opinions on upgrading from cherokee to RV

[oldrockfan]

thanks guys... I am a big believer in getting a good prebuy and realize that it may take quite a while to find the right plane. My mechanic did pre-buys and rejected two cherokees before I found my current plane. First step will be figuring out which model best suits my needs. Based just on what I am reading... the 6, 7 or 9 are probably all good choices. I will have a better idea when I get to ride in a couple. In the meantime... I will gladly keep flying the Cherokee. It is slow but still darn fun

[titanhank]

How many times have you seen 10 cherokee 140's get together for a flight for ice cream, formation fun or a run to get gas. Flying an RV-anything is much more than than just flying. It is the whole experience of education, speed, decisions about your unique plane, friendship and being around like minded people that makes RV flying so appealing. I have owned 43 different airplanes and none of them, except RV's, have ever had such an enthusiastic support group. You will make connections and friendships in the RV community that will last a lifetime. Good luck with your decision, you can't go wrong with any model.

[Canadian_JOY]

I'll dare to post an alternative suggestion... (he says as he dons his flame-proof, bullet-proof Kevlar/Nomex suit! LoL)

I have a bit of time in RV's, and a bunch of time in Cessna's and the like. I also have most of my time in another low-wing homebuilt called a Davis DA2A which offers performance much like a Cherokee (but is waaaaaay more fun to fly!).

If, when you peruse the RV's, you keep finding the cockpit access difficult, or the cockpit a bit tight, or the baggage area a bit on the small side, I would highly recommend you take a look at the Stoddard-Hamilton GlaStar and Glasair Sportsman aircraft as alternatives. The GlaStar came first, then the Sportsman came along as its bigger, stronger brother.

They are kit-built airplanes, much like the RV's, but with a very different design philosophy. The principle designer of the aircraft wanted an aircraft that would give solid performance in cruise, while also offering near-STOL takeoff and landing performance, and the ability to carry a good load over longer distances. That same designer is the chief designer for the Quest Kodiak - an airplane designed for missionary work, and also one designed with the same kind of utility, strength, performance and flexibility in mind.

The primary load-carrying structure of the GlaStar/Sportsman is a welded steel tube cage - while it carries all the primary flying and landing loads, it also makes for an incredibly crash-worthy structure. Wings and tail surfaces are traditional aluminum construction. Sleek exterior lines are achieved with a molded fiberglass shell. The net effect is to produce an airplane that looks a bit like a Cessna Skycatcher, but which has excellent useful load, a very spacious cockpit and cargo area, and very good cruise performance (135kts on 180hp, typically). The wings fold back over the tail if one wishes to store the airplane in a tight space. The landing gear is easily converted between trike and tail dragger, and floats are quite easy to install, with no extra strakes or other aerodynamic mods required. If you really want to go "off roading", you can install Cub-like gear and tundra tires - while the Sportsman in this configuration won't get in and out of spots quite as tight as a Super Cub, it will leave the Super Cub in the dust in cruise.

The RV is the king in terms of performance/economy - there's absolutely no question about that. We're building a Glasair Sportsman and looked long and hard at the RV's (my wife loves the 8A that belongs to my hangar mate). When it came time to make the final decision, the Sportsman won out as a result of its broad range of capabilities and its adaptability.

The GlaStar/Sportsman/Glasair builder's forum is different than VAF - membership is fee-based, and represents excellent value. The forums have an entirely different feel, with no moderation. There has never been a need for moderation - folks just get along, with lots of good-natured ribbing going on. The association holds several fly-ins every year and has a presence at both Sun n Fun and Oshkosh, as well as a mass-arrival at Oshkosh.

Again, the RV's are great airplanes and I really enjoy when my friends offer me a seat in theirs. If you want to trade off a bit of cruise performance for comfort and utility, the GlaStar and Sportsman are a excellent choices. GlaStars can be found on the market in about the same price range as many of the 2-seat RV's, while the Sportsman typically ranges up closer to RV10 price territory.

If you'd like more info, drop me a PM. As with all homebuilts, you'll need to be comfy with the airplane and maintaining it. As with all certificated aircraft, your Cherokee is a great machine, but the limitations imposed on it by regulatory stricture will make any homebuilt airplane feel like you've truly found flying freedom.

Whatever aircraft you choose, I truly hope you enjoy the process of selling your current one and finding just the right new ride for you and your family.
As I say to my local RV friends... When we want to go fly-in camping, you jump in your RV, sprint ahead and nail down the best camping spots. We'll be along shortly in our flying pickup truck, carrying all the gear! :-)

[Aggie78]

Originally Posted by titanhank

How many times have you seen 10 cherokee 140's get together for a flight for ice cream, formation fun or a run to get gas. Flying an RV-anything is much more than than just flying. It is the whole experience of education, speed, decisions about your unique plane, friendship and being around like minded people that makes RV flying so appealing. I have owned 43 different airplanes and none of them, except RV's, have ever had such an enthusiastic support group. You will make connections and friendships in the RV community that will last a lifetime. Good luck with your decision, you can't go wrong with any model.

Yup.

Kinda like an aircraft-related Harley Owner's Group (HOG's).

Maybe we should all mount up and head to Sturgis and take the place away from all that scooter trash?

[oldrockfan]

Just a quick shout out to thank Sid for the great ride in his RV7a today. It was a sweet airplane and was so much appreciated to take me up so I can get an idea of how it flies. Oh and I have to say it was fast but very smooth. Controls were so much more precise than my Cherokee. Thanks again Sid... you rock!

[scrollF4]

Originally Posted by oldrockfan

Just a quick shout out to thank Sid for the great ride in his RV7a today. It was a sweet airplane and was so much appreciated to take me up so I can get an idea of how it flies. Oh and I have to say it was fast but very smooth. Controls were so much more precise than my Cherokee. Thanks again Sid... you rock!

Hey Matt, my pleasure. It was a good day to fly (haze and all).