Hello from Irvine, California

[RV-12builder]

Greetings everyone. I’m an instrument-rated private pilot who has decided to go sport pilot. I previously owned a Piper Warrior, but now I’m building an RV-12. My day job is executive editor of Kitplanes Magazine.

Mark

[drseti]

Welcome aboard, Mark. The RV-12 (like all Vans designs) is a fine aircraft. We have many RV owners on the forum who can advise you, but you should also be a Vans Air Force member if you want really good build advice.

Only one minor point: you are, and always will be, a Private Pilot. Deciding to fly an LSA doesn't take that away from you and somehow make you a Sport Pilot. So, instead of going sport pilot, what you're really doing is steping UP to LSA.

[Sling 2 Pilot]

Welcome Mark, like you I’ve moved up to Light Sport. Having owned both singles and a twin, I have found my mission has changed and light sport fits the bill. I’m awaiting delivery of a Sling 2. I hadn’t seen the Sling and was actually looking to purchase the factory built RV-12. VAN’s has halted production of the factory -12, while tooling up for the iS, pushing it availability almost into next year. Lucky for me I found the Sling.

Kitplanes is a great resource. Hope to,see you here often.

[joey4420]

Welcome to the forum. I started as a sport Pilot, and can say the RV12 is a nice plane at least from what I have seen.

[RTK]

Welcome, Mark! I’m just up the coast from you and am based out of Fullerton. I like the RV12 and look forward to reading your updates on the build and flight!

[foresterpoole]

Welcome!

[Scooper]

Welcome, Mark, from a long time Kitplanes subscriber.

[ShawnM]

Welcome Mark. Yes, you did step "up" to LSA.

I have a friend with a RV-12 that is E-AB and it's a great plane. Enjoy!

[RV-12builder]

Thanks, everyone, for the warm welcome!

Mark

[RV-12builder]

So, instead of going sport pilot, what you're really doing is steping UP to LSA.

I like your thinking. That's a great way to describe it!

Mark

[RV-12builder]

I’m awaiting delivery of a Sling 2.
Kitplanes is a great resource. Hope to,see you here often.

I think you'll really like the Sling 2. The Aircraft Factory's U.S. facility is about an hour's drive from my house, and they are really nice planes. I had a tough time deciding between the Sling 2 and RV-12. There were features in both I really liked.

I'm glad you enjoy Kitplanes. Marc Cook reviewed the Sling 2 in our January 2013 issue and was very impressed.

Mark

[RV-12builder]

Welcome, Mark! I’m just up the coast from you and am based out of Fullerton.

I grew up in Fullerton, learned to fly at Fullerton Airport, and kept my Warrior at Fullerton Airport. It's a great little airport!

Mark

[RV-12builder]

Welcome, Mark, from a long time Kitplanes subscriber.

Thank you for being a subscriber, Stan. I appreciate it!

Mark

[chumash]

Congrats on the RV12. I hope to be getting a plane (w/in the next year) after I get my SP training. I am looking at the Sling2 and the RV12 as well as the Aerotrek. Just out of curiosity, what was the deciding factor to go with the RV12?

[TimTaylor]

If you're going to build an airplane, that would be one of the best.