RivKits provide a simple kit to teach about building aluminum aircraft, similar to the popular Vans Aircraft series. The two RivKits available are based on the Vans Aircraft RV-7a and the RV-8 aircraft. The kit is a flat piece of aluminum approximately 5″ x 5″. It takes about 20 minutes to assemble. Painting takes longer. It only took a few minutes to spray paint this yellow plane after assembly.
The motivation to design and provide the first RivKit was initiated by the ASK (Airway Science for Kids) program in Portland, Oregon. ASK needed a hands-on project to quickly teach kids about how aircraft are constructed.
Building a RivKit is easy:
- Buy a RivKit.
The kit comes with pre-cut flat aluminum parts and rivets. - Snip the parts apart.
Use a flush cutter to get clean cuts. - File and sand the edges smooth.
- Apply stickers, if you have them and if they cover areas that will be bent.
Some stickers can be applied after the riveting. - Bend the parts.
Use pliers or a table vise for accurate bends.
Be careful to bend left and right parts in the correct direction.
Small bend adjustments can be made after complete assembly. - Rivet the parts together.
- Enjoy!
