Cost
So what does it really cost to build one of these things? I have kept track of every expense I've had so far, including tool purchases. My spreadsheet is too complex, and updated almost daily, so I won't go in to that much detail, but I'll list each category and what I've spent in each one, and what I expect to spend before I'm done.
Estimated Total Cost Already Paid
Kit Charges $19,260.22 $20,105.00
Engine and Propeller $19,427.10 $18,129.10
Avionics and Electrical $7,952.86 $7,952.86
Interior $3,100.73 $3,100.73
Exterior $873.34 $700.84
Tools $2,890.71 $2,890.71
Paint, Polish, and Supplies $894.85 $394.85
Misc/Hardware $3,569.34 $3,130.51
Totals $57,969.15 $56,404.60
Estimated remaining cost $2,409.33
Total Estimated Cost of my RV-7 less tools $55,078.44
My airplane is WAY on the cheaper side of building one of these. My panel is a fraction of what some people go crazy/overboard on. There are plenty of panels that run more than my total estimated build cost!
My spreadsheet includes EVERYTHING that I expect to need, including all hardware, wiring, connectors, switches, etc...
I'll try to keep this updated once a month...
Updated 5/12/2009