New guy here

[Dred Pirate Danno]

Hello everyone. I don't know if this is the correct forum for an intro. If not please let me know and I will delete/move this thread. I have not built nor am I building an RV. Frankly I just don't feel the desire to do so and I have a lot of other irons in the fire. I am however looking to buy an RV-7 or perhaps an RV-6. I just want to make sure I am asking the right questions so that the purchase and use is a pleasant experience. If anyone has some ideas on threads that would help, or knows of any resources/expertise I would appreciate any input. Thanks in advance.

[Taltruda]

You’re in the right spot! Welcome!! What kind of questions do you have?

[Dred Pirate Danno]

Tal, where to begin? I've just started looking. Because Van's RV's are so popular there are a number of good looking planes on Tradeaplane, Controller, etc. What questions should I start with? The first I've been told is "Do you really own this airplane"? I don't want to rake anyone over the coals, but that's a good question. The rest are has the airplane been built/modified to comply with all AD's and service bulletins? What else after that? Are there resources such as mechanics with RV experience on this forum who would be willing to help me with a prepurchase inspection? What about difficulties with insurance? I have heavy tailwheel experience from back in the day as a young pup (left seat Beech 18,right seat DC-3) but virtually no single engine time. Will this be an issue? How to get around it and an agent/broker who might help? I'm going to stop there because I'm rambling and could go on for a while. I quess I'm just looking for a direction to find some info. Thanks again for responding.

[Mike S]

First off, welcome aboard the good ship VAF

Next-----you need to define your mission so you can get the correct airplane.

Tandem or side-by-side seating?

Aerobatics??

IFR/IFR ?

Steam gauges/glass panel ?

Lots more, but the more items you can come up with, the better to find the correct plane for your needs.

[MacCool]

I was exactly there two years ago. After decades in certified airplanes, I decided I wanted something that had better performance, newer, more fun, and more cost efficient. Knew nothing about experimental, was hooked. For me, a Van’s RV-something was a no-brainer given its reputation and history. I decided that a 7A or 9A was my goal. Very unimpressed with the Controller or Barnstormers experience, put a WTB ad here and on the EAA forums. Got a LOT of “well…I haven’t listed this anywhere but I would be interested in selling my RV-something”. Some really great planes but the one that sounded best was a beautiful and meticulous RV-9A instrument-capable glass panel. My RV guru (father of a friend) steered the process, vetted the plane, we flew down 4.5 hours, inspected it, I bought it, and flew it home. That process took about 3 weeks. What a transformative aviation experience!

I had NO interest in building and no interest in heavy maintenance…all of that stuff is done by my A&P. NO interest in tailwheel. Insurance was straightforward…Leah Ringeisen at Gallagher steered the process (broker)…cost is about $1400/year (went down this year). My buddy did the transition training. Insurance wanted 2 hours. My CFI signed off after 4 or 5 (I hadn’t flown in years), but I flew a lot with him beyond that and he made me a far better pilot, commensurate (almost) with this far-better airplane.

My advice…find an RV guru to hand hold you though the initial steps of this rather tricky process. DM me if I can be of further help. We can talk on the phone if you want.

[Taltruda]

Since you have previous Tailwheel time, and the fact that you brought that up makes me think you are inter in a Tailwheel model (The non -a versions). A -3 is a single seater, the -4 is the two seat version, the -8 is the bigger brother to the -4.. I feel the -4 flies better than the -8, but the -8 is roomier, more panel space for instruments, has a forward baggage compartment for more CG options. It’s a better X county option.
As for the side by sides, the 6 and 7 are almost the same, with the -7 being the newer version (I feel the -6 flies better.. more nimble IMO) and the -14 is the bigger brother, with huge baggage area behind the pilots.

Your size may determine which RV fits you best, as well as your flying style, and if your significant other doesn’t mind staring at the back of your head.. I love the -4, but wouldn’t mind an -8 or one of the Side by Side versions..

[Dred Pirate Danno]

Thanks Mac. Great advice. I think we are on the same page as far as building etc. I just want to fly it and RV's offer so much more than Cessna, Piper, etc. I may dm you soon enough.

[Dred Pirate Danno]

Thanks Mike. The mission parameters are: Side by side pretty much a must, I don't think the wife would like the tandem cockpit. Aerobatics? Gentlemanly at most, so not a priority at this point. Maybe after some experience in an RV I would consider a tandem, say an 8. IFR/VFR? I would like to use the plane for cross country flights, but if the weather is bad, a hotel is fine. I live in Montana. If the weather is bad it means either thunderstorms or ice. I've flown light planes in crappy weather. Not that much fun. I fly glass in my job, but I grew up on steam gauges. I'd be fine with either. So with these items in mind I'm pretty certain that an RV-7 or perhaps a 6 would fit the bill.

[hydroguy2]

Dan, I’m in Montana and am willing to discuss RV ownership if you’d like. I built an RV-7 and helped helped build a RanS-6. I was a low time pilot when I built. My RV-7 has been flying sine 2010. I have a simple VFR but have been across the US in it without any issues or worries.
Lots of little details go in to each aircraft, so shopping for one can be tricky. What looks good may not be what fits your mission.
Have you flown or even sat in an RV? What are you wanting in your ideal plane? Budget? Award winning Show plane?

Let me know if you want to talk or get together.
Brian Carroll
Marion, MT
CabinCreek Landing (97MT)

[Dred Pirate Danno]

Brian, thanks for the offer to talk! That would be fantastic! No, I've seen some RV's on the ramp but have never flown in one, nor even sat in one. I'd love to pick your brain for sure. I'm recovering from hip replacement right now, but when I'm back to flying I'll give you a buzz (pm). Because of my hip issue I did not cut the airstrip this summer. Now it is way to dry to even consider it. Otherwise I would say you are welcome to drop in sometime. Maybe next spring. Or if you are flying by Columbus (6S3) let me know.