![]() |
Quote:
Anyway, all of this is just perspective...my whole point is that most RV's out there have a LOT of utility, and that the comment of two FAA sized people with full fuel puts you at gross with 50 lbs of baggage isn't really accurate. It WOULD be accurate if you had a very portly RV-7A (at 1158 lbs)...but the typical build isn't that heavy. Where's Dan C.'s spreadsheet when you need it! :D I really do like the -14...very neat airplane...but I agree with a lot of the comments that it's not significantly different than a -7A. Especially for the cost. |
I'm thinking IO-540 Super 14 here....
Do you suppose the RV-10 engine mount might work? |
I think a lot of people here are mistaken if they think the RV14 is an optional "fat man's RV7" or a "new category RV", as the RV9 was. The RV14 is the replacement for the RV7.
I remember when the the RV7 first hit the market and many of the RV6 owners said the RV6 would continue to sell...but it didn't...sales of the RV6 evaporated overnight. I'm guessing sales of the RV7 will suffer much the same fate. I suspect that Vans will do a deal with Lycoming to get the price of the IO390 down substantially (only one engine option means volume buying advantage) and in the end there will not be a big difference in price between the RV7 and the RV14. When the price difference is not that significant, not many will opt for the RV7 with its tighter cabin, less load carrying capacity, less range, longer and more complex build program, and very dodgy nose gear. |
I like the plane but I'm disappointed in the direction it's headed. More load capability, performance, ease of build are all nice attributes and an improvement over the seven, but I just can't get over the cost. If the income distribution amongst potential builders is a bell curve, then this plane occupies a space even farther out on the curve. And how much easier can they make it to build? You haven't lived until you have rebuilt your HS because the H frame jig you built was out of square :o
|
There's another factor involved in the price "issue" here, too...
A LOT of people buy used (either run-out or mid-time) engines for -7s and -8s...O-360s and IO-360s are widely available. That can significantly reduce the build cost. I don't think IO-390s are quite so plentiful, are they? |
To quote a post in another forum from someone who is at Oshkosh and spoke to the Vans representatives whillst viewing the RV-14
"Ken also suggested that they are working on a deal with Lycoming for the IO390 that would see it at the same (or maybe a fraction less) than the IO360." John |
Quote:
|
Quote:
I have a feeling this airplane is going to be like the iPad. Everyone though "oh it's just a big iPhone, how stupid." Then it got into the hands of the public and people quickly realized the magic. We'll see what happens. |
RV14 = New Model 2012 RV7 XL
over time the new RV7 and RV9 customer will die out just like the RV6. I wished Vans rather entered a new market segment, updated single or bush plane or something cheap...but they played it safe, and improved their current market position. Personally I wish it was something else. Kind Regards Rudi |
Back home.
Quote:
50 more horsepower would make this "Bubba" RV awesome! Methinks that it's just a matter of time! Best, |
| All times are GMT -6. The time now is 01:30 AM. |