I just finished my latest travelogue video and thought some of this forum might enjoy it. I got to fly a fantastic "new" RV-12iS that was built by a friend of mine and recently sold on vansairforce. My video targets a broad audience so let me add a few RV-specific comments here.
As my sig states I fly an RV-6A, with over 600 hours in that plane. I had about 25 hours in an older RV-12 as well, so this was a pretty easy transition for me. The previous owner and I did some transition flying, with me as PIC, and everything went well, so I felt comfortable taking this new-to-me plane on a long trip. I find the RV-12iS flies very similar to my basic (O-320, fixed pitch) RV-6A, but with a lighter feel and less pitch sensitivity vs. my 6. I always keep my nose gear off the ground as long as possible, and I used a similar technique with this plane. Overall performance was closer than I expected. I flight plan my 6 with 160 mph cruise at 7 gph. The 12 performed at 135+ mph at 4 gph while in "eco mode." Based on the limited experience I had, i would conservatively flight plan the 12 at 130 mph/4.5 gph. In the grand scheme of things, that is pretty close. I know my 6 can go faster, and eventually I will have a prop that matches my engine, but for now it is what it is.
Inside, the 12 was much more modern, with a gorgeous Flightline interior and dual Garmin panels/AP. It was extremely comfortable and felt spacious. I liked having the various fuel readings at my disposal, being a new to me plane, and the gauge on the tank just over my shoulder was comforting. The autopilot was rock solid and made the long journey very comfortable (except during the few hours of turbulence I had to deal with). After 8 hours of flying, with some major bumps along the way, my body was not sore in any way. I definitely see some interior upgrades in my future on my 6.
In today's market I think my 6 is worth ~$85K, and this 12 was advertised for $135K. Depending on your financial situation, the "new" RV-12iS seems like a very attractive plane, at a very reasonable price in today's market. I believe RV-6s are undervalued, but I know I am biased. It just proves that Van's RVs continue to be accessible for the experiences they deliver.
Here is the video link - I hope you enjoy it!
As my sig states I fly an RV-6A, with over 600 hours in that plane. I had about 25 hours in an older RV-12 as well, so this was a pretty easy transition for me. The previous owner and I did some transition flying, with me as PIC, and everything went well, so I felt comfortable taking this new-to-me plane on a long trip. I find the RV-12iS flies very similar to my basic (O-320, fixed pitch) RV-6A, but with a lighter feel and less pitch sensitivity vs. my 6. I always keep my nose gear off the ground as long as possible, and I used a similar technique with this plane. Overall performance was closer than I expected. I flight plan my 6 with 160 mph cruise at 7 gph. The 12 performed at 135+ mph at 4 gph while in "eco mode." Based on the limited experience I had, i would conservatively flight plan the 12 at 130 mph/4.5 gph. In the grand scheme of things, that is pretty close. I know my 6 can go faster, and eventually I will have a prop that matches my engine, but for now it is what it is.
Inside, the 12 was much more modern, with a gorgeous Flightline interior and dual Garmin panels/AP. It was extremely comfortable and felt spacious. I liked having the various fuel readings at my disposal, being a new to me plane, and the gauge on the tank just over my shoulder was comforting. The autopilot was rock solid and made the long journey very comfortable (except during the few hours of turbulence I had to deal with). After 8 hours of flying, with some major bumps along the way, my body was not sore in any way. I definitely see some interior upgrades in my future on my 6.
In today's market I think my 6 is worth ~$85K, and this 12 was advertised for $135K. Depending on your financial situation, the "new" RV-12iS seems like a very attractive plane, at a very reasonable price in today's market. I believe RV-6s are undervalued, but I know I am biased. It just proves that Van's RVs continue to be accessible for the experiences they deliver.
Here is the video link - I hope you enjoy it!
