kevinh
Well Known Member
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.
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.
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