Quick-build Wings & Fuselag Kit Ordered

What is a Quick-build Kit?

In order to maintain the "51% Rule" no kit build aircraft can be sold to you by the manufacture completely assembled. They can however sell you major assemblies to eat into the 49% that doesn't have to be built by an amateur.  In the case of the RV-10 you have the option to purchase both the wings and the fuselage about 85% complete.  Here's an example of what an RV-7 Standard build looks like vs a Quick build.

Standard Build

Quick Build

Quick-build Kit Ordered

I decided before starting this project that if I could get halfway through the empennage project and still enjoying the building process then I would push forward with the rest of the project.  Prior to that point you could really just sell your tools and kit parts and maybe break close to even... minus your time.  Finishing up with the elevators and having the tail cone left I think that puts me about halfway through.  Also given that I'm going the quick-build route I need to place my order given the 4-6 month lead time on delivery of the crates.

There are pros and cons going either way but for me even before ordering the empennage kit I knew I was going the quick-build route.  It's a simple trade off of money vs time by going the QB route on both the wings and fuselage.  In my case I can easily justify spending an extra $15K in order to shave at least 1000 hours off the build time. The value added for me is also the assurance that it will be done professionally including all priming, tank sealing and any of the numerous challenges that arise on a build.