RV-7 or RV-14 for higher altitude XC

[Indytim]

Hi folks -

I decided to throw this dilemma out to the community. I currently fly a Mooney 252, but my situation is changing. I would like to acquire or build a Vans.

My mission: fly myself and wife on 300-600nm trips, some of which would be to CO or NM where the MEA might be as high as 14,500. I'd prefer to go higher - I've done many legs in the flight levels in my Mooney so oxygen is not an issue.

The question - putting aside cabin size, cost, etc, to what degree will the -14 be a better higher-altitude aircraft than the -7? Specifically I'm talking high-elevation airport operations, ability to climb to 17,500 (or higher if possible), and stability up high and under IFR conditions.

And also, comfort. Noise, cabin heat at altitude, and protection from sun glare on long trips would be the major criteria.

On paper, the longer wing and slightly higher power of the -14 has got me leaning that way, but I'm not sure how big of a difference there actually is between the two airframes, for my missions.

Thoughts?

[Mike S]

Considering that there is only one 14 flying---------I suggest you talk to the factory folks to get the straight scoop, based on empirical data.

[mosquito]

Originally Posted by Indytim

The question - putting aside cabin size, cost, etc, to what degree will the -14 be a better higher-altitude aircraft than the -7?

I realize it's not part of your question... but folks rave about the high altitude performance of the -9's wing, if acro isn't part of your mission.

-jon

[Indytim]

Originally Posted by Mike S

Considering that there is only one 14 flying---------I suggest you talk to the factory folks to get the straight scoop, based on empirical data.

Great idea. I spoke with Ken who has 50 hours in the -14 at this point. Surprisingly, he didn't feel that up to 17,500 that the -14's longer wing really made much of a difference. The advantage of the -14 (I'm summarizing a 30-minute conversation) is the cabin size, creature comforts, and that it would be a much easier build than a -7.

To mosquito's point, he did say that the -9 had the best wing for this type of mission, and would be the most efficient.

[Indytim]

Originally Posted by mosquito

I realize it's not part of your question... but folks rave about the high altitude performance of the -9's wing, if acro isn't part of your mission.

-jon

I hadn't really looked at the -9 very hard, but will. However, as I think about my wife sitting next to me reading, on a 4-hour flight, and how much elbow room she requires when she's doing that, the -14 is sounding like the right one. That single factor above all else defines my most critical mission.

[Sig600]

Originally Posted by mosquito

I realize it's not part of your question... but folks rave about the high altitude performance of the -9's wing, if acro isn't part of your mission.

-jon

I was going to say the same thing. If you're looking for aerodynamic efficiency, you can't beat the -9. Add 160 or more HP, short high altitude strips will be a breeze.

If you're selling the Mooney, shoot me a PM.

[BobTurner]

Suggest you add up your weights, typical baggage, etc., and compare to real world useful loads. Paint, plush interiors, insulation, it all adds up. My wife and I are a bit under 340 lbs total, but our dog is also 70 lbs, so a -7 with full fuel can't carry us, the dog, and camping gear.

The -14 definitely has more elbow room.

[Jesse]

And price aside, the -10 is probably the best high altitude performer combined with the insane amount of room and comfort. Don't let anybody sell you on the idea that the -14 is just a 2-seat -10. It's really just a bigger -7.

[rvbuilder2002]

Originally Posted by Jesse

Don't let anybody sell you on the idea that the -14 is just a 2-seat -10. It's really just a bigger -7.

Actually, if you did a side by side flight comparison with them both at gross weight and climb for cruise flight in the upper teens, I think you would find that they both performed very close to the same.

[Isaac]

rvbuilder2002 made an interesting post after flying the RV14a to the Copperstate Fly-In back in 2014. The post provides some useful comparisons between how the RV-7A and RV-14A perform.

I don't know how to provide a link to the specific post, but if you do a search for

RV-14A operating experience

you should find the post I am referring to.