VOBA's Aircraft Database
The VOBA aircraft database is a repository for information on Velocity aircraft. Members can enter data on their own aircraft, and search the database by model, engine, prop, plus more than 100 other categories.
Note that there will be multiple records for each aircraft. Some of them are editable by the member or owner. Some of the entries for these same aircraft are archived data and are not editable. Before asking questions about the aircraft data, please read the extended explanation, below.
To browse through the data, click here: (members only)
Search the Aircraft Database
To add or edit info on an aircraft that you own, log in to VOBA, click on your name in the upper right corner, and select Profile. Within your membership profile, in the "Website" section there is a link to the Aircraft Database. This will list all of YOUR aircraft (if any). You can then add, modify, or delete the entry, as you see fit. You can also have multiple entries for your aircraft to help illustrate what modifications were done over time.
Please read through the full description of how the database is designed to work (below) before changing anything.
How the database works
The initial version of the database was compiled from FAA records, VOBA membership info, Velocity-XL.com data (thanks to Brett Ferrell), and discussions on the Forum and Reflector. The data is incomplete, and may be incorrect in many cases.
Members can add their own aircraft (or kit) from scratch and also modify or delete an existing plane that is linked to their account. There are five (5) pages of detailed questions about each aircraft. Everything from engine, gear, and prop, to performance data, to building status by sub-system. See the section below on how to enter your aircraft (or kit) data.
When a member modifies his aircraft substantially, he can either edit the existing database entry that is associated with his account, or enter the aircraft a second time with the new configuration. Having multiple entries helps us track engine changes, performance before & after major modifications, and the constant evolution of experimental aircraft.
When a member sells his plane or kit, his aircraft stays in the database linked to his account. The new owner can then add a new entry for the same aircraft. While it might seem confusing to have multiple entries for the same aircraft, it's the only way to capture the chain of ownership, and changes in the equipment or configuration over time.
In addition to the above database records that are linked to member accounts for each aircraft, there are static entries for every aircraft with basic info. These are not editable. These static entries ensure that nobody can delete an airplane from the database completely. They also show the ownership history of a kit or aircraft (if known), with a separate entry for the aircraft for every owner.
Searching the database
When you go to the aircraft database, you'll see options for searching the database. To list all the entries for every aircraft, leave the search criteria blank and hit the search button. To filter your results, indicate the search criteria that you want (model, owner, location, features, etc.) and hit Search.
Adding an aircraft
To create a new entry for a new or existing aircraft, click on your name in the upper right corner of the VOBA site, and go to your profile page. Click on Aircraft Database (in the "website" group). Then click Add Aircraft. You will be prompted to enter some basic info, first.
Registration number: Enter the aircraft's registration number (AKA N-number, please include the "N" prefix for US aircraft.) If you are not yet flying, you can use a reserved registration number, the kit's serial number, or just put TBD-[YourLastName]. (ie John Smith would put TBD-Smith)
Name: Enter a basic description, such as "Velocity XL-RG", "Velocity SE Long Wing", or "V-Twin". If your aircraft has a name (like "Shazam", "CheVelocity", or "Dr. Tuky") you may use that instead of (or in addition to) the basic description. If you are creating multiple entries for your aircraft to track the changes to its equipment or characteristics, you can add the year to the name.
Acquisition Date: Fill in the date that you bought the kit or aircraft. If you're not the original buyer/builder, this will not be the same as the date the kit left the Factory.
Save your entries. You will now see your aircraft listed on your profile's aircraft database page.
You can click on the Questions and Answers button (blue "A") to enter detailed info about your aircraft. Be aware that there are 5 pages of questions. Use the arrows or drop-down list at the top or bottom of the questions to navigate between all the pages.
Answer all the questions and click Save. Your aircraft data is now in the database linked to your account.
If you have pictures to upload, you can click the pictures icon next to the aircraft you just added.
Copying an aircraft
To create a duplicate entry for a new or existing aircraft, click on your name in the upper right corner of the VOBA site, and go to your profile page. Click on Aircraft Database (in the "website" group). You will see all the aircraft linked to your account. (You can only copy aircraft that are linked to your account.)
Click on the clipboard icon next to the aircraft you want to copy. All of the aircraft information will be duplicated and you can now edit the copy to reflect any changes.
Changing information about an aircraft
Click on your name in the upper right corner of the VOBA site, and go to your profile page. Click on Aircraft Database. All aircraft that are associated with your account are listed here. You can change the information on any aircraft that is listed on this page.
Click the pencil icon to change the registration number, aircraft "name", acquisition dates, and sale dates. Save your changes.
Click the Questions and Answers button (blue "A") to update detailed info about your aircraft. Be aware that there are 5 pages of questions. Use the arrows or drop-down list at the top of the questions to navigate between all the pages.
You can only change information on the database entries that are linked to your account. Your aircraft will also have a static entry in the database that is not editable.
Buying or selling an aircraft
When you buy an aircraft, even if it's already in the database, you must enter it again. Follow the directions for adding an aircraft. There is no way to transfer a database entry from one person to another. Each person's aircraft data stays linked to their account, even if they sell or scrap the aircraft.
When you sell an aircraft. Follow the directions for how to change information about an aircraft. Edit the "Date Sold / Transferred" to reflect the sale date. There is no way to transfer a database entry from one person to another. Each person's aircraft data stays linked to their account and is visible even they have sold it.
(If there is extensive information entered by a previous owner about an aircraft that you purchased, an administrator can copy all that data to a new entry attached to your account. Use the "Contact Us" page to submit your request. Please do not request this help for aircraft that have just 1 or 2 pages of information. In that case, it will be faster for you to manually re-enter the data.)