A former Cherokee and TR-2 driver, I love my new RV-3A. Bought it in March with 700+ hours on the airframe after inspection by an RV pilot/licensed mechanic. It has 160hp with a wood climb prop, 68x69. Climbs like a homesick angel. With 40 hours in it now, I have a couple of questions of other RV-3 drivers.
1. Loops: What is best entry speed and what should be the resulting speed at the top of a loop? I tend to fall out of the top of the loop, too slow at the top maybe?
2. Flap management: I throttle back, add aft trim, and then at 80-90mph about even with end of runway on downwind, pull full flaps in one step. Seems efficient. That's what I did in the TR-2. What are other drivers doing for flap management in landings?
3. Landing distance: It stalls clean, power off at 51mph indicated as advertised. I can full stall land it well enough, (tail wheel first by a bit) but I'm using a bunch more than the billed "350" foot landing distance on pavement. At what speed do other drivers come over the fence for a full stall, short field landing?
4. Stick Forces: I love the control setup generally, but the aileron stick forces at 120-140mph are higher than I expected, based on the universal acolades accorded RVs. I removed the trim springs, no difference. Nothing binding in the mech in preflight; easy full throw to either side. There is not a lot of clearance between the aileron leading edges and the wings but no interference. Does that make a difference? Any ideas? Maybe I just expect too much?
Thanks, guys. Any other flying technique/tips appreciated. My only regret is that I did not get into an RV sooner.
1. Loops: What is best entry speed and what should be the resulting speed at the top of a loop? I tend to fall out of the top of the loop, too slow at the top maybe?
2. Flap management: I throttle back, add aft trim, and then at 80-90mph about even with end of runway on downwind, pull full flaps in one step. Seems efficient. That's what I did in the TR-2. What are other drivers doing for flap management in landings?
3. Landing distance: It stalls clean, power off at 51mph indicated as advertised. I can full stall land it well enough, (tail wheel first by a bit) but I'm using a bunch more than the billed "350" foot landing distance on pavement. At what speed do other drivers come over the fence for a full stall, short field landing?
4. Stick Forces: I love the control setup generally, but the aileron stick forces at 120-140mph are higher than I expected, based on the universal acolades accorded RVs. I removed the trim springs, no difference. Nothing binding in the mech in preflight; easy full throw to either side. There is not a lot of clearance between the aileron leading edges and the wings but no interference. Does that make a difference? Any ideas? Maybe I just expect too much?
Thanks, guys. Any other flying technique/tips appreciated. My only regret is that I did not get into an RV sooner.