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01-07-2020, 06:03 AM
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Join Date: Dec 2018
Location: NC
Posts: 136
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If your stated mission is what you need as an “enabler” to get into aircraft ownership then go for it just know that you will be late for work quite often. Using an RV to reliably cover 600nm on a work schedule is something to avoid. If you have enough flexibility to fly yourself when the conditions are appropriate and fly commercial the rest of the time then worst cast it will give you a bunch more hours vs just being a weekend warrior.
By the time you factor in panned and unplanned maintenance, forecast weather, surprise weather, unplanned and poorly timed illness, etc you will end up missing work or meetings more often than you think if you are making safe choices.
Buy a plane, have fun with it, be safe and commute with it when you can.
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01-07-2020, 06:33 AM
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Join Date: Jul 2015
Location: Cole camp, mo
Posts: 24
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Welcome
Free advice is usually worth what you pay for it! Here?s mine. Spend most of your money on avgas, nothing beats experience, jumping straight into an RV is ok I believe, however it?s not to be taken lightly, these are wonderful aircraft but they have the capability of getting ahead of you if you aren?t ready. I?ve flown mine all over the western US and would definitely encourage commuting, but be ready to have unplanned stays etc. Time in the seat trumps any fancy panel, gadgets are awesome but don?t expect them to make up for mistakes.
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James Stoppel
RV8 Purchased Flying
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01-07-2020, 07:06 AM
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Join Date: Sep 2015
Location: Cottontown, TN
Posts: 272
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Great airplanes...
I bought a flying RV7a 4 years ago. If there is another airplane out there that fits my mission any better, I can't find it. The speed, efficiency, STOL ability, and fun factor combine to make it the coolest little airplane I have ever flown. I upgraded the panel with TSO certified NAV gear and a good autopilot the following year. Money well spent. Jessie Saint, in Florida helped me with everything. Nice guy. Very RV knowledgable. Fair prices. I have used the plane for business and pleasure. For such a long commute, the extra fuel in the 7 would be a plus over a 6. I'll echo what some have already said here. IFR ticket and proficiency is a must. We also have to listen when aviation tells us no. Have minimums and stick to them. Getthereitis has killed more than a few. If you really need to be there, have a backup plan.
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Jeff Kersey
RV7A Purchased Flying
Dues paid
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01-07-2020, 07:53 AM
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Join Date: Aug 2015
Location: 52F
Posts: 187
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I would see if there is an aero club in your area. This way you can fly different types of aircraft, build hours, and get your IFR ticket (which I feel is very important). During this time meet RV people, learn about the real numbers while you are flying your mission in other planes, and the RV panel options.
I'll echo what Discus said. I think RVs are great but eased into. Buying an RV that needs work is an added stress to everything you said you will already be going through.
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46 Luscombe 8a Rag Wing, Armstrong starter
RV-6, IO-320, Catto, G3X Panel (Thanks Walt!)
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01-07-2020, 08:25 AM
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Join Date: Mar 2015
Location: Cloverdale CA
Posts: 254
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Sucked the fun out of flying
I spent a year and a half commuting 250 miles on weekends. At first it was fun, but I soon realized it was a stressful challenge.
The amount of maintenance for flying so much was more than I anticipated. Having to fly regularly means alway having the plane perfect, without squawks. This became a huge chore and time suck.
It also sucked the joy out of flying. In an just now (one year later) starting to enjoy flying again.
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01-07-2020, 08:27 AM
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Join Date: May 2011
Location: Roseville
Posts: 386
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Like others, you wanted advice. I'll give you my 38 years and almost 7000 hours worth. I feel you're overestimating the ability to reliably get to and from work. It is not like and automobile in the sky. Weather, time, health, mechanical break down (you'll have plenty) all eat away at that equation. On top of that, you will be tempted to fly beyond your ability ( I'm assuming here since you said you're just now getting your license) or comfort with the pressures of getting to work. That is a recipe for headlines in the morning paper. Find a plane that is well built. Take your time looking. Learn aircraft systems, find a good local instructor with whom you can build a relationship and refine your skills. At some point in the future, you will have more experience on which to further define your mission.
Best of luck and welcome to the fantastic world of aviation and the Vans RV!
Respectfully,
David
__________________
RV-9A N435KR, Vans calendar March 2018
LIO 320 B1A, Dual LS Plasma III, AFP injection
G3x touch
Roseville, Ca
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01-07-2020, 11:23 AM
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Join Date: Aug 2019
Location: Appleton, WI
Posts: 194
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Quote:
Originally Posted by lam0082
Hello new friends.
I am about to complete my private pilot certificate. I?m also about to graduate veterinary school and am heavily considering taking a job around 600 miles from home. They want me to work part of the week, and I?m considering going back home and working/being with family the remainder of the week. I wouldn?t do this every week, just kind of depends on the weather.
Because of this, I?m heavily considering buying a plane. My mission would be 600 mile cross countries by myself. Want something quick, fuel efficient, and a good plane for IFR conditions (plan to get instrument certificate soon after private). Right now considering 6, 7, or 9?s. Prefer the side by side seating, prefer a tricycle gear but I?m willing to get tail wheel endorsement for the right situation.
So my main question, how difficult would it be to overhaul the panel on some of these older rv-6?s or cheaper built rv-9?s? Adding auto-pilot? I?m pretty handy for the most part, decent on electronics, but I?m pretty good at problem solving and finding a way to get something done.
Any input on any of this is greatly appreciated.
Thank you.
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I have a lot of respect for anyone that can stick their full arm up the rear end of a large mammal. I suspect you're more capable and intelligent that most, so I would simply advise you to take the advice those have already shared an go slow and don't depend on the RV for transport...always have an out.
When I was young and eager like you I found myself in a couple aviation situations early in my career as a result of my hubris. I was lucky that fate hadn't hunt me.
All that said, sometimes you can ride your bike without a helmet on. You just need to gain the experience to know when its ok. Airplanes are not rocket surgery, especially if you have guidance. The fact that you came here to seek it says a lot.
__________________
Tim Holmes
Appleton, WI
ATP, CFI/II/MEI, LSRM
RV-9A N904DC
2019/2020 Dues Paid
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01-07-2020, 11:55 AM
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Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Southwest Michigan
Posts: 180
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Is it feasible to buy an older RV and upgrade to a glass panel? Well everywhere is walking distance if you have the time. Kind of the same with upgrading panels in older planes. You can most certainly do it, but it won't likely be quick or simple.
That's not to say it wouldn't be worth doing. But I would only recommend doing it if learning to do that kind of project and/or doing that kind of project was a goal on its own. If teaching yourself how to do a panel upgrade and tinkering with all the associated systems is something you would otherwise want to do, then it go for it.
Lots of people go the route of I'll buy a cheaper fixer-upper airplane and do all the needed upgrades on it for their first plane. Very few go that route for their second plane or any subsequent plane. They end up realizing its a better deal to spend more on a plane that doesn't need any upgrades.
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Joe
RV-12 Empennage
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01-07-2020, 02:21 PM
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Join Date: May 2011
Location: Western Nebraska
Posts: 8
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All good advice.
I'm assuming an RV or similar first aircraft would have an airspeed of about 150. Your 600nm commute is roughly a 4 hour prospect. I know you have compared that to the 10 hour drive and thought- gosh it'd be great to fly.
Flying is great! Especially with an RV Grin!!!
Congrats on achieving your DVM! Finish your PPL. Gain experience and knowledge and have fun!
As previously mentioned, the prospect of planning the weather and other logistics makes the commute a daunting task. Not impossible. I'm building a 6 for a xc instrument time machine- with the acceptance of the limitations that I'll have time to spare if I go by air.
One of the best parts of flying, I think you'll find, is the fact you have to leave your problems and challenges on the ground. I.E. That really challenging owner with the horse with navicular, you won't worry about as you're focused on flying. After you land and airplane is put away, then you'll be refreshed from flying and can choose what to address next.
Good luck and welcome!
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01-08-2020, 07:39 AM
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Join Date: Jan 2016
Location: Richmond VA, USA
Posts: 456
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Distance matters
Good point. And I think that 600 miles is a materially more difficult distance to cover reliably by small aircraft than 250 miles. Almost like another category of difficult.
As an experiment, the OP could take a week and eyeball the weather existing along his route each day. Across 600 miles, I predict there will very often be part of the route that would pose significant weather challenges to an instrument-capable RV.
Certainly that would be true in a 600 NM radius from New Kent International Aerodrome (W96). It might vary based on region of the country; I know basically zilch about flying out west.
Quote:
Originally Posted by lndwarrior
I spent a year and a half commuting 250 miles on weekends. At first it was fun, but I soon realized it was a stressful challenge.
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__________________
N929JA, 2007 RV-9A
Based W96: New Kent International Aerodrome
(near Richmond, VA USA)
2020 Dues Paid
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