Homebuilding in a Really Small Space - Rob Holmes' RV-3

[TaildraggersInc]

Homebuilding in a Really Small Space

Over the years, a lot of builders have been forced to construct their aircraft in workspaces that would make most people cringe. I've seen stories of builders having to knock out basement walls to get their projects out, using ropes and cables to lower a fuselage from a second-story workshop, and even working in makeshift tarp "garages". Compared to some of those stories, Rob Holmes' original workshop was first-rate. But it's still small and quite inspirational to those desiring to build their airplanes in spaces smaller than a two car garage.

Rob's website, MyRV3.com, is chock full o'photos from the ongoing construction of his Van's RV-3. He shows us his townhouse "workshop", aka living room, and how he made the space work for him. He built the empennage and fuselage in that tiny space. While he has since moved to a new home, the story of his building an airplane in such a small space is still motivational.

The workmanship on Rob's RV-3 appears to be first-rate. The photos should be a good reference for builders currently undertaking an RV-3 project of their own. Oh, and just so everyone understands, the RV-3 ain't like the newer kits. You actually have to BUILD this one. There's none of this "plug-and-play" convenience in the RV-3. Those who build them are true builders, not assemblers. (I'm gonna get hate mail for that...)

I'm sure there are many more builders with photos of their airplane projects as part of their living room decor. If you have a great photo or story to share, tell us all about it!