Look & Listen
n41va said:
I am considering buying an RV-6A.....What should I look for in paticular?....
Engine considerations and firewall forward details aside, I'd insist upon the following two airframe issues as possible deal breakers:
Remove the wing root fairings and closely examine the 5/16" rear spar attach bolt holes for adequate e.d.
Are the fuel tanks leak free? Any history of leaks? Where they built with slosh (a no-no) or no slosh?
Not necessarily deal breakers but issues that should be examined closely:
Examine the forward wing brackets attaching the fuel tanks to the fuselage and insure they have the safety slots cut into them in case of an incident.
Has the recent fuel tank S.B. been complied with?
Fully examine the flight control system including the push/pull tubes and bellcranks attachments for integrity. Determine if the tubes have been internally treated for corrosion and the end caps totally secure. Some builders weld and others pop rivet the ends into place. Both methods are acceptable....but check the overall quality of workmanship.
Almost always arguable....is internal priming important to you? If so, was this airplane primed....and before or
after the parts were assembled?
Slowbuild or quickbuild kit? A certain and modest level of built-in quality is virtually guaranteed with many crucial parts of a quickbuild...not necessarily so with a slowbuild kit. But then again, a lovingly built slowbuild can quite easily surpass the overall quality of a given quickbuild.
Know the builder. Try to determine his overall attitude towards workmanship. Does he perceive issues related to workmanship as good or "good enough?" Personally, I'd inquire if he reamed all the bolts holes or simply drilled them full size. I know this issue raises some peoples hackles, but I could care less. If it were my wallet about to be opened, I'd be fairly persnickety when it comes to a stranger's attitude about precision. The fact that you say the plane is owned (original builder?) by an A&P is encouraging. Still, that fact alone is no silver bullet, I know plenty of sloppy A&P's
If possible, arrange a flight test with someone familiar with an RV's handling qualities. Does the airplane trim out well throughout its range of speeds? Stalls can quickly determine if a wing was assembled with an undesirable built in twist or is rigged poorly. Some RV's have a tendency to dutch roll like a V-tail Bonanza...does this one?
These are just the issues that came to my mind immediately. But certainly others with far more knowledge and RV experience than I can add to the list of things to look for when purchasing someone else's RV.
Finally, no airplane is perfect. In the end, it is your responsibility to determine if the flaws inherent in any airplane are merely cosmetic or potentially life threatening. Since you will not be allowed to sign off the annual condition inspection, its associated costs and labor will be required just as if you were buying any certificated airplane. As in any major purchase, proceed with all due diligence to avoid costly and nasty surprises later.
Rick Galati RV-6A "Darla"
