Looking ahead (regrettable) to the day we sell our RV-10 (group of four). Like others have mentioned, I pretty much had my mind made up on the 9 until Van's announcement of the RV-14.
The RV-9A meets most of my requirements probably more than the RV-14 does. My main purpose for an RV is cross country flying. I have a SuperCub for local fun. I'll try and list the pro and cons for me and look for feed back.
The pros of the RV-9A;
(1) less costly to build
(2) engine (IO-320) available from many resources ie. new, rebuilt and used.(much less expensive)
(3) fuel burn much less
(4) available in a slider (not a huge issue)
Cons;
(1) seating is much lower layed back (I have back issues and spent nine hrs in the RV-10 in one day with no issue).
(2) I think due to the lighter airframe than the RV-10 , I don't find the RV-9 as stable (only have 1/2 hr in a 9).
(3)I fly off a grass strip and the nose wheel has me concerned.
My thoughts on the RV-14 pros.
(1) Upright seating although not as upright as the RV-10 from what I can tell from Van's diagram.
(2) RV-10 style nose gear.
(3) Flat style landing gear, hopefully a plus.
(4) RV-10 wing (shortened) And I have a feeling it will fly more like a 10 ( I love the way our 10 handles wind (in landing) and turbulance. In conditions that I would not fly my SuperCub the RV-10 is still very comfortable stable and fun to fly ( my opinion).
(5) Although I am small , some of my passengers might not be called small, and I enjoy company when I fly.
Cons
(1) new type expensive engine, very few places to purchase from. I did purchase an 0-360 from Mattituck so new is not out of question.
(2) fuel burn will be better than RV-10 but not as good as the 9.
(3) kit will be much more than the RV-9A
(4) less aftermarket accessories will fit the 14 at first.
(5) will have to deal with first builder issues that have been resolved with the RV-9
(6) Not really an issue for me but I enjoy the building process (RV-10 was a slow build), sounds like the RV-14 will be a more advanced kit with less for the builder to do.
(7) Although more is done in the wiring components it sounds like Van's is pretty much going with what I would install . I have dual Skyviews now and love them.
That pretty much sums up my thoughts , I'm sure I missed a few items and I did not mention all the likes I have for the Van's RV series aircraft that are in all their aircraft. I built the RV-10 without ever being in one and I was very licky to have been so pleased with it's performance. I could by out my partners in the RV-10 but would rather move on. The last trip was to Kissimmee and there was only two soles on board and I enjoyed that more than the trips with four people on board, probably the distractions. My plans are for long cross country trips to see all of North America, hopefully with my wife if she will come along.
The biggest reason I'm considering the RV-14 over the RV-9A is Reason # 4 , stability. I'll have to get some time in both before I make a desision.
Thanks for your time.
Ron
The RV-9A meets most of my requirements probably more than the RV-14 does. My main purpose for an RV is cross country flying. I have a SuperCub for local fun. I'll try and list the pro and cons for me and look for feed back.
The pros of the RV-9A;
(1) less costly to build
(2) engine (IO-320) available from many resources ie. new, rebuilt and used.(much less expensive)
(3) fuel burn much less
(4) available in a slider (not a huge issue)
Cons;
(1) seating is much lower layed back (I have back issues and spent nine hrs in the RV-10 in one day with no issue).
(2) I think due to the lighter airframe than the RV-10 , I don't find the RV-9 as stable (only have 1/2 hr in a 9).
(3)I fly off a grass strip and the nose wheel has me concerned.
My thoughts on the RV-14 pros.
(1) Upright seating although not as upright as the RV-10 from what I can tell from Van's diagram.
(2) RV-10 style nose gear.
(3) Flat style landing gear, hopefully a plus.
(4) RV-10 wing (shortened) And I have a feeling it will fly more like a 10 ( I love the way our 10 handles wind (in landing) and turbulance. In conditions that I would not fly my SuperCub the RV-10 is still very comfortable stable and fun to fly ( my opinion).
(5) Although I am small , some of my passengers might not be called small, and I enjoy company when I fly.
Cons
(1) new type expensive engine, very few places to purchase from. I did purchase an 0-360 from Mattituck so new is not out of question.
(2) fuel burn will be better than RV-10 but not as good as the 9.
(3) kit will be much more than the RV-9A
(4) less aftermarket accessories will fit the 14 at first.
(5) will have to deal with first builder issues that have been resolved with the RV-9
(6) Not really an issue for me but I enjoy the building process (RV-10 was a slow build), sounds like the RV-14 will be a more advanced kit with less for the builder to do.
(7) Although more is done in the wiring components it sounds like Van's is pretty much going with what I would install . I have dual Skyviews now and love them.
That pretty much sums up my thoughts , I'm sure I missed a few items and I did not mention all the likes I have for the Van's RV series aircraft that are in all their aircraft. I built the RV-10 without ever being in one and I was very licky to have been so pleased with it's performance. I could by out my partners in the RV-10 but would rather move on. The last trip was to Kissimmee and there was only two soles on board and I enjoyed that more than the trips with four people on board, probably the distractions. My plans are for long cross country trips to see all of North America, hopefully with my wife if she will come along.
The biggest reason I'm considering the RV-14 over the RV-9A is Reason # 4 , stability. I'll have to get some time in both before I make a desision.
Thanks for your time.
Ron