opinions on upgrading from cherokee to RV

[DiscoverThruCruisin']

I went with the 9a from a Cherokee 140 and haven't regretted it. My mission seems similar to yours.....cross county flying and no acro. And you can afford to just hop around the pattern too. Flew it to Oshkosh last year, struggled to keep up with a 6 and a 4; just fly with people who don't mind slowing down a bit. . Like most have said take your time picking one out, get rides, have your wife get rides also. You can always rent a 4-seater when you need 4 seats. Good luck with your search!

Rebecca

[RobinHou]

Originally Posted by DiscoverThruCruisin'

I went with the 9a from a Cherokee 140 and haven't regretted it. My mission seems similar to yours.....cross county flying and no acro. And you can afford to just hop around the pattern too. Flew it to Oshkosh last year, struggled to keep up with a 6 and a 4; just fly with people who don't mind slowing down a bit. . Like most have said take your time picking one out, get rides, have your wife get rides also. You can always rent a 4-seater when you need 4 seats. Good luck with your search!

Rebecca

Rebecca is absolutely correct - have your significant other get rides in the RV.

I went from an early Bonanza to RV-6 as our cross-country ship. The fuel burn and speed were outstanding. However, I replaced the 6 with another Bonanza in less than 2 years because my wife needs more room - she usually takes up the entire back seat so she can stretch on long trips, and her things just do not fit the 6's baggage compartment.

[Michael Henning]

I'm a fan of tail wheel, they are not difficult, and are fun to fly. Any of the Rv tail draggers are simple things to fly. Go take a ten hour aerobatic course in a Decathalon, you will get a tail wheel endorsement and become a more proficient pilot. Then make your decision, I think you will wind up with something aerobatic, as nothing is better than throwing the plane around a half an hour before sunset when the winds are calm and a cold beer and steak tips await your return.

[mchargmg]

Matt,

I transitioned to RVs at your experience level. No problems at all. Get some transition training, and you are good to go. I went with a 6a since I found them the least expensive to buy. If you look at the overall numbers, the 6's have the most completions, I think that is why they are the least expensive. If you can live with a little backseat, I found you can get 4's for a little less.

Do get a ride for your better half before buying. All of the RVs are "small." Some just can't stand that. Luckily my wife is fine with our 6a. As others have said, one really nice feature is the planes are easy to change. I am upgrading from VFR to simple IFR now so I can do the training in my plane. Can't imagine I would ever really fly it in bad weather, but it did not cost me much. Overall you won't be disappointed in any RV you choose.

Blue Skies,


Geoff

[DeltaRomeo]

Matt, welcome.

My RV-6 is based at 52F just north of DFW. Let's go fly my plane for thirty minutes. I'll take off and land with you following along on the controls....you do the rest of the flying.

We'll get you squared away - you'll figure out the speeds quick. I had about 100 hours TT when I started flying this...

v/r,
dr

[rockwoodrv9]

Matt,
I am taking lessons and building a 9A. I thought I would save money using my 9 for lessons, but I think I am better getting my license in a trainer.
I have flown 2 different 9A's and a 12. All were tons more fun and better than the Archer or 172 I am training in.

[scrollF4]

Originally Posted by DeltaRomeo

Matt, welcome.

My RV-6 is based at 52F just north of DFW. Let's go fly my plane for thirty minutes. I'll take off and land with you following along on the controls....you do the rest of the flying.

We'll get you squared away - you'll figure out the speeds quick. I had about 100 hours TT when I started flying this...

v/r,
dr

...and I've got a 7A just across the runway from Doug if you want to try a cross-sampling. BTW, I chose the 7A for two mission sets: Day-night cross country and sport flying (aero and formation flying). It has NAILED both mission sets. My wife and I cruise at 165KTAS for about 8.5 gph and 3.5 hours plus reserves.

[oldrockfan]

I know exactly where 52F is ... I live maybe 20mins from there. I did my lessons at Decatur muni but have flown out of NW regional and wife and I like to go out there to the little restaurant and watch the airplanes. I would love to go up in both planes and would be happy to pay for the fuel if you guys are up for it! Just let me know when you have some time... it would be fantastic to get some first hand experience in a 6 and 7.

[edneff]

Definitely you need to "upgrade" to an RV. You won't regret it and probably the best part of being in the RV world instead of the cherokee world is that you won't find a more fun, helpful bunch of people.

[scrollF4]

Matt,
Send us a PM and let us know when you're available.