RV-9A compared to RV-7A Control Response

[savas]

Hi All, this RV bug is killing me, and i have an opportunity to look at a 9A. I have flown a 7A, and REALLY liked the feel of the control responses, accuracy etc. I know the 9 is more stable, but i wanted to know from those who have flown both, is the 9 control responses similar to the 7?

thx in advance

[RV10Man]

I have flown both.
My brother has a 9A, it's hangered at my house. I fly it occasionally. It's a very stable airplane the control response is very docile.

The 7A I flew belonged to a friend who finished it, and kept in my hanger also.
I flew it when I wanted to for rent. The 7A is a lot quicker on the controls than the 9A. This 7 had a c/s prop where as the 9 is f/p. the only difference I saw in the props was on takeoff. I had nerver flown a c/s before. They are both very easy handling airplanes. About the only real big difference I could see was the responsiveness, the 7 is definately quicker. And it has a higher approach speed. My brother's 9 (Dynon D10) was calibrated in mph, the 7, with a Blue Mountain, was calibrated in kts. I flew the approaches at "75" in both airplanes.
It's kind of funny, and I never could really put my finger on it, but the 7 just seemed a tad bit easier to fly & land to me. I can't explain why. Both airplanes were in my hanger at the same time, so I flew which ever one I wanted. It just seems I did a better job landing the 7.
Both airplanes are really great, A models, and you won't go wrong with either one.

Marshall Alexander
RV10 N781DM
fuse/cabin top/panel

[carguy614]

Savas,
Marshall is right on. The 9A is heavier on the controls, and I happen to like the well balanced feel and slow speed capabilities of the 9 wing. It is a docile and gentile aircraft that you will love to fly. However, speed management is more important in the 9, as that big wing want's to float forever. A couple of too fast finals in a 9 will demonstrate this characteristic. I hope you get a chance to fly both planes before you make the decision. Both are easy to fly, and wonderful aircraft.

Regards,
Chris

[L.Adamson]

Originally Posted by carguy614

Savas,
Marshall is right on. The 9A is heavier on the controls, and I happen to like the well balanced feel and slow speed capabilities of the 9 wing. It is a docile and gentile aircraft that you will love to fly. However, speed management is more important in the 9, as that big wing want's to float forever. A couple of too fast finals in a 9 will demonstrate this characteristic. I hope you get a chance to fly both planes before you make the decision. Both are easy to fly, and wonderful aircraft.

The 9 with a C/S prop will still do a good job of getting down fast, and stopping quick, should you desire.

L.Adamson

[N941WR]

The difference between the -7 & -9 is not that great. Yes, the -9 is more stable than a -7 but when compared to a Cessna or Piper it is very quick.

After letting a friend fly my -9 he was surprised at how much it felt like his -7. He thought it was going to be Cessna doggie.

Either plane is good, the speeds when equipped with the same engine & prop are almost identical in cruise with the only difference being the stall speed.

It comes down to your mission, if you want acro, go with the -7. If you are looking for a very good cruiser, go with the -9.

Do a search on the topic and you will find this same question raised a number of times. Truth is, there is no answer, both planes are very good.

(Careful not to let this thread turn into another, ?You must put in a large engine w/ a constant speed prop? debate.)

[Ron Lee]

If you can look at a 9A, can't you fly it and decide yourself? When I first flew in a RV4 the control responsiveness hooked me. I then bought a 6A.

[videobobk]

I own a 9A and took transition training in a 7. I would say the 7 is the easiest taildragger I ever landed. I agree; the 7A may be easier to land, but both are SO much nicer than anything else that it makes little difference which you choose. Personally, I would only go with the 7A if you want aerobatics. The lower speed stall and lower sink rate of the 9 are a big plus to me.

Bob Kelly

[tc1234c]

I agree with previous posts. I have flown 6A, 7A, and 9A. They are all great!

At the end is your mission that determines the choice. A few points to consider:

Acro - 7

Travel - 9

Slower stall - 9. A few times I flew with Cub, Aeronca Chief, and Aerocup in the pattern and did not worry to be too slow.

Power (what do you want) - 7 designed for 160-200 hp, 9 designed for 118-160 hp

I believe that the rest are almost the same.

[Steve Brown]

I haven't flown the 7, but on paper there are some important differences beyond what has already been mentioned:

Fuel capacity: My benchmark trip is from my home airport in CA (now RHV) and the airport closest to my daughter's family in CO (APA). With the extra 6 gallons of the 7 I could easily make that trip. Now its either a nail biter or a fuel stop.

Maneuvering speed: 100Kts for the 9 and 120kts for the 7. Slowing down to 100kts on long cross countries is very annoying. It doesn't happen that much, but tends to happen on my longer trips because I'm going over the mountains.

It all depends on what is important to you. Personally I like it that the 9 is stable and lands slow, but I would take less stability and faster landing speeds in exchange for more fuel and higher VA.

[Jamie]

Originally Posted by Steve Brown

It all depends on what is important to you. Personally I like it that the 9 is stable and lands slow, but I would take less stability and faster landing speeds in exchange for more fuel and higher VA.

I don't mean to pick nits with ya Steve, but the -7 isn't less stable than a -9, it simply has a higher roll rate and faster pitch response. The -7 and -9 are equally stable.

I know that you know this already Steve, but just putting this out here for clarity's sake.