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  #1  
Old 08-12-2012, 04:45 PM
Ron B. Ron B. is offline
 
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Location: Yarmouth, Nova Scotia
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Default RV-9A vs RV-14

Looking ahead (regrettable) to the day we sell our RV-10 (group of four). Like others have mentioned, I pretty much had my mind made up on the 9 until Van's announcement of the RV-14.
The RV-9A meets most of my requirements probably more than the RV-14 does. My main purpose for an RV is cross country flying. I have a SuperCub for local fun. I'll try and list the pro and cons for me and look for feed back.
The pros of the RV-9A;
(1) less costly to build
(2) engine (IO-320) available from many resources ie. new, rebuilt and used.(much less expensive)
(3) fuel burn much less
(4) available in a slider (not a huge issue)
Cons;
(1) seating is much lower layed back (I have back issues and spent nine hrs in the RV-10 in one day with no issue).
(2) I think due to the lighter airframe than the RV-10 , I don't find the RV-9 as stable (only have 1/2 hr in a 9).
(3)I fly off a grass strip and the nose wheel has me concerned.

My thoughts on the RV-14 pros.
(1) Upright seating although not as upright as the RV-10 from what I can tell from Van's diagram.
(2) RV-10 style nose gear.
(3) Flat style landing gear, hopefully a plus.
(4) RV-10 wing (shortened) And I have a feeling it will fly more like a 10 ( I love the way our 10 handles wind (in landing) and turbulance. In conditions that I would not fly my SuperCub the RV-10 is still very comfortable stable and fun to fly ( my opinion).
(5) Although I am small , some of my passengers might not be called small, and I enjoy company when I fly.
Cons
(1) new type expensive engine, very few places to purchase from. I did purchase an 0-360 from Mattituck so new is not out of question.
(2) fuel burn will be better than RV-10 but not as good as the 9.
(3) kit will be much more than the RV-9A
(4) less aftermarket accessories will fit the 14 at first.
(5) will have to deal with first builder issues that have been resolved with the RV-9
(6) Not really an issue for me but I enjoy the building process (RV-10 was a slow build), sounds like the RV-14 will be a more advanced kit with less for the builder to do.
(7) Although more is done in the wiring components it sounds like Van's is pretty much going with what I would install . I have dual Skyviews now and love them.
That pretty much sums up my thoughts , I'm sure I missed a few items and I did not mention all the likes I have for the Van's RV series aircraft that are in all their aircraft. I built the RV-10 without ever being in one and I was very licky to have been so pleased with it's performance. I could by out my partners in the RV-10 but would rather move on. The last trip was to Kissimmee and there was only two soles on board and I enjoyed that more than the trips with four people on board, probably the distractions. My plans are for long cross country trips to see all of North America, hopefully with my wife if she will come along.
The biggest reason I'm considering the RV-14 over the RV-9A is Reason # 4 , stability. I'll have to get some time in both before I make a desision.
Thanks for your time.
Ron
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  #2  
Old 08-12-2012, 04:51 PM
L.Adamson's Avatar
L.Adamson L.Adamson is offline
 
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Default

Quote:
(2) RV-10 style nose gear.
It will be a winner. I don't care much, for the old style "A" gear, these days.
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  #3  
Old 08-12-2012, 05:02 PM
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rvbuilder2002 rvbuilder2002 is offline
 
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Ron B. View Post

My thoughts on the RV-14 pros.
(1) Upright seating although not as upright as the RV-10 from what I can tell from Van's diagram.
Generally, when discussing seating position (upright vs more reclined), it is referring to the seat back angle.

All the RV's have a seat back angle that is (or can be adjusted to be) very similar.

I have a feeling you are referring to the height of the seat bottom relative to your feet position on the floor? If so, then your statement would be somewhat correct. The seat bottom on the RV-14 is a bit higher than the floor when compared to the RV-9, but still not as much so as the RV-10.
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  #4  
Old 08-12-2012, 05:24 PM
Ron B. Ron B. is offline
 
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Seat bottom height is actually what I was refering to, sorry.
Ron
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  #5  
Old 08-12-2012, 06:30 PM
fmiddleton fmiddleton is offline
 
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Ron B. View Post
The pros of the RV-9A;
(1) less costly to build
I'm still not convinced on the cost argument. My assumption is that Vans will package this like the -12, and the $80-$90k is an "everything except fluids and paint"-price. Vans cost estimator reckons the price of a well equipped 9a to be $70-$85K. I would assume that most builders are going to be closer to the high end on that if they're doing Skyviews etc. Factor in the reduced build time and presumably lack of head scratching, and I think financially it's going to be very close to a wash if you're doing all new stuff (at least, within my margin of error)
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  #6  
Old 08-12-2012, 07:07 PM
Ron B. Ron B. is offline
 
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Frazer
Probably you are correct on the airframe and all the accessories but the engine alone will make quite a difference in cost between both aircraft.
Ron
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  #7  
Old 08-12-2012, 08:07 PM
BHunt BHunt is offline
 
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Location: Wichita Falls, TX
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Ron B. View Post
Frazer
Probably you are correct on the airframe and all the accessories but the engine alone will make quite a difference in cost between both aircraft.
Ron
Didn't Vans say that they were working with Lyc to make the 390 comparable in $ to the 360?
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  #8  
Old 08-12-2012, 08:40 PM
fmiddleton fmiddleton is offline
 
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Ron B. View Post
Frazer
Probably you are correct on the airframe and all the accessories but the engine alone will make quite a difference in cost between both aircraft.
Ron
No, I'm thinking the whole package...Vans cost estimator includes the engine. When all's said and done, I'm thinking there'll be less than $10K difference between a comparably equipped -9 and -14.
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  #9  
Old 08-12-2012, 09:07 PM
Ron B. Ron B. is offline
 
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Does Van's have a cost estimator set up for the RV-14?
Ron
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  #10  
Old 08-12-2012, 09:11 PM
rockwoodrv9 rockwoodrv9 is offline
 
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Quote:
Originally Posted by L.Adamson View Post
It will be a winner. I don't care much, for the old style "A" gear, these days.
Larry, you have good reason to be thinking about the front gear on the 14. I wonder if it will be possible to make it fit the 9 or 7. Will be interesting.
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