Exp database?

[Dave Taylor]

Is there a searchable/indexable database of experimental a/c.....such that a person could look at a list showing performance for all 4-place single engine >150kt aircraft, for example.

[Dave Taylor]

I confess I am a little surprised none exists.

[rleffler]

Doesn't the Kitplanes annual list sorta do what you are looking for? I believe that there have been folks attempting to start up independent databases. But if my memory serves me correctly (more than 3-4 years ago), they got nastygrams from Kitplanes legal team and took the databases down.

If it wasn't for some of the new writers and Paul Dye's efforts to turn things around, I would have let my subscription lapse. I think wasting three editions to print those databases, which should be online on their website instead, takes away from the articles that are of interest to me.

[Mike Switzer]

Kitplanes had a database online that you can access if you are a subscriber. I haven't looked at it for a couple years, the search & sort function didn't work very well.

[Dave Taylor]

Thanks.
So, let me begin with these requirements and see what we get, expect modifications later.
Folks, what readily available experimental a/c (kit/plans/even used) is out there which
-will carry 4 people with light bags
-single engine
->150kts cruise
Thanks for any suggestions.

[rleffler]

Thanks.
So, let me begin with these requirements and see what we get, expect modifications later.
Folks, what readily available experimental a/c (kit/plans/even used) is out there which
-will carry 4 people with light bags
-single engine
->150kts cruise
Thanks for any suggestions.

Of course, I'm highly biased, but a RV-10 meets those requirements. Mine was just listed as 609th reported to Van's as flying.

bob

[I_FLY_LOW]

Of course, I'm highly biased, but a RV-10 meets those requirements. Mine was just listed as 609th reported to Van's as flying.

bob

Congrats!

[Dave Taylor]

Thanks. And congrats! There are a couple in my parts, very appealing.
So, is that about the only model that fits the specs?

[tspear]

Thanks.
So, let me begin with these requirements and see what we get, expect modifications later.
Folks, what readily available experimental a/c (kit/plans/even used) is out there which
-will carry 4 people with light bags
-single engine
->150kts cruise
Thanks for any suggestions.

Dave,

Here are the ones I know based on the same general requirements. (I am sure there are more)
Velocity XL, TXL, V-Twin
RV-10
Lancair Evolution, IV, IV-P
Epic

Tim

[rleffler]

Thanks. And congrats! There are a couple in my parts, very appealing.
So, is that about the only model that fits the specs?

Well it depends on your mission and budget.

For example, the EPIC will cost 9-10 times that of the RV-10. Lancair's are more expensive as well. The also have more bells and whistles for that extra expense. Do you prefer working with aluminum or fiberglass/carbon fiber? Personally, I found aluminum much easier to become proficient than fiberglass. The RV-10 is mostly aluminum, but does have a fair amount of fiberglass. Each have their unique benefits and quirks. You just have to determine which one meets your needs the best.

Of course, you could purchase a flying aircraft built by somebody else. But I can tell you that there are very few things in life that were more satisfying that flying an aircraft you built on it's first flight. Building also allows you to spread the expense over the time of the build, which was a fundemental requirement for me.

If you want to learn more about the RV-10, drop me an email and we can arrange a time to talk.

bob

[Dave Taylor]

Thanks. How about the Cozy MK4?

[PaulDow]

I believe the Express is still in production. http://www.compairllc.com
I'm not sure how the cost compares to the RV-10.

It looks like the -10 drove the Lancair ES to mothballs. They say they will still make a kit for you, but they're not actively selling them.

[Bill Greenwood]

Yes , Bob and there are few things that will have you more alert/nervous than doing the first flight in an experimental airplane that you and a friend have built, especially if it has a 2 stroke non aviation standard type engine. Worked out ok, though.

[Tessmacher]

I believe the Sling 4 (http://airplanefactory.co.za/models/sling4) meets those requirements...

[ReiffL]

Dave,

Sorry I'm coming late to this discussion. Here is a list of all the kits I know about that seat 4 or 5 and cruise at 150kts or more:

AeroCad AeroCanard (4 models)
Auriga Designs Aerocat SRX
Bede Aircraft BD-4B / 4C
Lancair: ES / IV / Evolution
Ravin 500 RG
Team Tango Foxtrot 4
Van's RV-10
Velocity SE / XL

(There may be newer companies that I don't know about. I last updated my list in 2011.)

Some of these companies may not be around anymore. The companies with the largest installed-base of flying 4-person aircraft are Lancair, Van's, and Velocity (in that order.) In terms of the number of kits sold per year, the ranking is Van's, Lancair, and Velocity.

Hope this helps!

Reiff Lorenz, Dayton Ohio
Velocity XL-RG, 51% completed

[1600vw]

Single seat
http://www.ultralightnews.com/ssulbg/index.html

Dual Seat
http://www.ultralightnews.com/ulbg2/index.htm

Tony

[1600vw]

Antique

http://www.ultralightnews.com/antulbg/index.htm

[1600vw]

http://www.ultralightnews.com/aircraftinfo/ultralightwebsites.html (http://www.ultralightnews.com/aircraftinfo/ultralightwebsites.html)


Tony

[pacerpilot]

Check out www.pilotfriend.com (http://www.pilotfriend.com). You'll have to search through the listings but they have info on most planes.

[1600vw]

Check out www.pilotfriend.com (http://www.pilotfriend.com). You'll have to search through the listings but they have info on most planes.

I would say if it was not in the list I supplied it was either a one-off original design or it was never built.


Tony

[Dave Taylor]

Many thanks!

[1600vw]

I would say if it was not in the list I supplied it was either a one-off original design or it was never built.


Tony


This statement really is not correct. I could not find Be-lite in the list. This list was put together before Be-lite.

If you see others whom are not on the list please list them here for others to find.

Tony