RV-6A buying questions

[rolivi]

Originally Posted by 1flyingyogi

Hi Rob. I'm also looking for an RV6 to buy (tail-wheel preferred), and wanted to ask you if you saw a difference in noise level after you put in full carpet in the interior. I really don't like the feel of bare aluminum inside the cockpit and prefer a quieter cockpit and wanted to see if you can tell a difference after installing the carpet.

Brian

It's noticeable. The Classic Aero carpet kit puts foam between the floor stiffeners, and then the carpet is one piece over the top. That and the side leather/carpet panels.

My other noise reduction is in process right now, which is mounting the 3-Blade Catto Prop which is reputed to be quieter.

[1flyingyogi]

Originally Posted by rolivi

It's noticeable. The Classic Aero carpet kit puts foam between the floor stiffeners, and then the carpet is one piece over the top. That and the side leather/carpet panels.

My other noise reduction is in process right now, which is mounting the 3-Blade Catto Prop which is reputed to be quieter.

Thanks. That's good to know. How much does it cost and what are my options as far as different brands/ types of carpeting/ cloth/ insulation? Is the Classic Aero Kit already cut and fitted specifically for the plane and ready to install? How much time/ skill does it take to install? And how much weight does it add?

Brian

[erikpmort]

Flight line is half the cost of the classic aero. I'm buying one this week.

[jpowell13]

I got Flightline carpet and foam for about $200. I checked the noise level with a decibel meter before and after and, surprisingly, could not detect any difference. I still like the carpet though, and it adds little weight. John

[Lote]

If you are thinking about buying a 6 or 6A, check the empty weight and useful load given the builder's certified gross weight. There is a lot of variation out there. Depending on your personal body weight and that of your passenger you might find yourself very limited in your mission. Many 6's and 6A's are certified at gross weights above the Vans recommended ones, but that doesn't mean they should be flown at those gross weights from all airports on all days. Different engine and prop combinations also will greatly affect performance. I would try to get real world numbers from the seller to make sure you know what performance to expect.

LeRoy Johnston RV-6A Esperanza 1000+hours.

[Dugaru]

This seems like very valuable advice and I will take it -- many thanks.

Originally Posted by posterman

Having built one 6A, working on a second, and a third on the shelf, and having some experience with a few 7's and helping rebuild a poorly constructed but not completed 8 my two cents is to spend the money for a pre-purchase inspection by a well experienced RV builder and flyer - they are around and can be found.

We have a good one here at O85, whom I can put you in touch with, and there are several in TX and along the East Coast to name a few. At the very least, a pre-purchase inspection by a well qualified individual will either keep you from purchasing a wreck, help you negotiate a better price, or tell you not to wait and make an offer now.

There are good 6's and 6A's out there - I think you will find, as others have, that using available inspection resources is money well spent.

[Dugaru]

Good idea. I know that my Warrior loved the ground on hot days, and I was probably a better resource on its real-world performance than the POH was!

Originally Posted by Lote

If you are thinking about buying a 6 or 6A, check the empty weight and useful load given the builder's certified gross weight. There is a lot of variation out there. Depending on your personal body weight and that of your passenger you might find yourself very limited in your mission. Many 6's and 6A's are certified at gross weights above the Vans recommended ones, but that doesn't mean they should be flown at those gross weights from all airports on all days. Different engine and prop combinations also will greatly affect performance. I would try to get real world numbers from the seller to make sure you know what performance to expect.

LeRoy Johnston RV-6A Esperanza 1000+hours.

[Dugaru]

I'm likely going to be at Sun-N-Fun on Friday 4/8 and Saturday 4/9, and would dearly love to get a guided tour and/or other random RV advice from a 6 or 6A owner or owner/builder.

Would be happy to sweeten the pot with a gratuity imported from Virginia (this of course includes peanuts, ham, and wares available at our state-run liquor stores....).

[gasman]

Originally Posted by Dugaru

Good idea. I know that my Warrior loved the ground on hot days, and I was probably a better resource on its real-world performance than the POH was!

At a gross weight of over 650# more than an RV6A, and using the same motor as a power source, the Warrior IS a dog compaired to the 6A.

The 6A with a 160 and a Sensenich prop is a very good performer......

[morganjp]

There will be several 6-A's at Sun n Fun, mine included so stop by at HBC and ask all the questions that you can think of!

John. Morgan.