Chris' Builders Log for a Vans RV 7A

Welcome to my web page devoted to documenting the construction of my Vans RV 7A. My name is Chris Bridges. (If you wish to see the rest of the site, which is dedicated to learning to fly, then please click on the links in the navbar to the left.)

What is a Van's RV-7A and why am I building one? This is usually the first questions that people ask me when I say I'm building an airplane. The next question is usually "A real airplane or a model airplane?"

A Vans RV 7A is a 2-place aluminum homebuilt aircraft, capable of flying at 200+ mph cruise speeds, take-off distances less than 500 ft, capable of sport aerobatics, and is a solid cross country platform for when I retire and want to travel alot with my wife. In short, it has awesome performance, and should provide many years of flying enjoyment.

I am building one simply because it has always been my dream to own my own airplane. This is the cheapest way to own your own, brand new, aircraft. I could have bought a used aircraft, but the price tags on used airplanes will still run you a small mortgage, and that's on the ones that are already 20 years old.

I created this web page so that you can see a little bit about what it is like to build your own homebuilt aircraft. The other purpose of this web page is to show the important task of chronicling the construction of the aircraft, sometimes called a construction log, so that I can prove to the Canadian government that I am the builder, and thus be granted "Experimental Aircraft" status.

Below is a picture of ALL the parts that have to be assembled in order to get the aircraft you see in the back (and above). You can choose whatever colour scheme you would like. This is Vans RV 7A prototype model.

Below are the links to each individual sections of the build. Click on the link to see the "blog" for that section.

Please feel free to look around. You will find a lot of information regarding learning to fly, the Vans RV 7A, and my airplane building adventures. Should you have any questions, please feel free to contact me using this link.

If you are a fellow Vans RV 7A builder, just be advised that this is my first airplane construction project. What works for me may not work for you. My methods, and practises may differ from what you would do.

I will try to detail the problems that I will encounter along the way, so that other readers may not run into the same problems that I will.

Good luck!

Legal Stuff: (I got this from Brad Oliver's construction log, but you get the point). The information contained in my Builder's Log is for recreational use only and reflects my thoughts and opinions. It does not reflect the thoughts or opinions of my wife, my kids, my fish (if I had one and I do not), my car, or my computer. Do not try this at home. Beware of dog. As seen on TV. No substitutions allowed. Void where prohibited. No shirt, no shoes, no service. Quantities are limited. No one under 17 admitted. One at this price. No purchase necessary. You do not need to be present to win. Some assembly required. Batteries not included. Action figures sold separately. Apply only to affected area. May be too intense for some viewers. All models are over 18 years of age. Safety goggles must be worn at all times. Sealed for your protection. If a rash, redness, irritation, or swelling develops, discontinue use and consult your physician. Sanitized for your protection. Wash, rinse, repeat. May be hazardous to your health. We're not in Kansas any more. Slippery when wet. Edited for television. No animals were harmed in the making of this web site. No salt, MSG, or artificial color added. The white zone is for passenger loading and unloading only. Driver does not carry cash. Auto pilot is engaged during flight. Substantial penalties for early withdrawal. Allow four to six weeks for delivery. Other restrictions may apply. And as always, your mileage may vary.

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