I guess while flying for a living for the past 25 years and raising young kids etc. I have never seriously considered owning an airplane in the past. I just never saw myself of going flying around the local area, at 110kts and really not able to get anywhere of great distance. I always thought that any use I would have for an airplane is to "go somewhere and fast" and since that would require much more expensive airplane I never thought about it seriously. After a recent trip with a fellow pilot who owns an RV I was quite surprised by the performance and range of his airplane. To say I was intrigued is an understatement. After browsing the Vans site and this forum I now have a vision of how owning an airplane could be both fun and practical in my lifestyle.
As I browsed the Vans site my first reaction was the RV 10, however, after looking at the increased cost not only of the build but operating costs as well and also it would only be myself and my wife I turned my attention to the RV 9A or 7A. As far as an engine goes I was thinking the 160 hp o-320, fixed pitch would be the best option because it very popular and both repair or parts easier.
How I envision using an airplane from my home near Vancouver:
- Local flights on my days off for fun ( not a huge aerobatic guy)
- Getting away for weekends golfing WA or OR (2 small golf bags and overnight bag)
- Maybe a yearly trip to Reno Air Races
- Taking it down to Palm Springs for the winter where we will snowbird after retirement (cant imagine waking up everyday to great flying weather)
- From PSP going to PHX, LAS etc.
- I would prefer a tricycle gear and who knows my kids could use it to get their licenses.
Again I think for myself I am looking at either a 7A or 9A however, any advice from current RV owners would be awesome.
Thanks
As I browsed the Vans site my first reaction was the RV 10, however, after looking at the increased cost not only of the build but operating costs as well and also it would only be myself and my wife I turned my attention to the RV 9A or 7A. As far as an engine goes I was thinking the 160 hp o-320, fixed pitch would be the best option because it very popular and both repair or parts easier.
How I envision using an airplane from my home near Vancouver:
- Local flights on my days off for fun ( not a huge aerobatic guy)
- Getting away for weekends golfing WA or OR (2 small golf bags and overnight bag)
- Maybe a yearly trip to Reno Air Races
- Taking it down to Palm Springs for the winter where we will snowbird after retirement (cant imagine waking up everyday to great flying weather)
- From PSP going to PHX, LAS etc.
- I would prefer a tricycle gear and who knows my kids could use it to get their licenses.
Again I think for myself I am looking at either a 7A or 9A however, any advice from current RV owners would be awesome.
Thanks