AV8ORJWC
Joined: 13 Jul 2006
Posts: 1149
Location: Aurora, Oregon "Home of VANS"
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 Posted: Wed Apr 02, 2008 12:38 pm Post subject: Buying and Selling RV-10s |
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Just received my SNF ‘08 Complimentary copy of TRADE-A-PLANE (Volume 71) and found four RV-10s for sale #40441, #40423, #40144 and don’t forget Eric’s #40014.
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Then this morning someone posted a Question on Best Buying Practices on finished RVs.
“I think a set of Best Practices for used RV pre-buy/purchasing would be helpful. Has anything like this been compiled before? I’m thinking about:
Indicators of good construction (with photos)
Indicators of poor construction (with photos)
What to look for in the logs (good and bad)
What tests to do? (avionics, engine, etc)
Should an Oil Analysis be done?
What quirks to be aware of between models…
I think something like this would be very helpful to any non-A&P shopping for a used RV.
-Andrew”
The RV-10 is just too shiny and new to use my standard inspection techniques, but it is worth consideration when looking at another’s work. It is amazing to track all of the RV-10s that have already resold and those now “On the Block”. I am still fascinated at the high percentage of RV-10s which go on the blocks after the build is complete. Wish you guys would hold the longer and let market forces sent the value through the roof.
When considering purchase of an older RV aircraft, I do a comprehensive review of all three logbooks; Airframe, Engine and Prop. The last one was an RV-6A which had over Nine joyous years and 950+ hours on it. I actually take the entries and convert them to Excel so I can do multiple searches of the hard data. Holes in the data entry can tell as much as what is sometimes written into them.
Step 1 – Regularity and time between oil changes (or big periods of neglect).
Step 2 – Rate of accumulated hours on the airframe.
Step 3 – Replacement of failed components.
Step 4 – Compliance with A.D.s and the time to respond (a Hot Topic lately).
Step 5 – Compliance with S.B.s.
Step 6 – Consideration of where the aircraft was flown and time to MOH.
Step 7 - The accuracy and completeness of required logbook entries (Including transponder, VOR and ELT.
Step 8 – In depth review of all Operating Checklists.
Step 9 – The Conditional Inspection list and
A differential cylinder pressure test should be completed on the powerplant with leak down results (when the engine is properly warmed to operating temperature). You really should fly the bird you are considering purchasing.
Using a Digital Level (+/- 0.1°), check the rigging and movement of all control surfaces for compliance to Spec.
Use three calibrated scales and reweigh the aircraft as “Properly Configured”. Check your calculations with those that the manufacturer entered during the DAR inspection process. You don’t want to be using Lycoming data with a Subaru powerplant or an incorrect battery weight and location.
A review of two continuous oil analysis reports helps to develop a trend and not just a one time “Snap Shot”. If you don’t have them, start now.
Check ignition timing and do a complete visual inspection of ignition components. One Mag was significantly off the timing marks. All lower plugs were Lead fouled. Check for RPM rise upon Leaning at Shutdown for correct setting. With higher fuel costs, the use of Mogas is going to become an issue with future purchases.
Take digital pictures of the (Behind the Scenes) Instrument Panel construction and wiring. Get your favorite Avionics shop to critique the condition of wiring routing, connections and mount techniques. This is always a heavy hit $$$ when they want to rework or correct an installation.
When in doubt, get an A&P who is an active I/A or does lots of RVs Conditionals of the model you covet to do your Pre-Purchase inspection. The investment in money can save a lot when tackling the responsibility of ownership on an Amateur Built aircraft. Remember that you don’t get to hold the Repairman Certificate, so future Conditionals are more challenging. That right stays with the Seller, So maybe he will sign each future Conditional Inspection and stay on the hook with you? It is amazing what can be hidden by shiny new paint and filler. Tim or someone needs to start a Gotcha List for prospective buyers on items to look for.
Keeping a High Resale Value and Lower Insurance costs, coupled with a low accident record is in every builder’s self interest. Let the Excitement of Sun N Fun ’08 begin.
John Cox
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