back on track soon.
@jcheck6 Жыл бұрын
Got you beat Mike, finished my RV-4 34 yrs ago.
@P-J-W-777 Жыл бұрын
He makes a perfect point while telling his bird strike story and something I agree with very much. If you are going to fly you should spend hours in the cockpit on the ground learning the entire cockpit by feel. Had he not been able to remember his panel things might have worked out differently for him.
@RWBHere Жыл бұрын
This is genuinely one of your most interesting videos, Jimmy. Thanks for sharing this experience with us. 🙂👍
@brycenconk8087 Жыл бұрын
Love your videos! Please get a DJI Osmo Mini or something. On my 75" TV the vibrations and movement made me sick. I know your son video's most of these. He actually is a great videographer. Please keep putting your content out like this! I want to see a Dark Aero Collaboration.
@jonathanfreedom1st Жыл бұрын
Jimmy's tour guide was an exceptional tour guide. Very knowledgeable, well spoken,descriptive and had a fairly pleasing voice. He did a great job. Now in fairness I'm not in the market for an aircraft, I couldn't be in the market for a riding lawn mower 😂😂 but nonetheless. Cheers Jimmy 🇺🇲
@TeachingAviation11 ай бұрын
Great I have built about 10 different RV7 and RV10. What a great designed kit plane. All with Lycoming engines. Haven't done one with a Rotax yet.
@patrickscott-er1rr Жыл бұрын
Flew the RV 10 with Gus at Fun n Sun years ago sadly I did not build it, now sitting on the ground watching and sitting in the commercial seats. Miss it every day.
@w4fej Жыл бұрын
Wow Jimmy, you're a crazy bastard but I still watch all your videos but this Vans video was super excellent, your best by far !! I always just assumed that Vans were simply ANOTHER home built aircraft but your factory tour completely changed my mind !! Well done mister "what could go wrong" !!
@fractal4284 Жыл бұрын
I finished my aerolite 103 build this Friday was it's Maiden flight was so much fun...
@Fast351 Жыл бұрын
The RV14A is the plane I would build if I can figure out how to swing the build time. It's literally the perfect plane if it's just you and one person travelling. Nimble, fast, and pretty!.
@FoundingYouTuber-2005 Жыл бұрын
Wow, that place is HUGE. And I notice the entire place is spotless and everything is in order. Most impressive.
@62heliman Жыл бұрын
That was an awesome tour, Jimmy.
@brentprosser729311 ай бұрын
Buck rivets are so hard to do solo. Thats why Sling has been gaining popularity using pull rivets.
@Bass.Player Жыл бұрын
I saw an RV-1 (The RV-1) fly into A small airport in Alvin Texas in the early/mid 90's. It was yellow with metal wings and a fabric covered fuselage. This was a small airport belonging to Robert "BUBE" Hering...Alvin Airpark (6R5)
@XGamesJ6 Жыл бұрын
I would be so excited to build an airplane, I would nerd out throughout the whole thing, even after it's done
@avrtt Жыл бұрын
Great video. Assuming you could find the hanger space, this would be a great video series. It would be great to see you and your son building one rather than spending time and money on A/C that have many issues.
@nedkelly22 Жыл бұрын
The videos of a project like this would also be of enormous interest to youe subscribers.
@pkphilips23 күн бұрын
Very impressive factory! wow! getting almost all of the parts done in-house is great! and I love the gentleman's comment about the people being the favorite part of working at the factory
@Mike.Howard Жыл бұрын
I think Jimmy needs an RV-12 in his life 👍👍
@shakey263410 ай бұрын
Now Van’s is going through Chapter 11 and they have problems with cracking on some parts. Glad I didn’t write that check for a deposit last year. I believe this will all get sorted. It is a helluva an aircraft.
@lincturcotte6194 Жыл бұрын
I’m wondering who Jimmy’s host is - he’s an excellent ambassador for Van’s and very knowledgeable about FAA regs & with how our stuff fits! (I built an RV6 and an RV7 empennage which I just finished installing so yeah, I’m a fan)
@chrisgilbert2152 Жыл бұрын
without a doubt, THE MOST INTERESTING VIDEOS TO DATE!! Kudos to the spokesman, fantastic info. I dont fly, BUT I WANT ONE!!
@davecasey4341 Жыл бұрын
Sounds like a good idea for an addition to the cockpit. A small box attached to the bottom of the dash or the sidewall just big enough to hold a spare pair of glasses.
@alanc67819 ай бұрын
I would probably Velcro a soft something to somewhere convenient. Just in case.
@jamesjacobs42096 ай бұрын
I helped a friend of mine build an RV12iS. Took a little over a year and we just finished its first condition inspection with minor adjustments. Flies great and climbs really well even with us two lead butt pilots in it. Avionics are fabulous, autopilot and all that is available in the Dynon panel. The RV grin is a real thing and I recommend Van's aircraft to anyone that wants a decent plane that will not break the bank.
@MT-cc2fz Жыл бұрын
Wow! maybe your best video ever. Truly enjoyable.
@bwnco9 ай бұрын
Been looking at Vans for 30 years now I love the RV for with the sliding cockpit cuz it looks like a fighter airplane the stall speed is awesome top speed is great I don't think you can beat this kit. I just don't have the skill I don't think to put one together or the patience hats off to those who have completed these kits!!
@MD-NWWI Жыл бұрын
I applied for a job at cirrus just so i could get a one on one tour. It's cool seeing how airplanes are built!
@twistedyogert Жыл бұрын
If you ever want to get a little dizzy, just look at a picture of Boeing's Everett plant. I can't imagine the army of people needed to churn out a 737 in only 18 hours.
@jaseg6673 Жыл бұрын
What a coincidence, I work in the same area, and just got a ride in an Rv doing areobatics just the other day probably the same airspace. Cool to see Jimmy is in the area!
@grantnyenes3742 Жыл бұрын
Excellent video Jimmy, could see you were loving it!
@maxhammontree3169 Жыл бұрын
I love how you two constantly talk over each other.
@bobmoyer8864 Жыл бұрын
10,000 thumbs up on this episode.. great questionand answer sessions.... looks like you are reallyenjoyingthe Pacific NW.... how was it to fly with real mountains.... now we can say.... "out of the western sky comes Sky Jimmy"..... very coooooolllll!
@rolandocrisostomo2003 Жыл бұрын
This is great video put together by people that truely care about the craft.
@tpsu129 Жыл бұрын
Van's and Jimmy's World: an episode that I have looked forward towards for a while now. HOWEVER, I am getting seasick watching this video.
@floridasaltlife Жыл бұрын
Love the Vans airplanes, I always wanted the 8A
@HueManna Жыл бұрын
I really wanted to watch this but the image stabilization issues made it really difficult to pay attention and dizzing...☹
@Av8or7 Жыл бұрын
I don’t know when you shot this but Vans is having financial problems now. During the tour they were talking about shipping the buyer the kit to build one part of the airplane at a time. I am worried that if I buy one, I could get half way through the build and wouldn’t get the rest of my plane because the company went out of business. That wasn’t a worry until a week ago. Those of us why fly for fun should offer to donate to save this family owned company.
@twistedyogert Жыл бұрын
That's kinda sad. Their products look well made. Why are they in financial trouble? 😢
@wsmempson1 Жыл бұрын
There are a few versions of the story doing the rounds at the moment. It would appear that they have had two main problems. Firstly, during the covid epidemic, they were swamped with orders that created a huge backlog of orders for which they had taken deposits (and thus committed themselves to delivering at the agreed price). In the interim, material and labour costs have soared leaving them out of pocket. Secondly, a sub-contractor that was using laser cutting to machine rivet holes, allegedly misused the technology and created a situation whereby the surrounding metal became brittle and then prone to cracking. So they have a large recall to manage and then the issue of having to supply replacement parts FOC. It appears to be a moving situation, but I'm sure they will get through it. Whether that will involve a chapter 11 situation, time will tell (which aircraft manufacturer has that NOT happened to?) time will tell. They're great aircraft, great guys, and I wish them well.
@Av8or7 Жыл бұрын
@@wsmempson1 which aircraft manufacturer hasn’t had to go through it? Van’s Aircraft. I sure hope they do make it. I have flown several Vans airplanes. I haven’t found one I dislike. The only reason I don’t own one is I don’t consider myself a builder. I had all I want, rebuilding an aircraft. At the same time I’m worried about buying used because I don’t know the quality of the build on someone else’s Vans.
@tropicthndr Жыл бұрын
You think that’s bad, watch the latest “Aerostar owners association” vids on parts availability, they’re all going to be grounded very soon with lack of parts being made. It’s a very telling forecast of the “certified aircraft market” as a whole. Experimental is the only way to go and stay flying.
@jcheck6 Жыл бұрын
@@pwffstube Some truth to what you stated but also the vendor did not use Van's pattern of starting the hole from the center but instead from the outer edge that created a heat/brittle issue.
@jb0426 Жыл бұрын
I've never been a pilot but I have had a fascination with aviation my whole life. I dream of a Vans all the time.
@nikkojones2784 Жыл бұрын
Impressive build quality...quite the unit.
@briancorbett8331 Жыл бұрын
I worked in fabrication at Douglas for part of my career, the forming of parts using form blocks always amazed me. Early 90s so transition from hand drawn MLO to CAD was occurring. Some of forming tools were from the 40s.
@gregoryrizer Жыл бұрын
That was totally awesome Jimmy that is one amazing airplane. Makes me want to purchase one besides the ultralight that I've been shopping around for. That plane you were in that can do 6 Gs + 3 Gs - is CRAZY. "What could possibly go wrong "
@Aaron-om4dw Жыл бұрын
Jimmy you are a lucky man. I have wanted my own plane for 25 years. I will enjoy watching as you build your RV. I will keep dreaming and get there one day God bless you and keep the dirty side down.
@papatangovictor Жыл бұрын
Very cool! I spent three years of my life (2012-2014) building an RV-12 here in Brazil. A phenomenal kit that is currently a bestseller. Unfortunately, I had to sell it during the divorce proceedings and was unable to fly on my plane. My ex-wife got half of the plane. In any case, it is better to lose the saddle than the horses. Sweet memories of a perfect moment in my life. Meanwhile, I've remarried twice more and am hoping for another opportunity to build an airplane again when I'm retired. Who knows?
@therealjimmysworld Жыл бұрын
Get a part of the Elvis Jet at www.SaveThe310.com before they are gone forever
@danstiverson Жыл бұрын
This could have been a good effort if the camera actually showed what you are pointing to and talking about. All we get to see is you talking. You talk about various lines of airplanes and never show what they are.
@berndm9743 Жыл бұрын
Most enjoyable tour and commentary. Thanks for taking us along 👍👍👍👍👍
@ChrisB257 Жыл бұрын
For those who follow Flight Chops - his RV14 is a fantastic plane, and aero capable too. Lots of video of the build and plenty more videos since with flying. Fascinating video Jimmy and nice flight - and I'd hate to see Vans have to cease - the best kit planes out there IMO. :)
@BaseballSwimDad559 Жыл бұрын
Wow, the take-off was quick and the pitch angle looked insane from the wing camera! Great video, lots of insight on the process and safety built into the aircraft.
@michaelpilot1000 Жыл бұрын
The RV flight was out of Pearson Airpark Vancouver Washington. I thought Vans was located near Hillsboro Oregon. Pearson is part of my old flying area. Its historical as the first airport in the early days of aviation. Its also the landing spot for the first Russia flight across the North Pole.
@kellybrodigan1121 Жыл бұрын
Google maps shows them at Aroura oregon
@OffTheBlacktop Жыл бұрын
Would have loved to keep watching the video but there's something to do with the frame rate that makes it jump. It's making me slightly nauseous. I might have to listen to it as a audio only.
@tomeauburn Жыл бұрын
Enjoyed this a lot. The safety manager built one of these kits at the small airport outside of Live Oak Fl. Always liked listening to his experiences. On the River Sturgeon topic they are in the Suwannee River. I was diving in the dark Tania water and just saw it approaching. Since it's on a few ft of vis wasn't sure if it was a bull shark coming upstream until the last minute. Scared the C out of me. On another note they jump out of the water fairly high and people on Jet Ski and boats have hit them. They injure people pretty bad and there have been a few deaths.
@tomeauburn Жыл бұрын
A interesting side note is the safety managers last name was Vans but not related of course. His instructor helped him and others that live around the airport to build the plane. I live a bit east of there in Lake City and we have a small airport. I have always wanted to learn to fly but never got the chance. I grew up next to a family that owned a charter service and flight school.