It has been done!

After quite an odyssey, analyzing the various features of the different LSA kits and comparing with my list requirements, I finally settled on an RV-12 from Van's Aircraft. I mailed my order for the tail kit out today.
The aircraft considered were (in this order): Van's RV-12, Zenith Zodiac CH-650, RANS S-19, Van's RV-12.
My requirements were:
- all aluminum construction
- mainly using pop rivets
- must be suitable for Cross Country
- must be possible to fly with two (2 x 200lbs), full fuel, and baggage AND stay within the legal limit of 1320 lbs gross weight.
- should cruise at the speed limit for LSAs

Initially I thought the fuel tank in the cabin would be a complete no-no with the RV-12. And I didn't think I'd need the removable wing option while having to pay that price with the tank being inside. Later I learned, that it really isn't a problem. Even the room for baggage is not reduced to a point where I'd get concerned. Light stuff can be stored on top of the tank and the heavier baggage can go right next to it.
I had almost settled for the S-19 from RANS but I wasn't happy with the useful load of only 500lbs. Assuming I would add some additional pounds by adding lighting, auto-pilot and other nice features I wouldn't have been able to stay within the legal limit for the gross weight on Cross Country flights. Well, even without those features I couldn't stay within the limits with two people on board...
The kit from Van's is not just way lighter, it also has a level of prefabrication that just amazed me. Building the kit is more like matching the holes in the skins and rivet it than the usual building process of aligning, pre-drilling, drilling to full size, etc.

This and the fact that you can easily stay within legal limits was the reason to choose the RV-12 over the competitors.

But what do I know? I'm just a 1st time builder. Let's see how this goes...

Disclaimer

Please be aware that I am a FIRST time builder and far from being any type of expert in aircraft construction. REMEMBER ... I'm a newbie builder ... be sure to check with Van's Aircraft before you do anything you read in this builder's log that might differ from those shown or implied the RV-12 plans. So reader beware ... and refer to my builder's log with CAUTION ... !!

This builders log is in no way a publication of Van's Aircraft or any other corporation. All products mentioned are not necessarily recommended for use by me but are included for informational purposes only. Any builders tips and instructions are not meant to replace the plans and instructions from Van's Aircraft. All builder's tips and instructions are presented only as a source of information and a forum for exchange and the sharing of ideas and construction methods. NO responsibility or liability is assumed, expressed, or implied as to the suitability, accuracy, safety, or approval thereof. Any party using the suggestions, ideas, instructions or examples does so at their own risk and discretion and without recourse against anyone. I cannot be responsible for any product builder's tips misuse, incorrect construction, or design failure, nor any other peril.

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