VAF Forums - Musings of a new RV pilot...or nose vs tail...wheel

I was able to fly last week in Jan B's -6 and -6A (another post).

I wanted to post MY thoughts, impressions, and lessons learned for those who are still debating on which end to mount the third wheel. I am not advocating one way or the other--just sharing what I learned.

A little background--I am a PPSEL with an instrument rating and 500+ hours in my logbook. Have never flown anything bigger or more complex than a Piper Geronimo. I had 5-7 hours in an Airknocker when I went to Okeechobee--no endorsement.

I have been set on the -A model from day one; simply because of the ground vis and the fact that I think it is much easier to get in and out of the tri-gear model. Lately, however, small doubts had crept into my mind as I read/heard of the various nosegear problems.

So, I decided that I would go fly both models with a professional before I committed many more $$$$$$ to either.

Opinions I formed;

(1) RV6's are an absolute BLAST to fly--wherever the wheels are mounted.

(2) Both models are easy to land IF;
(a) If you fly a stabilized approach at the appropriate airspeed.
(b) If you're patient.

If on the other hand, you've developed bad habits flying Pipers and
Cessnas (as I had--what I call "lazy flying"), the RV's will insist
that you start flying with some precision again.

(3) Both models handle well on the ground--especially the taildragger. In
fact, I felt it was easier to taxi than the -A model. Beginners luck???

(4) As we taxied Jan's -6A through a ditch in front of his hanger each day,
and then bounced along to the runway, my faith in the nosegear was
restored.

(5) This is another never-ending subject--both of his props are FP. I had
no problem slowing down either airplane in the pattern.

(6) The -6A is 160HP and the -6 is 180HP, and both were very responsive.
BTW, we flew at or near gross weight all week.

I was having so much fun trying to "tame" the taildragger during the week that I briefly wavered in my decision as to which model. In the end, however,
I decided to stick with the tricycle for the same reasons as before.

FWIW, I came home with my taildragger endorsement in my logbook :cool:

My humble apologies to all for the length of this post.