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Finding RV transition training

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bluesflyer

Member
Good morning all!
Looking at selling my Beech Sundowner in order to buy an RV. Not totally decided on which model yet, but I am preparing for that day.
I will start with getting my tailwheel endorsement (yes, I have no time yet, but I think it could be fun and make me a better stick and rudder pilot overall).
When I get to that stage, how do I find a competent person to do the transition training?
Thanks in advance.
-Ray
 
Brian Jones at Flight Check Solutions is the only one I know of that is giving instruction in an RV8. Some insurance companies will accept RV 6,7 time also. I had 10 tailwheel hours when I bought my 8 last summer, and I spent a 2 or 3 weeks getting up to speed flying a buddy's Extra and then a Citabria with a CFI.

My suggestion is to get a TW rating in a cub, citabria, or similar so you can learn tailwheel flying. Then go get the RV specific checkout later. RV's are different in that they are very fast and slippery. But they are also very intolerant of excess speed on landing. So for me one thing that helped was doing lots of slow flight in the RV.

Don't be too intimidated, it's an airplane after all. Just get some good training and enjoy. Also, once you're signed off, go out and bang some patterns and get comfortable. I did alot of power off approaches because that's the way the Extra was flown- I'm sure the benefits could be argued endlessly, but regardless of what approach type you choose, having the skillet to do them all is a great tool for the toolbox.
 
bluesflyer said:
Good morning all!
Looking at selling my Beech Sundowner in order to buy an RV. Not totally decided on which model yet, but I am preparing for that day.
I will start with getting my tailwheel endorsement (yes, I have no time yet, but I think it could be fun and make me a better stick and rudder pilot overall).
When I get to that stage, how do I find a competent person to do the transition training?
Thanks in advance.
-Ray
Click to expand...
There's a list on Van's website under, 'Learn'.
 
bluesflyer said:
Good morning all!
Looking at selling my Beech Sundowner in order to buy an RV. Not totally decided on which model yet, but I am preparing for that day.
I will start with getting my tailwheel endorsement (yes, I have no time yet, but I think it could be fun and make me a better stick and rudder pilot overall).
When I get to that stage, how do I find a competent person to do the transition training?
Thanks in advance.
-Ray
Click to expand...
I'd start by sharing your location...

Then join your own local pilot groups such as exist on FB, that is where I found mine.
Then it also depends upon model.
 
Assuming you are going to insure your airplane, I'd start with a frank (and free!) call to Leah at the Gallagher Agency (they advertise here). She can give you ball park numbers with regard to insurance requirements (how many hours TW total, in the new type, etc) and of course the price (expect the first year to be expensive). She can also advise on what to do if you chose an RV-3 (single seat), and/or an -8 (tandem).
But I agree with others, go to an FBO and rent a TW to start, get your endorsement in someone else's plane.
 
My first step is to get the endorsement. A CFII at our airport is going to teach me in an Aeronca. That should be great fun in itself!
I will also call Gallagher. I am currently with another agency. I won't mention them by name, as I don't want to bad mouth any one on the website, but it has been 3 weeks since I have asked for a ballpark quote on a RV 4, 7, and 8. I know it won't be an actual amount. They cannot seem to make that happen. Gallagher has come highly recommended by the members on this site, so I will most likely go that route. I will send the owner of the other agency a polite, but firm reason as to why they will not be receiving my business in the future.
 
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