Jeff's RV-6 Site

Basics about my airplane

My RV-6, N187CF aka "The Spruce Moose" was built from Van's standard build kit #25728. Construction began in September '99, after a $50,000 free ride with Ken Krueger at Oshkosh '99. I spent about 1800 hours over the next 4 1/2 years on the project. I did all the work myself, with the exception of the interior upholstery, and a little help here and there bucking rivets.

First flight was on March 15, 2004, with me at the controls. All went well, except for the typical heavy wing, and a very sweaty, nervous test pilot, both of which have since been fixed.

The plane weighed in at 1,067 lbs. empty, which is not surprising considering all the little goodies I added. The panel is basic IFR, based around the Dynon EFIS. Power is from a new Aerosport Power O-360A1A swinging an Craig Catto 66X76 3-blade. Performance is as advertised by Van's.

I'm based at East Troy Municipal, about 20 miles southwest of Milwaukee, WI.

Update 10-20-06: The Spruce Moose Deuce is Underway!

Three years without an airplane project in my garage is long enough. On this date I took delivery of RV-8 tail kit # 82622. It feels good to be back in the garage smashing rivets. Boy, these new shake-and-bake kits are something else.

Why an 8? Well, the 8 is the RV that I really wanted in the first place. I decided at the time to build a 6, for reasons that had nothing to do with airplanes. Now that those reasons are "no longer a factor," I can do as I wish. I really like my 6, and I fly the heck out of it, but so many times, I've found myself saying "I wish I had done..." or "if I ever build another one I'll..." Plus, since I've gotten involved with the Blackhawk Squadron and really gotten into formation flying, I recognize the benefits of tandem seating for this type of flying.

The Moose Deuce will be a slow-build. I've got more time than money right now. Having a flying RV really takes away some of the motivation to build, especially on nice days. When the time comes to buy the expensive bits, I'll likely have to put the Moose up for sale. I can't afford one airplane, let alone two. The potential of a future sale has caused me to rethink the paint job, but I'm going to leave it up on the website, just 'cause I like it.

Here's how it looks now...

Here's how it might look if I ever get around to painting it...