backcountrypilot
Member
Hello, first post here. I have been lurking and researching RVs for a while now and am getting pretty serious about the RV 7 or 9. I would love the opportunity to talk to, sit in and ideally fly with owners of both models to help me decide which one to focus on. Particularly ones in the high density altitude in Colorado.
A little about me and my mission.
I live on a 4500' dirt/ pasture grass strip at 6500' elevation (Pine View) in Elizabeth, CO between Denver and Colorado Springs. I currently fly my Cherokee six, Cessna 150/150 and my Dads Cessna 182 out of there. All now have larger tires to make the runway a little smoother. I could improve the surface and have flown many stock aircraft in and out with care without a problem. Tall Trees and rising terrain on Both ends shortens the available runway for takeoff and landing. I fly the six and 182 over the mountains regularly around 14,500'.
I have worked on pretty major Certificated aircraft rebuilds and maintenance most of my life but have had little exposure to Experimental Aircraft. I am a little torn on the idea of building an experimental from a practical standpoint. It seems as though fixing up certificated aircraft requires a lot less time and possibly a greater financial benefit. However, the RV does speak to me.
Looking at the numbers it is difficult if not impossible to find a certificated aircraft that has the performance, simplicity, and economy of an RV. The family is growing up and the reality is a two seat airplane will probably suit my needs in the coming years.
I am really attracted by the published speed, economy, takeoff and altitude performance of both models. No exposure to acrobatics and no real pull that direction but I keep hearing about the RV Grin and handling of the line. I have flown aircraft big and small, fast and slow but always Utility type of aircraft and I cant help but wonder if this RV thing is something for me.
If there are any RV 7-9 or other owners on the front range or in Colorado. I would really love the opportunity to see, feel and hear about your airplanes and your opinions
.
My questions are:
1.Real performance at this altitude at gross weight. If your from Colorado you know why I'm asking. Generally up here a 4 place airplane is really a 2 place and still not a performer at that.
2.What model and engine choice to make. The Vans numbers all look great but are a bit vague. I haven't been able to find performance charts and its unclear if the ceilings listed are service or absolute. The RV 9 says great climb at altitude and better glide but its hard to quantify those statements. They both appear to climb great and up pretty high. From what I can find it looks like the 7 glides about like my Cherokee six and the 9 lands and glides like a Cessna wing?
3.Is this a good aircraft for my strip and of course tricycle or conventional gear? Another tough one to research. From reading opinions vary and contradict. It would be great if someone was local with experience to take a look at my strip and say no problem or no way.
Thank you very much for your time in reading this and if you or someone you know can help I would really appreciate it. This is a great site and you all have built a wonderful community here. Every RV I have seen on the ramp looks beautifully constructed and I wish I had looked harder and taken the time to ask more questions when I have had the opportunity.
Ash
A little about me and my mission.
I live on a 4500' dirt/ pasture grass strip at 6500' elevation (Pine View) in Elizabeth, CO between Denver and Colorado Springs. I currently fly my Cherokee six, Cessna 150/150 and my Dads Cessna 182 out of there. All now have larger tires to make the runway a little smoother. I could improve the surface and have flown many stock aircraft in and out with care without a problem. Tall Trees and rising terrain on Both ends shortens the available runway for takeoff and landing. I fly the six and 182 over the mountains regularly around 14,500'.
I have worked on pretty major Certificated aircraft rebuilds and maintenance most of my life but have had little exposure to Experimental Aircraft. I am a little torn on the idea of building an experimental from a practical standpoint. It seems as though fixing up certificated aircraft requires a lot less time and possibly a greater financial benefit. However, the RV does speak to me.
Looking at the numbers it is difficult if not impossible to find a certificated aircraft that has the performance, simplicity, and economy of an RV. The family is growing up and the reality is a two seat airplane will probably suit my needs in the coming years.
I am really attracted by the published speed, economy, takeoff and altitude performance of both models. No exposure to acrobatics and no real pull that direction but I keep hearing about the RV Grin and handling of the line. I have flown aircraft big and small, fast and slow but always Utility type of aircraft and I cant help but wonder if this RV thing is something for me.
If there are any RV 7-9 or other owners on the front range or in Colorado. I would really love the opportunity to see, feel and hear about your airplanes and your opinions
.
My questions are:
1.Real performance at this altitude at gross weight. If your from Colorado you know why I'm asking. Generally up here a 4 place airplane is really a 2 place and still not a performer at that.
2.What model and engine choice to make. The Vans numbers all look great but are a bit vague. I haven't been able to find performance charts and its unclear if the ceilings listed are service or absolute. The RV 9 says great climb at altitude and better glide but its hard to quantify those statements. They both appear to climb great and up pretty high. From what I can find it looks like the 7 glides about like my Cherokee six and the 9 lands and glides like a Cessna wing?
3.Is this a good aircraft for my strip and of course tricycle or conventional gear? Another tough one to research. From reading opinions vary and contradict. It would be great if someone was local with experience to take a look at my strip and say no problem or no way.
Thank you very much for your time in reading this and if you or someone you know can help I would really appreciate it. This is a great site and you all have built a wonderful community here. Every RV I have seen on the ramp looks beautifully constructed and I wish I had looked harder and taken the time to ask more questions when I have had the opportunity.
Ash