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  #1  
Old 05-18-2011, 08:04 PM
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AHaury AHaury is offline
 
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Gainesville, FL
Posts: 53
Default Looking for RV-9A advice

A friend took me up in his RV-6A last year and I fell for it hard. The wife has given the green light and I've been looking at 6A's, 7A's and recently broadened to a 9A's. I've located a 9A for sale that I'm looking at close to home and my trouble, is I don't know what I don't know.

I'm planning all the usual pre-buy inspections, looking at the logs for maintenance and damage history, etc. If you have any suggestions on what I should be concerned with or asking about from the owner, I'm all ears so feel free to reply.

Thanks in advance.
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  #2  
Old 05-18-2011, 08:46 PM
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SeanB SeanB is offline
 
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Default Tech Counselor

You might consider utilizing a Tech Counselor from your local EAA Chapter. Usually for the cost of lunch you can get a very good set of experienced eyes to look at it. These people have fielded many of the questions you may not know to ask.

If you ever plan to try aerobatics...the 9/A is a no go.

Good luck and post pics if/when you purchase it.
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  #3  
Old 05-19-2011, 05:46 AM
David-aviator David-aviator is offline
 
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The nine is the only RV without a Vans designed wing.

Its wing was designed by John Ronz of canard fame. It provides excellent flying qualities, it has a lower stall speed, glides forever and a favorite cross country airplane (quote from a Vans employee a few years ago regarding who gets to fly what to air shows).

I've had one ride in a nine - its was a pleasure like all RV's. Not quite as nimble on the stick as the others but a pure pleasure.
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  #4  
Old 05-19-2011, 06:26 AM
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AHaury AHaury is offline
 
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Location: Gainesville, FL
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Default Keep 'em coming

Thanks for those replies. I'm definitely not an aerobatic trained or inclined flyer and my missions will likely be my wife and I seeing the country and making visits to family and friends. We have plenty in a 6-7 hour radius so I'm looking for that cross-country capable platform first, but something still easy and economical to calmly putter around the local patch in also.
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  #5  
Old 05-19-2011, 07:38 AM
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scard scard is offline
 
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Location: Cedar Park, TX
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Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by AHaury View Post
Thanks for those replies. I'm definitely not an aerobatic trained or inclined flyer and my missions will likely be my wife and I seeing the country and making visits to family and friends. We have plenty in a 6-7 hour radius so I'm looking for that cross-country capable platform first, but something still easy and economical to calmly putter around the local patch in also.
Sounds like the -9 might be for you. However, if you were really impressed with the light roll force and response of aileron control at cruise speed in the -6, don't expect the same thing in the -9. Obviously, fly one and try it out.
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  #6  
Old 05-19-2011, 09:06 AM
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videobobk videobobk is offline
 
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Location: Near Scipio, in Southern Indiana
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I think you will find the 9/9A to be the most economical plane in the line to operate, except perhaps for the 3 or 12, both with different missions. I love my 9A and wouldn't trade it for anything, except perhaps someday a 12, if the medicals ever get questionable. The tradeoffs are right there in the specs; slightly lower top end for lower landing speed, etc. You just have to forget about aerobatics...

The biggest thing I would consider is, does the panel meet your needs? If for some reason you would not be happy without, say, an autopilot, keep that firmly in mind when you buy. It is harder to install later. Upgrades are always possible, but can be difficult and expensive. This goes for anything you look at, not just the 9. Get a good inspection, negotiate a good price. You will be happy with any of them.

A note to David--I believe Van's did design the wing for the 9, just not the airfoil. Roncz did that. I don't believe Van's designed any of the airfoils used on any of their aircraft but used off-the-shelf standard airfoils. You can correct me if I have that wrong. Not sure on the 10 and 12.

Bob
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  #7  
Old 05-19-2011, 11:37 AM
GETST8FRM GETST8FRM is offline
 
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Default You have an easy decision

Aerobatics: Other than 9, 9A
Non-Aerobatics: 9, 9A exclusive....Unless you need 4 seats.
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  #8  
Old 05-19-2011, 02:52 PM
terrye terrye is offline
 
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Location: Vancouver, BC, Canada
Posts: 860
Default RV-9A

The RV-9A does have a Roncz designed airfoil and I believe the RV-10 does too.
The RV-3, 4, 6, 7, and 8 all have NACA 23000 series, I believe the 23013.5 (13.5% thick).
Note sure about the RV-12

Last edited by terrye : 05-19-2011 at 02:55 PM.
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  #9  
Old 05-19-2011, 03:38 PM
Mile High Relic Mile High Relic is offline
 
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Denver area
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Quote:
Originally Posted by AHaury View Post
I've located a 9A for sale that I'm looking at close to home and my trouble, is I don't know what I don't know.
My advice is don't be in too much of a rush. While you are in the process of looking for an airplane you will learn a great deal, ask many questions and talk to many people. You will will learn about people, planes, and yourself. Once you buy a plane you'll learn a lot more as well.

My search took about 9 months. Like you, I was looking at all the side by side models (except the 12). I only ended up with a 6 because I found that one first. I fell in love a dozen times, and was disappointed more than once. I came very close to buying one plane, but stopped when the inspector I had lined up asked me why I was buying a plane with W and X, when I needed Y and wanted Z? It was great plane that sold soon after, but it wasn't right for me.

The suggestion of a tech counselor is a great one. Early in my search I met with a local A&P that hold sold his RV-6, but the new owners had not picked it up yet. He was great. He spent at least an hour with me just talking about things he thought were important about build quality, options, engines, age, etc., using his plane as an example. He started me on the path of really seeing where I needed to learn more, and not just look at pretty paint, shiny spinner or a cool EFIS.

I ultimately had some trusted resources that I could check in with and ask questions of. You've started on a good path here, and there are always lots of people ready to provide opinions.
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  #10  
Old 05-19-2011, 06:41 PM
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N941WR N941WR is offline
 
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Quote:
Originally Posted by terrye View Post
The RV-9A does have a Roncz designed airfoil and I believe the RV-10 does too.
Nope, the -10 has a modified 23000 series airfoil.
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