|
If your stated mission is what you need as an “enabler” to get into aircraft ownership then go for it just know that you will be late for work quite often. Using an RV to reliably cover 600nm on a work schedule is something to avoid. If you have enough flexibility to fly yourself when the conditions are appropriate and fly commercial the rest of the time then worst cast it will give you a bunch more hours vs just being a weekend warrior.
By the time you factor in panned and unplanned maintenance, forecast weather, surprise weather, unplanned and poorly timed illness, etc you will end up missing work or meetings more often than you think if you are making safe choices. Buy a plane, have fun with it, be safe and commute with it when you can. |
Welcome
Free advice is usually worth what you pay for it! Here?s mine. Spend most of your money on avgas, nothing beats experience, jumping straight into an RV is ok I believe, however it?s not to be taken lightly, these are wonderful aircraft but they have the capability of getting ahead of you if you aren?t ready. I?ve flown mine all over the western US and would definitely encourage commuting, but be ready to have unplanned stays etc. Time in the seat trumps any fancy panel, gadgets are awesome but don?t expect them to make up for mistakes.
|
Great airplanes...
I bought a flying RV7a 4 years ago. If there is another airplane out there that fits my mission any better, I can't find it. The speed, efficiency, STOL ability, and fun factor combine to make it the coolest little airplane I have ever flown. I upgraded the panel with TSO certified NAV gear and a good autopilot the following year. Money well spent. Jessie Saint, in Florida helped me with everything. Nice guy. Very RV knowledgable. Fair prices. I have used the plane for business and pleasure. For such a long commute, the extra fuel in the 7 would be a plus over a 6. I'll echo what some have already said here. IFR ticket and proficiency is a must. We also have to listen when aviation tells us no. Have minimums and stick to them. Getthereitis has killed more than a few. If you really need to be there, have a backup plan.
|
I would see if there is an aero club in your area. This way you can fly different types of aircraft, build hours, and get your IFR ticket (which I feel is very important). During this time meet RV people, learn about the real numbers while you are flying your mission in other planes, and the RV panel options.
I'll echo what Discus said. I think RVs are great but eased into. Buying an RV that needs work is an added stress to everything you said you will already be going through. |
Sucked the fun out of flying
I spent a year and a half commuting 250 miles on weekends. At first it was fun, but I soon realized it was a stressful challenge.
The amount of maintenance for flying so much was more than I anticipated. Having to fly regularly means alway having the plane perfect, without squawks. This became a huge chore and time suck. It also sucked the joy out of flying. In an just now (one year later) starting to enjoy flying again. |
Like others, you wanted advice. I'll give you my 38 years and almost 7000 hours worth. I feel you're overestimating the ability to reliably get to and from work. It is not like and automobile in the sky. Weather, time, health, mechanical break down (you'll have plenty) all eat away at that equation. On top of that, you will be tempted to fly beyond your ability ( I'm assuming here since you said you're just now getting your license) or comfort with the pressures of getting to work. That is a recipe for headlines in the morning paper. Find a plane that is well built. Take your time looking. Learn aircraft systems, find a good local instructor with whom you can build a relationship and refine your skills. At some point in the future, you will have more experience on which to further define your mission.
Best of luck and welcome to the fantastic world of aviation and the Vans RV! Respectfully, David |
Quote:
When I was young and eager like you I found myself in a couple aviation situations early in my career as a result of my hubris. I was lucky that fate hadn't hunt me. All that said, sometimes you can ride your bike without a helmet on. You just need to gain the experience to know when its ok. Airplanes are not rocket surgery, especially if you have guidance. The fact that you came here to seek it says a lot. |
Is it feasible to buy an older RV and upgrade to a glass panel? Well everywhere is walking distance if you have the time. Kind of the same with upgrading panels in older planes. You can most certainly do it, but it won't likely be quick or simple.
That's not to say it wouldn't be worth doing. But I would only recommend doing it if learning to do that kind of project and/or doing that kind of project was a goal on its own. If teaching yourself how to do a panel upgrade and tinkering with all the associated systems is something you would otherwise want to do, then it go for it. Lots of people go the route of I'll buy a cheaper fixer-upper airplane and do all the needed upgrades on it for their first plane. Very few go that route for their second plane or any subsequent plane. They end up realizing its a better deal to spend more on a plane that doesn't need any upgrades. |
All good advice.
I'm assuming an RV or similar first aircraft would have an airspeed of about 150. Your 600nm commute is roughly a 4 hour prospect. I know you have compared that to the 10 hour drive and thought- gosh it'd be great to fly. Flying is great! Especially with an RV Grin!!! Congrats on achieving your DVM! Finish your PPL. Gain experience and knowledge and have fun! As previously mentioned, the prospect of planning the weather and other logistics makes the commute a daunting task. Not impossible. I'm building a 6 for a xc instrument time machine- with the acceptance of the limitations that I'll have time to spare if I go by air. One of the best parts of flying, I think you'll find, is the fact you have to leave your problems and challenges on the ground. I.E. That really challenging owner with the horse with navicular, you won't worry about as you're focused on flying. After you land and airplane is put away, then you'll be refreshed from flying and can choose what to address next. Good luck and welcome! |
Distance matters
Good point. And I think that 600 miles is a materially more difficult distance to cover reliably by small aircraft than 250 miles. Almost like another category of difficult.
As an experiment, the OP could take a week and eyeball the weather existing along his route each day. Across 600 miles, I predict there will very often be part of the route that would pose significant weather challenges to an instrument-capable RV. Certainly that would be true in a 600 NM radius from New Kent International Aerodrome (W96). It might vary based on region of the country; I know basically zilch about flying out west. Quote:
|
| All times are GMT -6. The time now is 05:44 PM. |