I'm a very low-hours pilot, and now make some novel error each time I fly the DA-20 or 172. I've been thinking about the RV-14, and trying to figure out risks.
The few NTSB reports I read include the expected: fuel starvation, failed mods that should not have been done, improper engine rebuilds...nothing attributed to construction mistakes by a novice like me. But most of the emergency landings included a nose-over.
Then I looked at a compilation of Canadian RVs showing take-offs and landings. It appeared that the take off rolls are a lot shorter than my 172 take offs (probably a good thing). But on landing, these experienced pilots all bounced more than my instructor let me get away with.
Taken together, it makes a new guy like me wonder whether the plane's weight and 'urge to be airborne' changes the way I should think about a 'good' landing. More importantly, it makes we wonder whether it's a plane I can handle. (Or will be able to handle after years of building, while practicing in rentals).
Thoughts?
The few NTSB reports I read include the expected: fuel starvation, failed mods that should not have been done, improper engine rebuilds...nothing attributed to construction mistakes by a novice like me. But most of the emergency landings included a nose-over.
Then I looked at a compilation of Canadian RVs showing take-offs and landings. It appeared that the take off rolls are a lot shorter than my 172 take offs (probably a good thing). But on landing, these experienced pilots all bounced more than my instructor let me get away with.
Taken together, it makes a new guy like me wonder whether the plane's weight and 'urge to be airborne' changes the way I should think about a 'good' landing. More importantly, it makes we wonder whether it's a plane I can handle. (Or will be able to handle after years of building, while practicing in rentals).
Thoughts?