Vendors and Websites

I've spent a not-insignificant amount of time daydreaming about everything I'll be putting into my RV-7. This is essentially a wish list of all of the companies whose products and services I'll most likely be using during the course of this build. I'll keep adding to this list any time I add something new to my plane.


Van's Aircraft



This one's obvious. The RV-7 I'm building is just one of the many kits Van's offers. They're quite easily the most popular manufacturer of kit aircraft in the world, and for good reason. Aside from having a variety of excellent aircraft on offer, they also have great builder support and are constantly working to improve their products and their customer experience. They've been in business for decades, and they'll stick around for decades to come.

Van's Air Force


If you've heard of Van's Aircraft, you've probably heard of Van's Air Force. The website created by Doug Reeves has become the go-to place for RV builders and pilots to discuss everything from building tips and tricks to their latest trip in their homebuilt airplane. For me, browsing the forums has been hands down the best source of information concerning RV aircraft.

Cleaveland Aircraft Tool

Where I got my RV tool kit, which probably includes 90% of what I'll need during the entire build. They're a great group of people, easy to work with and made up of RV builders that know what they're talking about. They also offer workshops for new builders at their headquarters in Boone, IA.

Garmin


Most of my training was done in Garmin-equipped aircraft, so it's a safe bet that my aircraft will have Garmin avionics too. I've tried other avionics manufacturers but I always seem to come back to Garmin. In addition to having great avionics on offer for both certified and experimental aircraft, their customer service is great. Their experimental aviation department is active on the VAF forums (under the name g3xpert) and they're constantly providing feedback and announcing new products for the experimental crowd.

Classic Aero Deigns

Provides complete interiors for most models of RVs, including seats and seat cushions, side panels, carpeting, and more. Many of the nicer-looking RVs out there have an interior from these guys. They're also on the VAF forums and interact with the community often.

Vertical Power



Products for electrical systems for experimental aircraft. The VP-X is a sold-state system that provides electronic circuit breakers, alternator and starter management, switch inputs, flap and trim control, and a lot more. Also on offer is the PPS (Primary Power System) that handles the high-current items such as the starter and alternator and connects to the VP-X to make up what is basically your complete electrical system. These should make the wiring process a bit easier for a novice electrician such as myself.

AeroLEDs

  • AeroSun Vx - wingtip-mounted landing/taxi lights
  • Pulsar NSP - navigation/strobe/recognition lights
  • SunTail - tail strobe/position light

JDAir

  • Custom Tip Up Canopy Latch
  • Fuel Vents
  • Fuel Drain Fairings
  • Compete Tailwheel Assembly with lightweight tailwheel and tail link

Aerosport Products

  • RV-7/RV-9 Carbon Fiber Instrument Panel


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