Teen Aircraft Factory of Manasota (TAFM)
The EAA180 Teen Build Program
N515TF - Sold
This RV12iS passed its FAA inspection in April, painting was wrapped up in June and now it is on its way to its new owner. We have sold the plane to a pilot from the Florida East Coast. What made this buyer unique is that he came along for the ride... helping us finish up his plane the last 6 months. He also received some informal training from EAA180 pilots who had purchased our first RV-12.
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This plane was developed with the latest RV12 design described below:
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Choice of fuel-injected Rotax engine: increased fuel economy, reduced maintenance, more power and torque, additional electrical power capacity.
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Pilot benefits: No carburetor heat or icing concerns, no manual leaning required.
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Baggage capacity increase to 75 lbs.
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Redesigned cowl provides better cooling and easier install/de-install
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Dual USB power connection.
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Quick adjust seat backs.
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Horizontal stabilizer fiberglass tips.
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Redesigned fuel tank has same 20 gallon capacity, but increased functionality.
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The effort started in February 2019. You can view our progress with periodic status updates posted on this site.
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If you are thinking of buying or building a Light Sport aircraft, consider having the TAFM build it for/with you. As part of our mission to introduce teens to aviation, the TAFM brings experienced builder expertise, hangar space and tooling, free labor, transition training and ongoing support.
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Working with the TAFM, your plane gets finished faster and the schedule is reliable. TAFM estimates 18 months versus 36 months for first time, solo builders. You can work alongside the TAFM to achieve the 51% repairman’s certificate. Pick your engine, panel, paint, and interior. You buy the kits along the way and you own the airplane once completed.
05/2021 to 06/2021
Base Paint Applied - Final Config
The plane went to the paint shop in June and we just got it back. A basic white was applied, as the owner decided to put a wrap on the plane when he receives it. Talk is that the plane is going to make a trip up to Oshkosh this July. All the best to the new owner... and on to another plane!
03/2021 to 04/2021
FAA Inspection and Flight Tests
We have wrapped up the plane and completed its FAA inspection on April 29, 2021. Calibrating it by flying a few hours, with the new owner onsite watching in anticipation of final completion. Last step is to host the May 8th picnic where the kids who worked on the plane get to fly in it... then into the paint shop!
01/2021 to 02/2021
Final Preparation for FAA Inspection
We finalized testing and troubleshooting on the electronics and avionics. Looks like we did a pretty good job... not too many changes needed to be made. Brad Smith, of EAA180, did a QA review of the plane in preparation for the official FAA inspection scheduled in the Spring. The teens also helped wash the plane to spiffy it up (see pics below). Now onto final testing and FAA inspection/approval!
09/2020 to 12/2020
Flight Controls Completed
It's been stop-and-go due to COVID-19 and seasonal mentors still being out of town, but we spent the last quarter of 2020 focused on installing the Garmin G3X Avionics and wiring installation. We completed work required for installation of the engine and have begun engine installation. A few buyers have been identified, and we happily received a deposit from a FL pilot. He will join the crew on Saturdays helping build and learn about his plane!
06/2020 to 08/2020
Finally - Back to Work!
After a forced break from building due to COVID-19 State guidelines, we resumed on June 3rd with a smaller core team of students and mentors. We’re working half days, checking temperatures, wearing masks, and trying to maintain social distance. The flight controls are now finished and we’re 50% through the Garmin G3X Avionics and wiring installation.
11/2019 to 02/2020
Fuselage Work Continues
The fuselage is 80% complete. The finishing kit has arrived and work has begun. The engine, avionics, and finishing kit (including landing gear, seats, and canopy) are on order. Our snowbird volunteers have arrived so we should pick up some steam!
07/2019 to 10/2019
Wings Completed/Fuselage Begins
Wing skin riveting commenced June 8th and was completed in August. We finalized work on the wings by completing the electrical on the wing tips. Finished just in time! The fuselage kit arrived just before Labor Day weekend.
02/2019 to 06/2019
Tail Cone and Start of Wing Kits
Work started on our third RV-12 in February. We spent February inventorying parts and organizing the work, while March and April focused on the tail cone. We completed the tail cone on April 13... which led to work on the wings.
Teen Building of our latest Van's RV12iS
