Intro / kit plane question

[rlonghitano]

Hi I'm a Philadelphia based PP and a new EAA member (long time AOPA member). I've been away from GA for a few years and now that my kids are older I'm finally getting back in the air. I'm totally up to date on all the changes that were made during my downtime and I'm about to block out so time with a CFI to dust off the rust and get current.

My main reason for joining the EAA is because it has been a lifelong goal of mine to build my own aircraft. Looking into the future I'm planing to build a LSA because someday I might let the medical expire and fly as a sport pilot. The kits I'm researching are the RV-12, CH 650 and STOL CH 750. I'm very comfortable with my skills to complete any of these aircraft but I'm having a tough time making a decision on a finial choice.

I'm looking for a two place VFR aircraft to use for short XC trips with my wife and some fun flying with my kids. I would like a something with a generous useful load and good fuel consumption. If anyone would like to give an option on my choices please reply. Also if anyone has any of these aircraft please let me know what your real world empty weight numbers are. I'm curious how they compare to the number on the Vans and Zenith web sites

Thanks for your time,

rob

[Anymouse]

Not sure how it compares to the ones you mentioned, but you might want to check out the Sonex offerings as well. I personally like the Xenos. Even if your medical is denied, you can still fly a glider. Of course, you gotta get your glider ticket (a lot of fun) and a self-launch endorsement (should be a no brainer for a power pilot).

http://www.sonexaircraft.com/

[rlonghitano]

Thanks! I have looked at the Sonex web site in my research. Never looked at the self launched glider. It does look like fun

[Auburntsts]

Rob,
I can't answer any of your questions, but invite you to check out Van's Air Force: http://www.vansairforce.com/community/index.php There's an RV-12 sub-forum where you can get answers to any questions on the RV-12 specifically and all RV's in general.

[rlonghitano]

Thanks Todd! I have seen that site, I'll register to their forum section. While I have you here, I noticed the RV 12 has the fuel tank in the fuselage. Should I have any worries about that? Every plane I've flown had the fuel in the wings so it seems a little weird to me to sit in the same area as the fuel.

[Auburntsts]

I'd say no, of course I'm not an RV-12 builder so take my advice with a grain of salt. It has been discussed to death over at VAF and I think it's a non-issue, although some are apparantly going the E-AB route vs. E-LSA in order to build wing tanks. If I ever go LSA, it will be in a RV-12 and I'll build it per the plans. To the best of my knowledge most, if not all, 150+ flying RV-12s were built with the fuse tank per the plans.

[rlonghitano]

Yea that's pretty much what I read. The RV12 is still very high on my list due to their longevity and the reputation of their designs. Thanks for your input.