The Project
To invent an airplane is nothing.To build one is something.To fly is everything.~ Otto Lilienthal
Why Build an Airplane?
Welcome! This website details the building and flying of a Van’s RV-8 kitplane. Yes, a real two-person sport airplane, not a toy model. Why would anyone build such a thing? Although a finished kitplane can cost considerably less than a factory-new Cessna or Cirrus, it can hardly be argued that a homebuilt is the cheapest solution for those who just want to “go flying.” Inexpensive used production aircraft are everywhere, in various states of upkeep. But aircraft homebuilders are enthusiasts, tweakers, experimenters and perfectionists. For these types, a stock airplane just won’t do. Kitplane enthusiasts want to create their own “perfect” airplane — or something very close to it — whatever “perfect” may mean to them.
What is an RV-8?
Van's RV-8
An RV-8 is a two-place tandem-seat sport airplane, sold as a kit by Van’s Aircraft, Inc. in Aurora, Oregon. It is one of nearly a dozen aircraft designs offered by Van’s, and one of literally hundreds of kit aircraft models available worldwide. The “R” and “V” in the model name stand for Richard VanGrunsven, or “Van,” the company’s founder and chief designer. RVs are built primarily from aluminum alloys, using industry-standard techniques and processes that have been proven in over 70 years of aircraft construction.
Experimental? Are you crazy?
All US-registered aircraft must be issued an Airworthiness Certificate by the FAA. There are two primary types of airworthiness certificates — Standard and Special — and several sub-categories. Most general-aviation airplanes are certified under the Standard category, and might fall into a sub-category like Acrobatic, Utility or Transport.
The Special Airworthiness Certificate is reserved for aircraft which need to meet certain performance criteria for specific applications such as cropdusting, firefighting, aerial surveying, flight research, exhibitions, air racing, and the like. Homebuilt kit aircraft fall under the Experimental/Amateur-built sub-category, which allows individuals to design and/or build their own aircraft for the purpose of recreation and education.
Before a kitplane is issued an Experimental category airworthiness certificate, it must be thoroughly inspected by an FAA Inspector or Designated Airworthiness Representative to ensure that its design, materials and construction comply with industry-standard criteria for safety.
The Experimental Aircraft Association, or EAA, is a large and diverse organization which supports aircraft builders, pilots, manufacturers and enthusiasts, promotes safety, and operates outreach programs to introduce the young and old to the wonders of flight. EAA’s annual Airventure Oshkosh airshow is one of the premier aviation gatherings in the world.
What’s with the name Aeropunk?
More than just a rock music genre, the term “punk” has become synonymous with a decentralized, do-it-yourself ethic in visual art, film, journalism, education, urban culture, fashion and technology, with an emphasis on shunning consumerism and prepackaged solutions in favor of ingenuity and creativity. MAKE magazine and Instructables.com are prominent examples. By this definition, aircraft homebuilding and flight testing are really a form of “punk aeronautics” — or just aeropunk, for short.
Navigating this Site
Everything here can be accessed easily via the navigation bar at the top of the page or through the sidebar links.
Day-to-day progress and relevant photos can be found by clicking on the Builder’s Log link at the top of the page. The Builder’s Log page contains a chronological index of every log entry from day one, organized by project phase.
The Project Phases section in the sidebar contains quick access to entries from each phase of the project, from the initial planning to first flight and beyond.
The Resources page, accessed from the top navigation bar, is a list of books, websites, and product vendors I found useful during the build.
Comments, questions and suggestions are welcome, and can be left after any log entry. If you’re looking for something specific, try the Search box at the top of the page. Enjoy!