Why build a plans
built composite instead of a kit?
Versatility! Make it your own. Aren't you just a little bit tired of hearing or
even saying that "they" just don't make the exact plane you want.
Explore and LEARN. The possibilities only end with
your imagination. Here are just a few possibilities that can't be done with a
kit. Get out the books and re-discover what experimental aviation was
intended to be. Here are just some of the possibilities.
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What kind of training can you provide? I must admit I lean towards a metal aircraft. Only because it is not as hazardous as building a composite aircraft although the benefits of a composite aircraft are obvious.
Working with composites pose several hazards. The chemicals in the resins are both allergens and toxins and the material in the filler and ground glass can both be lung irritants. It is necessary to wear dust masks at a minimum to protect from the solids and filtering paint masks along with good ventilation for exposure to the resins. Allergic reactions, which can vary from skin irritation to respiratory, are rare but should be avoided by limiting exposure to fumes and skin contact. Good common sense care will get nearly everyone through multiple composite planes without difficulty.
Do I have to do any hot wiring of Styrofoam?
Absolutely not. This is mentioned several times in the web page and information package but there is still a perception that the only way to make parts without molds is the old hot wire method. This is not used and we do not have any of the fuel susceptible cores used in the plane.
Can the canopy be hinged on the front?
The prototype plane was built with a side hinged canopy for simplicity. The first customer plane is demonstrating a forward hinged canopy and I'm certain that other methods will be used as well. Remember that this plane is not a kit and is not restricted to whatever was provided in a purchased package.
Not at all. Three suppliers catalogs are sent with each construction manual set. We believe in keeping competition and prices fair so we don't force one of them as an exclusive supplier. One of them is a Vision builder with extensive composite experience and we do recommend that you start out at least talking with them so that you get on the right path. All the construction materials are readily available from these major aircraft supply houses.
Is there a material list somewhere?
Follow the link here
What if you're not around anymore? Will I still be able to build my Vision?
While it is certainly something we hope does not happen, companies do come and go in the experimental aircraft business. This has become a valid concern to many people who have seen the results of partial or incomplete kits purchased from companies that fell upon hard times. In fact it has been one of the biggest detriments to many people joining the building force. We intend to be around but the beauty of a plane built from raw materials is that you don't need the company. You have essentially purchased a complete plane in a box when you buy these construction manuals. The landing gear and canopy plastic are available and shared by other aircraft and everything else is standard fare with the major composite suppliers. There is a knowledgeable and growing builder base and they will also be providing the bulk of pre-fabricated parts should you wish to purchase them. A person is wise to be wary of incomplete kits in these times and we want you to be assured that your Vision can come to completion.
What about partial trial kits like some companies sell?
When a kit company sells you a partial kit it does so at a smaller portion of the kit price. Part of what you are paying for is the right to call and ask questions and receive guidance. It is known that the majority of questions will come in the first sections as people become comfortable with the materials and the process. One metal kit supplier sells a tail kit as a trial at around $1000.00. This is a fair deal but you get the tail and if you decide you don't want to build the plane you have a tail for sale. If you buy a set of construction manuals for this or another plans built plane you have an entire project in your hands for far less money. We hope that starting any airplane is not a mistake but it is a far less expensive mistake to start a plans built than a kit built and then decide you don't want to build it. Over the years I have purchased at least 15 sets of aircraft plans and never regretted it once if only for the instruction in methods I received. I suggest you buy plans for any airplane before building it and that includes a kit plane. Even though you can't build a kit plane from their construction manuals without the kit, it allows you to see if you want to. I believe all the reputable kit suppliers will sell their construction manuals.
The hours quoted seem kind of long. Is that really right?
The 3000 -3500 hours quoted for the Vision construction are realistic and based on observation of first time builders making every part. Keep in mind this is a conservative TOTAL estimate including engine, instrument, upholstery, and paint. Most home built companies mislead when they only list airframe assembly time which, in the case of the Vision, is only about 1200- 1500 hours. Certainly some pre-fabricated parts will make the construction go faster. Take a look at the segment in Sport Aviation Magazine entitled "What our members are building" and notice how many of the planes run well over their manufacturers quoted times. We would rather be straight than have you be disappointed. We have an active builders mail list (sorry, it is closed except to Vision manual holders to keep the focus) and our very innovative customers are always coming up with ways that will prove to be great time savers.
Can the wings be removed without damaging the exterior finish? I'm primarily concerned about the ability to remove the wings in order to transport the aircraft home for major maintenance and/or painting - not quick removal/folding as with the Europa.
The wings can be removed in about an hour and reinstalled in about 2 by two people without any damage to the finish. The procedure is to remove three cover panels on the bottom, disconnect all the control rods along with fuel and electrical connections and then pull the main and aft spar bolts. The wing comes directly out the bottom of the plane and is easily transported while the fuselage stays on the gear.
How much panel space is there?
A picture is worth a thousand words
Kitplanes stated that the Vision Vne is 200 mph, so why does Sean's plane cruise faster than that?
The actual Vne (which is derived from the EX (extended) wing ) is 207 mph INDICATED while Sean cruises the 160 hp version at 204 mph TRUE at 8000 feet which is comfortably lower in indicated airspeed. Please keep in mind that this is Vne, NOT Vd which is 231 mph.
Is it possible to get the construction manual in the metric system?
At this time all instructions are in English and all dimensions are in SAE. It should be noted that this manual set has very little in the way of standard blueprints and is a "take you by the hand" approach with most dimensions right in the text. A conversion chart is relatively easy to find.
What is the difference between the Vision SP and EX models?
There are currently model of Vision that are included in the plans set. The sportier SP model and the extended wing EX version. The EX is more suitable for high altitude flying, heavier loads, and lower experience pilots. The SP is built to the aerobatic category as defined by the FAA for strength though it is not designed specifically for aerobatics.
2. Vision Information Pack - A 26 page booklet on the Vision including sample instructions, builder photos and frequently asked questions. Much of the information that is on this website but in printed form so you can read it at your leisure - a great gift for your a potential building partner! Order by clicking here
3. It's a great motivator to see others completing their Vision. Check the list builders with websites and the photo page of builders without websites here.
4. Get a book. The new book Advanced Composite Techniques can be ordered by directly by clicking the link. This book gets into detailed methodology and has many very good exercises which can improve and expand the techniques of aircraft builders. It isn't necessary for building the Vision but is highly recommended for anyone who wants to improve their skills or simply decide if composite homebuilt aircraft building is for them.
5. The www.visionaircraft.com website! Take sometime and look through all of it.
Does the price of the construction manuals include shipping?
Right now I am paying postage in the U.S. and Canada. Outside that area I am asking for an additional $30.00 which is about half the shipping bill. Purchasers outside the U.S. should be aware that this does not include any customs charges or taxes. These vary greatly from country to country and you will need to look into your local costs. Be careful to examine your own regulations prior to ordering as there are just too many variations for us to keep up.