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Considering moving from an RV-9A to a RV-12iS

P

powerm

Member
I have a nice 9A with 160hp engine, about 500 hours, constant speed prop , upgraded panel with Dynon HDX, autopilot.

Thinking of slowing down a little and looking at the 12 fuel injected model.

Any thoughts?

Thanks, George
 
powerm said:
I have a nice 9A with 160hp engine, about 500 hours, constant speed prop , upgraded panel with Dynon HDX, autopilot.

Thinking of slowing down a little and looking at the 12 fuel injected model.

Any thoughts?

Thanks, George
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I think it depends on what type of flying you mainly want to do. The RV-12 is great for local flying and some longer hops. The Rotax engine is very economical, smooth, quiet, reliable, and it uses mogas. So operating costs per hour will be less, though it will take longer to travel from A to B. RV-12 has good visibility, better than RV-9A. It is also lighter for ground handling.

RV-9A is great for local flying also, plus it is fast enough (especially at altitude) for longer distance travel.

We own a 9A and are also considering whether a slightly slower aircraft with lower operating costs may be more suited to our needs.
 
Tough decision. Having built and flown both, I’d say the 9 is better for travel with higher speed, climb rate and baggage capability, say travel. The 12 is better for casual local flight say sightseeing. The 12 visibility is better as well as entry and cabin space with a more reclined seat and more shoulder room. For me since my mission is now mostly local with a few yearly trips like Oshkosh, SNF and I’m now in my 70s the 12 is a better fit than my recent 7A was. If I still had the 9A, I’m not sure. PM me and we can connect by phone if you want to discuss.
 
I’m actually looking to do the opposite once MOSAIC is finalized: moving from the -12 to a -9A (and upgrading the engine to the 916is with Lockwood’s FWF kit, because I crave the the flexibility that a turbo allows)

The -12 is very well-rounded, to a fault. Baggage volume is not great – I get to pick 2 of luggage, dog, or passenger. Cruise speed is acceptable, but XCs take much longer than I like.
Maintenance has been fine so far, but having the -iS engine would make a lot of things easier for me. The carbureted engine really doesn’t like climbing above 10k feet – I’ve done 12k but it was unhappy about that.

That being said, I’m in my 30s and looking for basically the same experience I’m having now, but all the specs turned up a few notches.
 
NORDO Industries LLC said:
That being said, I’m in my 30s and looking for basically the same experience I’m having now, but all the specs turned up a few notches.
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Then the 9A would be a good fit, more speed, better climb, more fuel capacity, more baggage and a little less affected by bumpy air. It also is just about as good for grass and short fields. What you will miss is the modern engine, helicopter like visibility, the shoulder room, more reclined seating position, easier access and fuel economy. That is why I said a tough call. I don't do acro and I'm not into speed and I did not like the high wing loading and poor glide in my 7A (probably because of all my 9 and 12 experience), why I switched back to a 12. As I get older, I like things happening a little slower too for safety.
 
scottmillhouse said:
Then the 9A would be a good fit, more speed, better climb, more fuel capacity, more baggage and a little less affected by bumpy air. It also is just about as good for grass and short fields. What you will miss is the modern engine, helicopter like visibility, the shoulder room, more reclined seating position, easier access and fuel economy. That is why I said a tough call. I don't do acro and I'm not into speed and I did not like the high wing loading and poor glide in my 7A (probably because of all my 9 and 12 experience), why I switched back to a 12. As I get older, I like things happening a little slower too for safety.
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These are great points. I’m 40 and have some time in a rented 12. I’ve been on the fence between a 9a and a 12is but I’ve been leaning towards a 9a because I’m worried I’ll grow out of the 12 in terms of capability. The idea of 1600 hours of build time doesn’t bring me joy though. But in reality, I really just want to fly my kids up and down the Mid Atlantic, visit some beaches and try to spot some whales in the Chesapeake. This is all food for thought.
 
1100 hr build time for 9a if buy quick build wings (recommended). both are great planes but 12 has trouble going direct over the Rockies (15 k is near max ceiling)
 
I would suggest that you read all of the service bulletins for the 12iS (including the Rotax bulletins) and the 9 before making your decision. I own a 12iS and have owned a 7A.
 
mburch said:
...I would keep my wallet shut and just pull the throttle back a couple inches! :)
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my 9A oil gets lukewarm this time of the year when dialed back for slow flight (something like 130F range). Other than that it's fun to fly slow! no issue during warmer months. Can also deploy a little flap for better visibility out of the front window :)
 
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