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05-13-2015, 09:20 AM
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Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: Jeffersonville, IN
Posts: 394
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Those that went to RV-12 from 6,7,8,9?
Curious to see feedback for those that went to a 12 and flew or owned another version prior. What are the benefits and downsides.
Debating back and forth on 12 vs another model for awhile now. The speed of others is attractive, but operating cost of others surely adds into that factor. Is it worth it.
Being the 12 is so light do you notice more bumps.
Anything else be helpful to know.
__________________
Jeff Scott
RV9A First Flight 9/30/19
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05-13-2015, 09:46 AM
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Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: Winterville NC
Posts: 38
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RV-12 vs Other RVs
Jeff,
You asked about the RV-12s vs. the other RVs. I've built and flown an RV-6A, RV-10 and RV-12. I've also done builder assistance on the RV-3, RV-6, RV-7, RV-8 and RV-14. From the building perspective, the RV-12 is hands down the easiest to build. In fact, I chose the -12 since my rivet bucking partners got married and moved away. The pulled rivets on the RV-12 make it a piece of cake to build by yourself. I only needed help to mate the big parts.
From a flying perspective, the RV-12 is a very nice ride. Now, it is not the 175 knot traveling machine like the RV-10. But, it also doesn't have the appetite for fuel. Visibility in the -12 is better than any other RV (my opinion). You asked about bumps, yes the RV-12 is very light and you'll feel the bumps more than the other RVs.
So, it comes down to your mission. Do you need a fire breathing cross country rocketship for the whole family? That's not the RV-12. If you're looking for an aerobatic machine designed to G your brains out. Then, the RV-12 is not for you. But, if you need a nimble platform that burns 5 gallons an hour.(Autogas) and can get you from point A to point B at about 110 knots, then you need an RV-12.
Dennis
PS. E-mail me if you want to discuss further. Dwmillsap@gmail.com
(The views expressed in this post are not shared by the NBA, NFL, NHL or any other sports ball organization)
__________________
Dennis W. Millsap
Retired Air Force
RV-6A built, flown and sold
RV-10 built, flown and sold
RV-12 built and currently flying
EAA Technical Counselor and Flight Advisor
A&P
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05-13-2015, 10:28 AM
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Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: arvada, co
Posts: 445
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Jeff and Dennis,
I can't agree more with your assessment Dennis. I built and flew an RV6, 7years building and 14 years of flying it. I am extremely pleased with my RV12, but it is a lighter thus more sensitive to atmospheric conditions on the ground or in route flying. But overall performance is very respectable and the cost of operating is really reasonable in scheme of all things flying. It is a nicely designed plane IMHO.
So Jeff like owning a car or a truck, what do you want in a computer, or anything where the mission really drives the choice you have to weigh out the usual pros and cons. Get a ride in the different planes, talk to others who have multiple experiences (similar to what you are trying here), and use those opinions to make your choice.
I do miss the speed of the RV6 sometimes but for the type of flying I do now the RV12 suits me just fine. Good luck in evaluations!!
__________________
Patrick Claar
Arvada, CO BJC
RV12, #401, Flying 2013, N612PC
RV6, 1996-2010 sold
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05-13-2015, 10:58 AM
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Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Powder Springs, Ga
Posts: 309
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RV12 Vs RV-6
I loved my RV12, took off and landed shorter than my -6. Great visibility and handling.
Just not ready yet to slow down......
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Kurt Lohmueller A&P, DAR
Powder Springs, Ga
RV6A "Kurt's Toy" - Flying
RV12 - Flying - Sold
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05-13-2015, 11:16 AM
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Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: Jeffersonville, IN
Posts: 394
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The obvious differences of aerobatics, and built time I fully understand. Curious more to those that have owned both and prefer one over the other and why.
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Jeff Scott
RV9A First Flight 9/30/19
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05-13-2015, 12:54 PM
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Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Near Scipio, in Southern Indiana
Posts: 1,779
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I built, own, and fly a 9A, and have built and flown several 12s (actually, supervised the builds, kids built them.) I love my 9A and consider it the best two seat aircraft (for my mission) out there. I actually like the 10 better, but it is a little too rich for my blood.
That said, when I just want to fly, or am not in a hurry, the 12 is my pick. It is comfortable, the visibility is better (IMHO) and is certainly is cheaper to fly. Since aerobatics isn't in my agenda anymore, the two planes compare very well, speed and costs being the main differences. When it comes to building, the 12 wins hands down. High school sophomores can build a beautiful plane, with hardly any supervision, yet it keeps you interested. Seeing things come together faster is really fun, and a real plus.
To me, it boils down to the need for speed. If you can live with 119 knots, the 12 is your airplane. Ride in my 9A is better, but only when I drop down in speed to RV-12 speeds. Bumps can be sharp at full cruise.
Bob
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Bob Kelly, Scipio, Indiana
Tech Counselor
Founder, Eagle's Nest Projects
President, AviationNation, Inc
RV-9A N908BL, Flying
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05-13-2015, 12:59 PM
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Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: Blairsville,GA
Posts: 53
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RV-12
Slow your RV-6 down to 110 kts and see what kind of fuel burn you will get. You will be surprised.
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05-13-2015, 06:57 PM
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Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Marshall TX (KASL)
Posts: 1,783
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Visibility is far superior in the -12. One issue is if you are a buyer or a builder. If you are a buyer, you can take an easy 2-day course and then have inspection signoff capability on the ELSA -12, can't do that with any EAB model. The 12 is great at doing exactly what they claim it will do. It won't do much more though! So that needs to fit your mission.
I wanted to build. First time very meticulous mechanical engineer builder. 950 hours. Enjoyed every minute!
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Bill H, RV12, N412BR "Sweetie", Skyview-equipped, KASL Marshall TX
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05-13-2015, 07:04 PM
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Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: San Antonio, TX
Posts: 1,024
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I have built and flown an RV6, two RV8s and now have the RV12. I also have time in Rv7s and 7As as well as RV9 and 9As.
My favorite was the Rv6. It was fast, and very consistent on landings regardless of the weight.
The RV8s are the sexiest of the lot in my opinion and you can't beat the center line seating for fighter like flying, but they are harder to consistently make really good landings in.
RV7s are similar to the -6, but the ones I have flown were all heavier and not as sporty as the -6.
The RV12 is my second favorite. They are very short field for TO&L especially single pilot and visibility for sight seeing is superb. They are also roomier due to the shape of the canopy and I like the comfortable seating. If you have long legs the RV12 will be comfortable for you. It is extremely fun to do TO&Ls seeing how smoothly you can touch down while holding the nose gear off the runway for the whole procedure. Car gas Is also cheaper and you only use about 5 GPH. It is a great plane for giving YE rides since it is easy to get in and out of. ( if only It was a tail dragger:-0)
On the other hand, the RV12 and Rotax engine have had a lot of SBs and at least in my opinion, this is the biggest issue with the RV12. (If you have the S-LSA version you must comply with all SBs but even with the E-LSA version I'd recommend you comply.)
Having said all that, I still love the RV-12 and rarely miss the other RV models, but then again I'm not a big traveler any more and do mostly local flying.
All the RVs I have flown are exceptional planes to fly, but I guess the best one is the one you happen to be in at the moment!
Have fun choosing. You can't go wrong as long as it is an RV!
__________________
Steve Formhals
A&P, Tech Counselor & Flight Advisor
RV3B
RV8
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05-14-2015, 05:04 AM
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Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: Elkton, Md.
Posts: 1,654
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Quote:
Originally Posted by sf3543
I have built and flown an RV6, two RV8s and now have the RV12. I also have time in Rv7s and 7As as well as RV9 and 9As.
My favorite was the Rv6. It was fast, and very consistent on landings regardless of the weight.
The RV8s are the sexiest of the lot in my opinion and you can't beat the center line seating for fighter like flying, but they are harder to consistently make really good landings in.
RV7s are similar to the -6, but the ones I have flown were all heavier and not as sporty as the -6.
The RV12 is my second favorite. They are very short field for TO&L especially single pilot and visibility for sight seeing is superb. They are also roomier due to the shape of the canopy and I like the comfortable seating. If you have long legs the RV12 will be comfortable for you. It is extremely fun to do TO&Ls seeing how smoothly you can touch down while holding the nose gear off the runway for the whole procedure. Car gas Is also cheaper and you only use about 5 GPH. It is a great plane for giving YE rides since it is easy to get in and out of. ( if only It was a tail dragger:-0)
On the other hand, the RV12 and Rotax engine have had a lot of SBs and at least in my opinion, this is the biggest issue with the RV12. (If you have the S-LSA version you must comply with all SBs but even with the E-LSA version I'd recommend you comply.)
Having said all that, I still love the RV-12 and rarely miss the other RV models, but then again I'm not a big traveler any more and do mostly local flying.
All the RVs I have flown are exceptional planes to fly, but I guess the best one is the one you happen to be in at the moment!
Have fun choosing. You can't go wrong as long as it is an RV!
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This is a great assessment Steve. I have to second the comfort level of the 12. I am broad shouldered and the 12 can handle two of me. Regarding the Rotax, most of the s/b's are pretty minor, but this recent float fiasco is nothing short of disgraceful. I still like the 912 and would not have anything else that is currently available. BTW, I just completed my second 12 and it took 5 months.
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Wag Aero Sport Trainer built,sold and wrecked
N588DF RV12 #336 built, sold and alive and well in New York
N73DF RV12 #244 built, sold and alive and well in Florida
N91 RV RV9 I wish I could say I built this one! Mark Santoleri hit the ball out of the park on this gem.
Currently restoring a 1978 Citabria GCBC
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