About the Class

Van's has very recently changed the practice project for the Sheet metal panel. Our class will use the new practice panel and it more accurately reflects the new kits that use the pre-punch holes and extruded trailing edge on the control surfaces.   The construction of the panel,  and testing riveting strip should give you introduction to all the skills you will need for the kit construction. Also the building of the panel step by step will be online for you to review.

Class size is very small usually two or three people so you can get more personalized attention. The basic class takes one full day and is conducted at my hangar at 2482 South 1560 West Hangar "F" in Bountiful Utah. Map Cost is $295 which includes the cost of the practice kit ($40) and use of all tools, plus a real nice lunch.
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Class schedule call Mike Howe at 801-635-9698 or email mikedhowe@gmail.com for information 

Call with your request and I will work it out to your convenience
 
 
 
 
   

 

This is the practice kit. You can see that all the hardware come in numbered bags, just the same as when the kit sections arrive, This makes it easy to inventory and organize parts. The aluminum parts are mostly all pre-punched and numbered. It is assembled just like the airplane. First the parts are clecoed together( clecos are special fasteners you will need), matched drilled, deburred and dimple and finally riveted. This panel will give you practice in all the operations you will need to perform on the actual airplane. It is just these steps repeated many times

The plans are very detailed and easy to follow. All of the building is spelled out step by step and parts and hardware are specified.

 

Students comments on class

  • Had never seen a rivet when got here, now have complete confidence to build RV-7

  • Knew nothing upon arrival. Feel confident to build now. Instructors were great in all areas.

Builders assistance available after taking the class

A proven good way to continue after learning the basics is to actually begin construction under the supervision of an experienced builder. Bill Letcher a fellow builder who helped me on my first project is building an RV-9 and has space for someone to start their empennage build with him. Prerequisites for assisted building is attendance to a sheet metal basic class. You can have it shipped to SLC and he will furnish a space and work along side of you in building it. He can customize the stay to finish the entire tail (approximately a week to ten days to complete or until you feel comfortable to work on your own. If you live close enough to SLC he can crate it and you take it home in a Pickup or  he can ship it for you. His location is in a very convenient location close to many good motels and restaurants and a large shopping mall. Call him at 801-949-8601 Cell or 801-973-8793 to discuss your needs.
View Bill's Facility