How long does it take to build a Ravin 500? Our build time is considerably lower than the competition. Our factory time to build is 500-600 hours. This is achievable with the Builder Assist program.  For the average builder without the Builder Assist program we are seeing averages around 1,200-1,300 hours. Note: A word of caution when doing your research: Always double or even triple the quote that companies estimate the time it takes to build. Often you are being quoted the factory time or time with Builder Assist. Does your Kit comply with the FAA's 51% rule? Yes. Is the Ravin 500 modeled after the Comanche? Essentially, yes. The Ravin 500 most closely resembles a Comanche 260C, however this is a completely different airplane. The short story is that it uses similar parts and is very similar in design but ultimately the Ravin 500 has been totally reverse engineered, updated with newer materials, construction methods, structure, and design. As we like to say it's the same old bird but with some major differences. The passenger door is now on the pilot side, with the baggage door on the co-pilot side. We employ a fixed elevator instead of a stabilator. All composite materials were used during construction, carbon-fiber and fiberglass. The wing is vastly differnt than the original Comanche 260, with higher laminar flow and a wet wing holding a total of 160 gallons. Some other differences are a hydraulic landing gear, propeller and cowling modifications. The list goes on. For more information please Contact Us or check out The Ravin 500 for some more information. What Kind of Support Do You Offer? We have a flexible Builder Assist Program that we can customize to meet your specific needs and your schedule. By flexible, we mean we can have factory workers come to your location to help you build your Ravin. There is no other builder assist program like this available today. Also, you can participate in a standard Builder Assist at our factory, but the price is currently the same, so the choice is up to you. For those not wanting to participate in Builder Assist, that's no problem. We will always offer free technical and customer support for the lifetime of the plane. If you sell the plane, the technical and customer support transfers and remains free, forever. It's not a lifetime guarantee, it's better, it's guaranteed forever. We will aide you in whatever you'd like to do with your Ravin whether it's help selling, customizing and modifying, or just where to find parts. Now that's a guarantee like no other. What Comes in a Kit? Please see the information about the Ravin 500 What Are Your Estimated Delivery Times? Typically, there is a 90-120 days lead time. This can vary and often the lead time is much less. Can I get Insurance? Yes. There are various coverage options from various agencies and as part of our guaranteed customer lifetime support we will be there to assist you in the best insurance provider that suits your needs and wants. How safe is the Ravin? Very Safe. Simply, we have performed many technical test proving the strength of the Ravin airframe as one of the safest aircrafts available. The Ravin exceeds all regualtions that are required by certified aircraft. We believe it's the safest kit aircraft in it's class, experimental or certified, and we have the numbers to prove it. Contact a Ravin Aircraft representative and we'll supply you with the information we've developed to determine our high safety rating. How long has Ravin Aircraft been around? Nearly 10 years now. The Ravin was designed and developed by SA Ravin in 2 years and 5 months. The Ravin 500 made it's first flight in September of 2002. We have delivered over 20+ kits to customers, 16 of which are flying today. How Much does it all cost? The most important question to many. Options vary greatly so the finished price varies greatly upon your specific wants and needs. Please Contact Us so that we can discuss the various options and for an estimate of what your cost would be.  For a rough estimate refer to the pricing chart below and keep in mind that these estimates are higher estimates for standard options with mostly certified equipment. The finished plane can and is often completed at a much lower price.  Ravin 500 Kit  $86,995  IO-540 Lycoming 260 hp engine (certified, new)      $45,000  Hartzell 3 Blade Scimitar Prop (certified, new)  $10,000  Avionics - Various options                                      $8,000-$15,000  Paint                                                                         $10,000  Interior                                                                    $10,000  Hardware and Other Supplies                  $10,000  Labor / Builder Assist ($3,000 per week) $48,000  Shipping  FREE  *Total Estimate w/ Full Builder Assist       $234,500  Total Estimate w/out Builder Assist        $186,500 *This estimate includes labor and is based on current market prices for new equipment. Lower possible estimates reflect various options and the builders own personal preferences (ie. reman. engines, prop, avionics, etc.). Prices subject to change without notice. Also, make sure to ask us about this years tax credit as the Ravin 500 qualifies for a tax deduction. Would you like to see more questions here? Please contact us with any suggestions and we'll post them on our website.