Question on RV-6A Useful Load

[Southern Pete]

I would pass on an RV-6 with an empty weight of 1160lb, its just too heavy. The first RV I had was a 6A with an empty weight of around 1050lb. With 2 people, full fuel and bags it was quite possible to get it over 1650lb gross. Saving weight at the front would send the cg aft which meant less baggage could be loaded. I now have a 6 with a heavy motor and prop, it is about to start dieting but the cg should stay under control as it is toward the front of the envelope to start with.

Look at overall weight and cg position. It will be expensive to get an 1160lb empty airplane down to around 1050 empty, even if the cg stays in a reasonable place, so I would pass on this one. A 160hp light RV-6 is just about always better than a heavy, high powered, example. RV-7s & 8s carry the bigger engines much better.

[polishpilot]

Barry, third option would be NO wife. Never mind, bad idea. That would be too costly.

[SkipperBJW]

Thanks All for the great advice.
I have approached the dealer involved asking to explain the heavy empty weight numbers but no good reason was offered.
I will take your experiences and pass on this one.
And if I got rid of the wife I would have nothing left to pay for the plane! Besides, she's a pretty good one to put up with me.

[polishpilot]

Yes, wives are great.

[Sam Buchanan]

Originally Posted by SkipperBJW

Thanks All for the great advice.
I have approached the dealer involved asking to explain the heavy empty weight numbers but no good reason was offered.
I will take your experiences and pass on this one.
And if I got rid of the wife I would have nothing left to pay for the plane! Besides, she's a pretty good one to put up with me.

Barry, I think you made a good decision on both counts.

That -6A was really heavy. You can't fully appreciate the wonderful handling of a light -6 until you have flown one. My 1999 RV-6 was 1010 at inspection and it is still very close to this weight......the pilot hasn't done nearly as well at staying svelte.....

[Boyd Birchler]

Reweigh the plane:the W&B is almost surely defective!

[flyinhood]

RV-6, IO-320, 2 Blade Catto, Full Garmin G3x panel

1056 empty

We still use the 1,650 gross limit but like others have said we go Aft CG before we gross out.

Me and Pax usually have to land with fuel in tanks for ballast to keep us in cg envelope.

Heaver prop / engine / nose wheel would obviously help the CG issue but now were into the useful load.

Keeping with in the Acro envelope requires solo and not much fuel.

[WingsOnWheels]

Originally Posted by flyinhood

RV-6, IO-320, 2 Blade Catto, Full Garmin G3x panel

1056 empty

We still use the 1,650 gross limit but like others have said we go Aft CG before we gross out.

Me and Pax usually have to land with fuel in tanks for ballast to keep us in cg envelope.

Heaver prop / engine / nose wheel would obviously help the CG issue but now were into the useful load.

Keeping with in the Acro envelope requires solo and not much fuel.

The heavy crushplate was well worth the 20# hit I took. I can carry a decent passenger load with minimum fuel and still stay within limits. Handy on long flights.

[lr172]

Originally Posted by WingsOnWheels

The heavy crushplate was well worth the 20# hit I took. I can carry a decent passenger load with minimum fuel and still stay within limits. Handy on long flights.

Same here. I prefer the feel of the plane without it, but won’t give up the baggage capacity it provides. I weigh in at 1100 with tools, fire extinguisher and20# crush plate and paint

[Jpm757]

Originally Posted by SkipperBJW

Thanks All for the great advice.
I have approached the dealer involved asking to explain the heavy empty weight numbers but no good reason was offered.
I will take your experiences and pass on this one.
And if I got rid of the wife I would have nothing left to pay for the plane! Besides, she's a pretty good one to put up with me.

I have dealt with dealers in the past regarding RV's, and in general they don't have a clue as to what they are trying to sell you. To them it's just another airplane deal. Best bet if you can is to buy from the builder, if not at least get the advice of an RV saavy person, and of course VAF forums.
Regarding the wife, probably should hang on to her. Good wives are to find, good RV's not quite as difficult. Good luck!