![]() |
Spoiled Rotten
While in the midst of helping my wife get some "Pinch Hitter" training at a local airport, I let MY BFR lapse. So, I set up an appointment with one of the local flight school instructors to renew. Went through the usual "ground school" chat and headed for the C-172. Again, the usual pre-flight. Taxied out, rolled onto the runway and started the takeoff roll. Oh my gosh, was I dragging the fuel truck? Was the engine not delivering full power? I was concerned we weren't gonna be able to even rotate the nose wheel before running out of runway.
AND......during the initial ground roll, I told the instructor; "in my RV, we'd be off the ground by now". And when I got the 55kts to rotate the nose wheel, I told him; "in the RV, we'd be above pattern altitude by now". Then there was the, (what felt like), endless climb to the maneuvering altitude of 3,000 ft. Jeez, I don't remember it taking that long back when I rented 172's. Please understand, I wasn't trying to brag although it sure sounded that way. No..... it was more like I was complaining. I have been so spoiled with how quickly the RV-9 can get up on the mains, rotate for takeoff and climb to altitude. Spoiled Rotten! In retrospect, I can see more clearly that things happen SO much faster in the RV and a greater need for due diligence is required for all aspects of operation. Robert |
I always enjoy watching RVs take off at my airport. Man, they really climb!
|
Give me a shout in a couple years, we'll do the Review in your plane and keep the braggadocio at bay. :)
|
I remember the same affect of flying a 172 after having been in my RV7A. I was told by a observer that I was off the ground in 3 seconds. Probably true as I am light weight and the engine was IO360/10:1 pistons. When I later flew a 172, I felt like I could walk faster. Sure love the "grin." :)
Dave |
Couple years ago when I got the -10 I went a few months without flying the -170.
Got in to go flying, pushed throttle forward and felt a moment of panic; I looked over at my CFI buddy and said "there's something wrong with the engine, we aren't going anywhere". He just laughed and said, "No, you are just used to the -10!" Things feel like they happen in slow motion in the 170 ... but that is also part of the fun, low and slow! |
I fly my Cessna 120 mostly and on occasion I get a little time in my Lancair.. Imagine the difference. But it always puts a smile on my face as I feel the G's..
|
Just wait until the local know-it-all comes by to scold you for yanking your RV off the ground and climbing at a dangerously high angle of attack.
|
I jumped over to the 9 forum and found this thread... Funny, I have to be careful flying my early S/N RV-12 in the pattern with a C172. Even with two 200#ers and full fuel and baggage I can easily catch a Skyhawk in climb and cruise.
Like Seabiscuit - get up next to them, look'm in the eye, and flash'm the RV grin as you go past... |
Quote:
|
Quote:
|
| All times are GMT -6. The time now is 03:19 AM. |