Hi Lary,
I don't have pilot license right now! I'm right in the middle of the training process and plan to obtain it this summer!
I want to start building as soon as possible to fly my aircraft in maybe a couple of years and avoiding to rent the club aircrafts forever!
I actually fly a Robin HR20 with 160CV lycoming and feel already the aircraft to slow ( cruise at 115 Kt) specialy the climb rate!
That's the main reason I believe That the RV7 will better match with my expectation but maybe i'm a little to newbie in this sector??
Anyway, every recommendation will be welcome!
Cheers guys
Nicolas
Hi Nicolas!
It looks like the RV-7 is just the aircraft you're looking for however, considering your experience, I think you would be better off with the RV-12 initially.
While none of the RV's are particularly difficult to fly, the handling characteristics of the short wing RV's, such as the RV-7 are somewhat different to the general aviation trainers you will be exposed to and in my honest opinion not suitable as a training aircraft for low time pilots. There are also other issues regarding landing accidents with the A models flipping over on grass strips. Although this can be avoided, these mishaps are much more likely to affect the novice than the experienced pilot.
Both the RV-7 and RV-12 are very sweet handling aircraft with the excellent control harmony that RV's are famous for. The 7 offers greater speed, climb rate, range and aerobatic capability. The RV-7 won't burn more fuel than an RV-12 if flown at the same speed but it is unlikely you will do that. Performance in the way of more speed and climb rate will burn more fuel but, hey, that's why you build an RV-7. Contrary to what has been said elsewhere, fuel is not an issue as the Lycoming is certified to run on 98UL which seems to have a rather certain future here in Europe.
If you ask me, the RV-12 is the finest aircraft in the Rotax class, offering excellent utility and an easily achievable 120 kts max cruising speed. It will climb at 900 ft/min at gross weight and over 1000 ft/min solo. You can fill the tanks and it will transport two real world adults with baggage around 800 km before needing to refuel. It is an absolute joy to fly with direct fingertip responsiveness and a good introduction to the world of RV's. It is very easy to fly and suitable for the low time pilot.
You can realistically complete an RV-12 in under 1000 hours with priming the inside as most Europeans do. This is about half the time you will need to build an RV-7 QB.
By the time you get bored with your RV-12, if that ever happens, you will be ready for the RV-7 or its successor!