I just put an RV-6A under contract. It has the O-360 Lycoming.
Does anyone know what the speeds are?
Vx,Vy, Best glide and final approach speeds?
I’m not sure if these speeds are different for each plane (I’m new to Experimental aircraft).
The PoH should have this information.
Welcome to the dark side! Experimental aviation is the best, but please please please get some instruction by either an RV instructor or at least someone experienced with experimentals. Your question shows your inexperience, while these numbers are good to know, the more experienced pilot would talk with the previous owner and review the manual or numbers that the original builder hopefully found during his 40 hour phase 1. This is not me insulting you, and please don’t take it as talking down to you, I just want you to succeed in this!
The speeds you are looking for vary from plane to plane. Constant speed props can climb at lower air speeds because they can make full RPM (and full hp potential) at the slower speeds and more efficient AOA. Fixed pitch props may be set up for cruise speed in most RVs, and need higher airspeeds to develop higher RPM. That’s why the fixed pitch crowd typically stay in ground effect till 120 knots or more before climbing out. Also cylinder cooling may be an issue if attempting to climb out at a low Vx speed. I think you’ll find climbing at 120 should be about right, and if the trees at the end of the runway start to get big, you can always pitch up to clear them.
As for glides, again, the type of propeller probably has a much bigger impact than differences in airplane construction.
Please take the time to learn about experimentals, their restrictions, limitations and differences from the certified aircraft that you have been flying with. Learn where your aircrafts “operating limitations” are, what they say, and where you are supposed to keep them. (I see so many people who lock them away safely in their logbooks at home)
Should be able to click on each image to get larger size, hope this helps as a starting point for you.
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Should be able to click on each image to get larger size, hope this helps as a starting point for you.
Welcome to the RV flying fraternity.
Sorry if I set the tone of responses earlier, but not all new RV owners come with your discipline & skillset.
Hope you get many enjoyable hours out of your new RV.
It’s kind of funny to ask a pretty basic question and have several guys suggest I’m inexperienced.
We have a special knack for doing that......try not to take it personally.
Congratulations on your new toy, you are going to really enjoy it!
Thanks.
I’ve been flying for over 30 years. ATP, CFII, 20,000+ hours.
There is always something new to learn when trying different aircraft. I thought some basic V speeds would be a good place to start. I’ve flown everything from a J-3 Cub to 767’s. If you fly the proper speeds, they all do OK.
I plan on getting together with an RV instructor for a few hours. Asking about relevant V speeds is NOT an indication of my lack of experience. Quite the opposite.
It’s kind of funny to ask a pretty basic question and have several guys suggest I’m inexperienced.
John,
Please don’t be offended by experience related comments. Everyone is really just trying to help. As you know, your airline experience doesn’t necessarily translate directly to non-certified responsive aircraft, and that is clearly why you asked the questions about speeds. A stabilized approach is just as important in these RV’s as any other airplane. The numbers you were given will keep you safe, and you will most likely modify them after you fly your new bird. Every RV I’ve owned has been a little different in terms of actual speeds, due to equipment, CG, and aerodynamic build quality, but they all “felt” about the same - at least the short wing two seaters. When I first started flying RV’s, I found it helped to use my finger tips on the stick, rather than my initial full fisted death grip. You’ve flown the 767 simulator, so you know what I’m saying.
You’ve made a good choice with an RV6A. You’ll love the way it flys.
I just put an RV-6A under contract. It has the O-360 Lycoming.
Does anyone know what the speeds are?
Vx,Vy, Best glide and final approach speeds?
I’m not sure if these speeds are different for each plane (I’m new to Experimental aircraft).
It took me much longer than I had expected to learn to land a 6A well. One of the key points for me is to aim for 70kt, within 2kt, on the approach.
That takes some work as most short wing RVs are not speed stable with full flap.
Faster is too much float, slower means it will drop out the sky on round out (or needs a lot of power).
Should be able to click on each image to get larger size, hope this helps as a starting point for you.
View attachment 6041
Depending how much of your time is in light aircraft and how recent it is the RV6/6A is a very easy aircraft to fly.. The 6A is capable of shorter takeoffs and landings because its capable of higher angles of attack....in my opinion. Treat the nose gear like a taxi gear, within 2 seconds on takeoff you should have the nose gear off and hold it off on landing until you can't. It will operate just fine in gravel and grass but keep it away from rough strips. Approach speed for average use is best at 70 knots and for short strips 65 works fine with a tad of power. Stall speed on ours is 50 knots, kinda a nothing sandwich. Very well designed aircraft and very predictable. I taught aerobatics for years and its delightful for gentleman's inside maneuvers, again very predictable. Ours has the IO-320 with constant speed and we can count on right around 165 knots at 10,000 feet so it's a great cross country machine as well. Having owned over 30 aircraft in the last 50 years it certainly rates as one of my all time favorites.
Thanks.
I’ve been flying for over 30 years. ATP, CFII, 20,000+ hours.
There is always something new to learn when trying different aircraft. I thought some basic V speeds would be a good place to start. I’ve flown everything from a J-3 Cub to 767’s. If you fly the proper speeds, they all do OK.
I plan on getting together with an RV instructor for a few hours. Asking about relevant V speeds is NOT an indication of my lack of experience. Quite the opposite.
It’s kind of funny to ask a pretty basic question and have several guys suggest I’m inexperienced.
Great information. Thanks for taking the time to post it.
Depending how much of your time is in light aircraft and how recent it is the RV6/6A is a very easy aircraft to fly.. The 6A is capable of shorter takeoffs and landings because its capable of higher angles of attack....in my opinion. Treat the nose gear like a taxi gear, within 2 seconds on takeoff you should have the nose gear off and hold it off on landing until you can't. It will operate just fine in gravel and grass but keep it away from rough strips. Approach speed for average use is best at 70 knots and for short strips 65 works fine with a tad of power. Stall speed on ours is 50 knots, kinda a nothing sandwich. Very well designed aircraft and very predictable. I taught aerobatics for years and its delightful for gentleman's inside maneuvers, again very predictable. Ours has the IO-320 with constant speed and we can count on right around 165 knots at 10,000 feet so it's a great cross country machine as well. Having owned over 30 aircraft in the last 50 years it certainly rates as one of my all time favorites.