New Guy

propsync · #1 04-05-2012, 01:51 PM

Hi Group,

I'm new to Experimentals and VANs in general. I'm most impressed with the available cruising speeds of these models.

I'm considering buying a completed RV or possibly building one, maybe even both at the same time.

I'm mostly interested in the RV7 and RV9. I must confess, I have read the VAN's description of both aircraft, but I'm still not entirely sure which one suits me best.

From what I have read, the 7 is good for aerobatics and can cruise faster than the 9, but that is generally because one can choose a 200HP engine for the 7. The 9 has a slightly longer wingspan but very little difference in cruise speed on a per horse power basis. The 9 can do limited aerobatics.

Other than those things, I'm not sure how else to compare the two models? Any real world help here?

Additionally, it seems clear that most builders are using MPH instead of knots, was curious why?

I like the idea of the sliding canopy and building in access in the panels directly.

Thanks for your tips. I've attending my first EAA meeting just a few weeks ago here in Tampa.

Tom

humptybump · #2 04-05-2012, 01:59 PM

Hi Tom - Welcome!

There are a number of differences between the 7 and 9 but for many pilots, the decision point is "aerobatics" or "not aerobatics". That may be the easiest way to settle on one vs the other. IF you want to do any aerobatics, you would want to go with the RV-7.

The RV-9 handles smaller engines than the RV-7 and has slightly slower stalls speeds. Both make nice cross country platforms.

Mike S · #3 04-05-2012, 02:29 PM

Tom, welcome aboard VAF

The 9 uses a different airfoil, and has longer wings too.

As was stated, not "aerobatic"-----but then some folks do such stuff with them.

The real way to figure out the answer is to define your mission at the outset, and then work toward it.

For what it is worth, I was talking to Ken at Vans a month or two ago, and he said for a cross country plane, his first choice is the 9.

moll780 · #4 04-05-2012, 02:34 PM

Agree. I have a 9A. very stable in slow flight with that tall tail. great slow approaches and that roncz airfoil loves to float.
Im a low time pilot and prefer less inflight twitch and love the 180mph cruise.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mike S

Tom, welcome aboard VAF

The 9 uses a different airfoil, and has longer wings too.

As was stated, not "aerobatic"-----but then some folks do such stuff with them.

The real way to figure out the answer is to define your mission at the outset, and then work toward it.

For what it is worth, I was talking to Ken at Vans a month or two ago, and he said for a cross country plane, his first choice is the 9.

bird · #5 04-05-2012, 02:37 PM

Welcome to VAF, good to have you here. Lotsa help and advice here which ever model you choose.

bird

propsync · #6 04-05-2012, 02:38 PM

IFR cross country would be my primary mission, but a gentle roll every now and then would be ok as well.

Can the airplane be built with knots as the primary measurement? I know its experimental and you can probably do as you wish, I'm just curiuos as to why so many are in MPH, maybe there is good reason. Post 1976 production airplanes are all knots.

The 180mph cruise, is that with the 320 engine?

One thing that I will have to get used to is the "stick" I'm sure.

propsync · #7 04-05-2012, 02:42 PM

One other question, why is the 200HP IO360 not listed as a normal option for the 9?

Mike S · #8 04-05-2012, 02:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by propsync

One thing that I will have to get used to is the "stick" I'm sure.

Not a big deal, just takes a few flights with an instructor when you do your transition training.

Knots are your choice, the airspeed indicator is sold in both configurations if you go steam gauge, or is selectable if you go with an EFIS.

moll780 · #9 04-05-2012, 02:52 PM

yes, o-320, standard mags, carburetor...
stick is the way to go. much more intuitive and simple.

Quote:

Originally Posted by propsync

IFR cross country would be my primary mission, but a gentle roll every now and then would be ok as well.

Can the airplane be built with knots as the primary measurement? I know its experimental and you can probably do as you wish, I'm just curiuos as to why so many are in MPH, maybe there is good reason. Post 1976 production airplanes are all knots.

The 180mph cruise, is that with the 320 engine?

One thing that I will have to get used to is the "stick" I'm sure.

flyboy1963 · #10 04-05-2012, 03:02 PM

Welcome! I bought a -9a a few years ago, and like it, but my advice .....again is ......GET SOME BUTT TIME IN EACH TYPE!
you will not appreciate the differences until you at least ride in, if not fly, the different types.
Rub shoulders with someone on a long, humid x-country, and you may go hunting for an RV-8!
If you buy the gas, you might think it's quite alright to fly behind an 0-320 throttled back and leaned to cruise at only 140 kts ( 161 mph).
a few circuits, and you might find you really like the tip-up, over the slider canopy frame.
Go to the ATM, get some green, and offer to fuel up & co-pilot with one of the local RV guys, which seem to populate Florida like silver hair on a golf course.
My other advice is; if you are buying, find one that's pretty much equipped as you want, if you aren't going to have a hangar with a well-equipped shop attached.
I find that just to add simple things, like a 12V plug for my GPS, was a slow and painful process when you're miles from the field, and you have no power, light, workbench etc.

just my two-bits worth. good luck!