Hello all,
A while back, I posted I was considering building an RV. While that's still the plan, it isn't happening anytime soon. I simply do not have the time. But I do have time to fly. As such, I bought a Piper Cherokee 180 in Oct. While I love the plane and it's very nice, I'm seriously considering a 'side grade?' to an RV-12.
Here's my thinking: My long x-country is from KHAO to KUOX (Ole Miss). That's 442 SM and likely would make 3 times per year during school year to visit daughter. I've done in my Cherokee and it's simple trip and very comfortable. I've yet to have someone sit in my backseat..net, I guess I don't need it. As I still plan to eventually build, I thought an E-LSA would be a good way to learn into the experimental world. Here are some brief pros/cons. Am I thinking about this right? Understanding the forum I'm on, I expect bias in the answers
Vans RV-12 - Pre-owned, it's a wash in terms of acquisition cost vs my PA28.
Pros:
Cons
Probably my biggest concern is the tight range vs. the PA28 and maybe the extra bouncy ride vs. the Cherokee. Any thoughts from the group? Anyone made the move from a Cherokee 180 to an RV-12 for non-LSA related reasons? How'd it go?
Thanks!
John
A while back, I posted I was considering building an RV. While that's still the plan, it isn't happening anytime soon. I simply do not have the time. But I do have time to fly. As such, I bought a Piper Cherokee 180 in Oct. While I love the plane and it's very nice, I'm seriously considering a 'side grade?' to an RV-12.
Here's my thinking: My long x-country is from KHAO to KUOX (Ole Miss). That's 442 SM and likely would make 3 times per year during school year to visit daughter. I've done in my Cherokee and it's simple trip and very comfortable. I've yet to have someone sit in my backseat..net, I guess I don't need it. As I still plan to eventually build, I thought an E-LSA would be a good way to learn into the experimental world. Here are some brief pros/cons. Am I thinking about this right? Understanding the forum I'm on, I expect bias in the answers
Vans RV-12 - Pre-owned, it's a wash in terms of acquisition cost vs my PA28.
Pros:
- Much lower operating costs (mogas, fuel efficiency, own CIs after 2 day course)
- Incredible visibility in RV-12 vs. PA28
- Essentially a brand new engine vs. 15 year old overhaul
- modern avionics and autopilot
- Strong community and documentation (vs. other experimentals)
Cons
- Touch slower than PA28
- 2 seats vs. 4 and significantly less useful load (PA28 is like an SUV)
- Light weight means much more bouncing in turblence
- TIGHT nonstop range to KUOX (est. about 17gallons assuming no wind)
- Higer insurance cost vs. PA28-180?
Probably my biggest concern is the tight range vs. the PA28 and maybe the extra bouncy ride vs. the Cherokee. Any thoughts from the group? Anyone made the move from a Cherokee 180 to an RV-12 for non-LSA related reasons? How'd it go?
Thanks!
John