I may have an avenue to get some flight time in an RV. Possibly would buy one assuming I like what I experience. (RV-9A)

Coming out of the Bonanza, I expect the RV to be pretty different. Any tricks, tips, or pointers that I should know before I go for the flight in the RV? Any opinions on the RV-9A as a "screw around airplane?"

Opinion: The little wheel is on the wrong end.

Al, I built and sold an RV-9A.

I think you'll find it very responsive, and maybe a little lighter on the controls than the bonanza.

More time flying the bonanza (since I was building), so the transition was pretty easy but just 3 things to consider:
-the speed range is amazing. Stall speed was 42 kts or so, but you can cruise at about 140-150 kts. I have to admit adjusting to such a slow final speed took some adjustment, but you can probably takeoff land comfortably in 1000 feet.
-the nosegear is weak. Do not land on the nose wheel, it could fail and you'll end up flipped over or with a busted prop. Hold the stick all the way back when on the ground.
-There's a ton of RV guys in CA, I'm sure any of of them would give you the hour of transition training needed.

Congrats and glad to hear you're getting back in the air, RVs are fun planes!

Cheers
Chris

Opinion: The little wheel is on the wrong end.

I had an RV6. If it was not for my wife wanting a second dog, I would still have it.

I have a RV6 that I built over 10 years. I was pretty nervous on the first flight of the airplane since my total RV time was a 1 hour checkout. But I had plenty of time in Bonanzas and Mooneys so the speeds and light controls didn’t bother me.
I feel that my RV is so much fun to fly, light on the controls, goes fast, lands slow, etc. And my wife likes it too, so it’s a win/win situation.
My advice is to go fly one. It will ruin you for other planes.

VansAirForce.net is a super active builder/flyer community. I bet that if you post there you'll easily find someone who wants to show off their plane to you.

Opinion: The little wheel is on the wrong end.

It's more challenging to land a -A correctly than most tail wheel aircraft. Once you've mastered a "correct" -A landing you get an honorary tail wheel endorsement.

...just sayin'

Anybody know for sure what Va and or Vb on a -9 is? I thought I remembered it was rather low, which would be an issue here in Texas where the thermals sometimes reach the low teens.

Obviously, shouldn't be an issue on the 7s, 8s, and 14s.

VA is low but the yellow arc doesn't start until 180 mph
VA 118mph
Start of Yellow Arc 180 mph
VNE 210 MPH

I don't think flying at normal cruise speed in typical summer turbulence is a problem in a 9 based in my experience flying with a friend in his 9, but then I have not flown in Texas in the summer either.

https://www.vansaircraft.com/faq/airspe ... -by-model/

I sold my beloved A36 in a divorce and built an Rv7a. The 7a cruises at about the same speed as the bonanza on 8 gph rather than 13. I fly final at 65 kias. VFe is way lower than on the Bo but I can start slowing down about 3 miles outside the pattern and be down to vfe on downwind.

The main differences are:
Rv7a is way twitchier but more maneuverable. It took me many hours of flight test before I could hold altitude. I’m a klutz. The Cessna 172 in turn is way more stable than the a36. Now that I have the hang of it the RV is not hard to fly and is tons of fun. Looking forward to aerobatic training sometime.
Rv7a has such better avionics for so much less money than certified. With dual dynon displays and an avidyne ifr gps and backup g5 and backup batteries I have far more situational awareness. Autopilot flies fully coupled approaches so easily.
Keep the weight off the nose gear as long as you can.
It may be that I’m still working out the kinks after 14 hours, but I spend a lot of time working on the Rv7a. It’s built light, while the a36 is a tank.
The Rv7a is much more economical because of the low fuel burn and the ability to do most of my work myself. If you aren’t the builder, some of that advantage goes away but you can still do a lot of work and have a mechanic sign off.
I have three kids and sure miss being able to take them all at once in the a36.
If it fits your mission, any of the rvs are terrific airplanes.

As others have said, be mindful of the nose gear. Also, just think about flaring, don’t actually flare. It’s pretty touchy in pitch, especially with an aft CG.

Ben

Thanks, Ben!
I had my chance to fly the RV-9A today. WOW what a fun airplane!!

Thanks, Ben!
I had my chance to fly the RV-9A today. WOW what a fun airplane!!