New to me RV-6

[Henryrifle]

First post here but have read many informative and interesting threads. Many many more to read, for sure. I purchased an already flying '94 RV-6 with a 160 HP O320 fixed pitch propeller. While I haven't had much time to just "play" in the airplane I am starting to figure out how to fly and land it. Mine gets about 146 knots TAS at 2300 RPMs and 7.6 GPH of fuel consumption. The Avionics are a good starting point for me as they are very similar to what I was accustomed to back in '94. It has a GNC250 GPS plus a King Nav, Comm and Transponder.

Prior to July of this year, I hadn't flown for 20 years! 12 hours of instruction, a flight review and 5 hours of taildragger training culminating in a tailwheel endorsement have me really enjoying this plane. My previous aviation experience was a degree in Aviation Science from Louisiana Tech University, a few years as a flight instructor at the university and two years of King Air 200 flying for an insurance company.

You all already know this but the RV-6 is so much more responsive and reflexive than any plane I had previously flown. It has been very fun to relearn the fundamentals of aviation and begin the process of reconnecting with skills and experiences from my past. I have several children that I hope will grow to enjoy aviation as much has I have.

In the vein of "it didn't happen without pictures," here is the plane and me on our first flight - bringing it to its new home in Georgia from Illinois. The dog on the tail, as I understand it, is the pet of of the first owner/builder of the plane.

Looking forward to learning more about this plane and eventually contributing to the forum/community.

[humptybump]

Hank, welcome to VAF !

And congrats on your own "ship"!

I too am in the "buyer not builder" club and over the past three years have learned so much about my plane. It's a great adventure !

[DougJ]

Welcome to VAF!

I bought my new-to-me 1993 RV-6 in Alabama last May, and it's been an absolute joy to fly and to own. I went to Oshkosh for the first time in it this year and had a blast. I can't see you picture here at work, so I'll have to check back later for that.

Have fun, enjoy the ride, and get out to meet some RV folks. They're great people!

Doug

[rv7boy]

Welcome aboard, Hank!

[flyboy1963]

I too am buyer of a new-to-me RV-9a, after a 25 year hiatus from flying, (altho never professionally.)
Welcome to the club....you have already contributed with your story!

I wonder if someone with your previous, and recent, training would benefit from transition training with some of the RV specialists?
I know I would, even with the little wheel out front.

[walkman]

Hank

Where are you based? We have several active RV-ers out of LZU and a pretty active formation group that flies in the area. Come on out...

[N427EF]

Not only did you buy a great airplane but instantly made hundreds of friends.
Every one is willing to share their expertise and help you with anything
RV and flying related.
Lots of fly in events all over the country and RVs at every airport.
It's an addiction, enjoy yourself.

[Mike S]

Originally Posted by Henryrifle

First post here ----------

In the vein of "it didn't happen without pictures," here is the plane and me on our first flight -




Looking forward to learning more about this plane and eventually contributing to the forum/community.

Hank, welcome aboard the good ship VAF.

Great first post, you got the photo to work even

Good to have you here.

[Henryrifle]

Thank you all for the warm welcome. I am looking forward to a trip to Oshkosh--maybe next year. It sounds like a great event.

I could definitely benefit from some transition training--most especially in the landing phase. I didn't find the plane hard to fly or to trim for straight and level and it's no more difficult to plan a descent and get it slowed down than a Bonanza but making a smooth touchdown and keeping the wheels on the tarmac has proven to be very elusive for me so far.

I have gotten over being nervous about the landings but that hasn't translated into good landings at all--I haven't even gotten a lucky good landing yet...

The Airplane is based in the northwest T-hangers at KLZU. I did join the EAA for the pancake breakfast this past Saturday. Seems like a great group that I am looking forward to getting involved with.

Thank you all again,
Hank

[Geeman]

Don't worry about the landings. I had 40-50 hours before I felt comfortable landing my 6. Now i am 80-90 percent with smooth landings after over 200 hours. And the other 10-20 well let's just say any landing you can re-use the plane is a good one. I think you will here the same thing from most 6 guys. I just blame it on "it's the hardest of the rv's to land. Lots of good threads on it.

Congrats...you are going to love it.