RV-10 Regrets...?

[ppilotmike]

I've told many RV people (mostly 2-seat Rv'rs) about my dream to build a 10, and many of them have recommended building a 2-seater instead (ironic?). They tell me it's more practical to own a 2-seater; they tell me it's more fun to own a 2-seater; and they constantly remind me that it's cheaper to operate a 2-seater. So to settle this debate (at least in my own mind) I'd like to pose the following question:

Has anyone built (or started building) an RV-10, and then regretted that they didn't build an RV-6,7 or 8?

While this may sound like a stupid question, and heck, maybe it IS a stupid question, I would like to know before I take the plunge. I've flown both a 7A and a 10. I love the way the 7 handles, but the 10 offers more space for family and friends. In the end, is the 10 really just a big, less-sporty "2-seater?" Please let me know what you think 10-drivers! Thanks.

[MikeJ 7A]

Back when I was first interested in building an RV I thought I wanted a RV-10. I talked to some folks at Van's that made me sit down and really evaluate my typical mission. After much soul searching, decided "screw my friends, I need to fly upside down every so often or I'll regret it!"

I took a ride in Van's -7A and that clinched the deal.

It really depends on your mission, take some time to really think it out.

[TSwezey]

I miss my -10 everyday. Thought about building an -8 but only for about two seconds. When I build again it will be another 10. I really don't have a desire to go upside down so YMMV. I liked having the ability to pile a bunch of stuff in and go and very rarely ever have to worry about overloading it.

[rleffler]

It really depends on your needs......

Like Todd, I don't have a desire for aerobatics. My needs are for a nice, roomy, cross country crusier for both myself and my wife. If the college age kids tag along, that's just an additional benefit. My wife thought my Cherokee 180 was too small, so the RV-10 was a natural choice.

[9GT]

The first time my wife sat in the Cozy MKIV while it was still under construction, she said she felt like she was in a coffin. Sold it prior to finishing and started the -10 with no regrets. I fly in that Cozy every so often with the buddy I sold it to and it sure is small,,,,,,even compared to my C-152. Glad I am on the -10 now.

[ppilotmike]

Originally Posted by MikeJ 7A

Back when I was first interested in building an RV I thought I wanted a RV-10. I talked to some folks at Van's that made me sit down and really evaluate my typical mission. After much soul searching, decided "screw my friends, I need to fly upside down every so often or I'll regret it!"

I took a ride in Van's -7A and that clinched the deal.

It really depends on your mission, take some time to really think it out.

MikeJ,

Thanks for your honesty. I totally can appreciate your take on things. I too loke the idea of Acro, which the 10 cannot provide. However, you can rent acro planes. Of course you can rent 4-seaters as well. Do you have a family or kids? How many times have "extra" friends wanted a ride that you couldn't give to them?

Mike

[ppilotmike]

All of the acro aside, my real question is about whether the 10 is better because of family needs or something else...

How many people out there with families/friends ACTUALLY use their airplane WITH their family/friends? My concern is that I am trading the potential for responsive solo/duo flying for the potential to take 4 along for the ride. Is this a good trade?

Which argument for "7 vs. 10" do 10 owners use more often?
1) the "I have more space & usable load than you" argument, or
2) the "how else could I take all my friends and family flying" argument?

It's a big cost, time and performance difference, so I'd like to know the real reason people pick the 10. And how did the decision turn out..

[flyeyes]

It depends on what your really want.

If you want to build, build.

If you want a 4 seat transportation airplane, you can buy one that performs about like an RV-10 for less money than it costs to build a -10.

Maintenance costs will be a little higher, but insurance likely a little lower on a "store-bought" plane.

I think the two-place RVs are unusual, and you can't really buy anything like them in a factory-built. You can of course buy a flying RV, usually for less than you can build.

The best solution IMHO, is to build your "fun" airplane, and arrange access to a traveling airplane.

[MikeJ 7A]

Originally Posted by ppilotmike

Do you have a family or kids? How many times have "extra" friends wanted a ride that you couldn't give to them?

I have two kids, one is living in China, the other is a HS senior. I expect most of my XC flying will be for fun with my wife. Flying with my kids would be local fun hops, and I don't see a need to fly my entire family at once (I'll just fly the airlines if we really need to travel together). Most of my "friend" flights will be local, for fun, hops as well.

[kentb]

When I started building the RV10 was not an option.
There have been a couple of time that I had myself convinced that I wanted to switch.
Things that I desire that a RV10 could give me.
1. More people can ride. I could take my wife, daughter and granddaughter on a trip. Or a couple of friends as well as the wife.
2. I could take more baggage.
3. My wife liked setting in the back of our C172, she could do that again.
4. It flies a little faster then the -9.
5. It flies further before needing fuel.

Reasons why I have not switch from my -9 to the -10.
1. It doesn't cost me as much when I fill up.
2. I need to stop for a break before my tanks are empty.
3. 80% of the time I am in the plane by myself.
4. My wife has gotten used to setting up front, although she still complains that we don't have enough room.
5. The difference in maintenance cost.
6. The difference in insurance cost.
7. The additional investment from my -9 to the -10.

Kent, I still think about the 10, but most likely won't get one.