First (upside down) flight report

[kevinh]

When I built my RV I knew that I wanted to learn a bit about aerobatics, but I didn't do aerobatic testing during my phase I. So, just recently I received a few hours of instruction on the basics (loops, rolls, cuban 8s and a spin training refresher). I also trolled through various good posts on the matronics archive and Dan's site.

Since both my instructor and I thought I had a decent understanding of how to do these things, today I put my RV back into phase I (briefly) so I could fly off the aerobatic tests I didn't perform initially. I had a blast - way more fun than the aerobatic trainer I used while getting my instruction.

A few notes from a complete aerobatic novice (take with a grain of salt, but I'm so happy I just had to post something):

* Aileron rolls are easy-cheezy (but still, please get instruction)
* Loops take a bit more attention, mainly because the stick forces are light compared to the trainer I had been using. Definitely need to calibrate the wrist and gut as to what a 3-4G pull is based on the G meter.
* Yep, RV spins do become fast quite quickly. After about a turn, I was done. Fortunately the recovery was straightforward.
* I'm going to add a more aft row of seatback hinge eyelets to the floor of my 7A. The parachute is a bit thicker than the stock cushion and places the crotch rather close to the stick.

To those that have an aerobatic capable RV, if you haven't tried acro you should definitely at least spend an hour with a competent instructor. I can already see how practicing even these simple maneuvers will improve my skill as a pilot. Besides, its the best roller coaster ever.

If you are looking for a good aerobatic instructor in the bay area, send me a message. I liked the fellow I worked with at Attitude Aviation in Livermore. After practicing these basics for a few weeks, I'm going to go back to see what else I can learn.

[kevinh]

Also,

For those that have been doing loops & cuban 8s, what power setting have you been using through the maneuver? Based on the Van's manual I used a 140 kt entry speed today and about 65% power. This worked okay, but two issues:

* If my initial pull was about 3Gs, then things got a little too slow for comfort as I reached the top. Would you recommend something more in the 4G ballpark?

* I think I still need to work on the top part of the loop, a couple of times the carb sputtered because I got too close to 0 G.

I'd be eager for any advice.

[ Update: the following great thread has lots of good info: http://www.vansairforce.com/communit...oop+aerobatics ]


Kevin

[pierre smith]

Congratulations on the aero, Kevin,
However, I think you must have missed the posts earlier this year regarding exiting an RV 6/7 with the sliders or the tip ups. It was generally agreed on that you CANNOT open a slider in flight, although some folks have put quick-release pins above the rollers on the sliders to hopefully get rid of the canopy completely in the event a bailout is needed,
Regards,

[kevinh]

Originally Posted by pierre smith

However, I think you must have missed the posts earlier this year regarding exiting an RV 6/7 with the sliders or the tip ups. It was generally agreed on that you CANNOT open a slider in flight, although some folks have put quick-release pins above the rollers on the sliders to hopefully get rid of the canopy completely in the event a bailout is needed,

Heh . I was one of those people with the pins.

[L.Adamson]

However, I think you must have missed the posts earlier this year regarding exiting an RV 6/7 with the sliders or the tip ups. It was generally agreed on that you CANNOT open a slider in flight, although some folks have put quick-release pins above the rollers on the sliders to hopefully get rid of the canopy completely in the event a bailout is needed,

Has anyone tried to force open an un-pinned RV slider ----- while inverted? Just curious...

[mark manda]

I was talking to John Harmon yesterday and I asked him what brand parachute he wears at Reno. They don't wear parachutes. (if you have enough control to fly to attitude; they expect you to have enough control to put it on the ground safely.)

Anyway, back to topic-- Kevin-- I use 140kts. for Loop entry also and I see 3G on the meter. FWIW

[kevinh]

Originally Posted by mark manda

Anyway, back to topic-- Kevin-- I use 140kts. for Loop entry also and I see 3G on the meter. FWIW

Thanks - about how much power on engine?