One week to an airplane

At precisely 8 a.m. on July 23, work began on the One Week Wonder, a Van’s Aircraft RV–12iS. Once the clock started running, they were busy carefully unpacking the first of several crates to remove and sort parts.

“This is a very special event, and somewhat of an EAA tradition,” EAA President Jack Pelton said. The project is meant to highlight the fact that homebuilding is something everyone can do, he said.

Throughout the week, volunteers will learn to rivet and put that skill to work to assemble the RV–12is.

In 2014 the One Week Wonder was a Zenith CH 750. EAA wants to showcase the whole homebuilding industry, said Charlie Becker, director of chapters and communities and homebuilt community manager. The RV–12iS was chosen because of its popularity, ease of construction, and smooth flying characteristics, according to EAA. Van’s Aircraft will be celebrating the 10,000th RV flying during EAA AirVenture.

The light sport RV–12iS will feature a Rotax 912 iS engine and a Garmin panel. Other sponsors include Aircraft Spruce & Specialty, Aeroleds, Amsafe, Andair, Bose, EarthX, Flightline Interiors, Newton Consulting, RAMI, Ray Allen, Scheme Designers, Sensenich, and Stein Air.

Scheme Designers has created three designs for the airplane. Visitors can stop by the One Week Wonder exhibit and vote for their favorite during the week.