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-   -   What altitude do most RV pilots fly? (https://vansairforce.net/community/showthread.php?t=57189)

rvbuilder2002 04-24-2010 10:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ironflight (Post 426909)
My default minimum altitude for cross-countries is 8,000' - a great efficiency point for the engine and airframe. If the flight is any distance at all, I'll shoot for 10K at least. With those two numbers in mind, my goal is to have a smooth, cool ride with the best ground speed and highest mpg I can get. Gee, do I want too much? So many variables, as others have stated - but balancing them all is half the fun!

For local flying here on the Texas Gulf Coast, I usually plan on 4,000' to get above the bumps - and to a good Acro altitude. And then some days I just feel like doing a "moonshot - up to 15 or 16 thousand and back down. No reason - just a nice view and cool air!

Paul

Yup!

My altitude selection pretty much matches Paul's.

N131RV 04-25-2010 01:01 AM

Where the winds are ride are the best
 
I do a 154 NM "commute" two to three times a week(leave in the morning, fly home in the afternoon). Typical morning winds are from the west (tailwind) and the higher the better. My 7 climbs so easy, I typically shoot for 7500-11500 going to work, depending on winds/weather.

Coming home, almost always a head wind. If it's really bad, I stay low to save time (and suffer the bumpy ride). If it's less than 10 knots headwind component, I climb to where ever is comfortable, usually 6500 to 10500.

Just my two cents. The RV's perform really well at most reasonable altitudes.

As for autopilot, sure, it's a luxury, but it's one I really, really enjoy. :)

For deviations, I just switch from "track" to "course" mode and dial the selected course. (Trio Pro Pilot)

plehrke 04-25-2010 04:46 AM

Since I do most of my local flying early in the moring, I fly 1000 agl which here in MO around STL is 1500 to 2000 MSL. Very fun going fast down low when smooth.

Cross country I also fly early in the AM so fly 3000-4000 ft MSL. Since I never push fuel I live with the increase in fuel burn flying down low because I like to watch the country side go by. The United States has great things to see from a couple thousand feet up. If I am flying in the afternoon I fly 8,000 or above to get out of the chop.

cbrown747 04-25-2010 06:54 AM

Thanks for all the responses on my question:
What altitude do rv pilots fly in the summer months, especially florida?

Once again, I find it incredible how involved so many people are in the rv community. Again it reminds me how helpful this forum will be in my building process.

I am really looking forward to getting back up in the air again. I deliberately grounded myself so I can build a rv-9a. I cannot do both. I have not flown as pilot in command since november 2008 since I sold my old & slow cessna 150. I refuse to pay nearly $300 to rent a cessna 172 at a local fbo to get that $100 hamburger, so it looks like I will need to buckle down and get going on this project and hopefully someday I can discuss issues such as where are the nearby flyinn's.

TSwezey 04-25-2010 07:10 AM

I usually fly southbound at 9,500 and north bound at 8,500 or 10,500 when heading to Cocoa Beach.

Low Pass 04-25-2010 08:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cbrown747 (Post 426953)
Thanks for all the responses on my question:
What altitude do rv pilots fly in the summer months, especially florida?....

There's not one answer. Where are we headed? We going out over the bay, lakes, beaches? Headed over rangeland? What's the weather doing (bumps down low)? I'd say 75% of my time is somewhere between 1000-3000. But that's in Texas air. ;)

Bob Martin 04-25-2010 08:42 AM

where to fly
 
An old friend of mine use to say.
" Climb and maintain 60 degrees"
If I remember right we were leaving Oshkosh on a hot day.
Same as Florida on a normal day!

hydroguy2 04-25-2010 09:23 AM

Quote:

What altitude do most RV pilots fly?
I guess most have a great attitude. I know my attitude is going to be much better once I'm an RV pilot!

What?....Oops nevermind, I'll go clean the fiberglass dust off my glasses.:D

Dmadd 04-25-2010 09:57 AM

+1
thought I was the only loon that did this... ;-)
can't explain why it's fun, but it is...


Quote:

Originally Posted by Ironflight (Post 426909)
. And then some days I just feel like doing a "moonshot - up to 15 or 16 thousand and back down. No reason - just a nice view and cool air!

Paul


Greg Arehart 04-25-2010 10:41 AM

My personal preference for XC (defined as > 1 hour flying time) is in the 11500-15500 range. Cooler (sometimes too cool!), less bumpy, better fuel economy, better view, more glide range, less traffic, and I can actually get flight following. This all assumes no weather and relatively calm winds. I routinely use O2, of course.

greg


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