Flying in the RV7A

What a day for the RV experience! I was invited out to the local airport by a friend that I met via Van's Airforce. Darin is in the process of building an RV-14. So I had the opportunity to look on his build and setup. Truly incredible. The RV-14 kit is a step above. It's so interesting to see how the factory has taken care of all the little details. Does this take away from the build experiance....I didn't think so.  I applaud Vans for their efforts as they provide a full array to satisfy any builder. I secretly wish that I had given the RV14 a better look. Its just cool! Oh and the hanger....So much space to work in and perfectly clean. Ever see where they work on the Formula 1 cars...Lab clean! I thought I had a man cave in my basement....Nope!

Darin had pulled open his boxes of goodies. I was able to see first hand some of the quality parts and tools that are available. AeroLED's, Andair Fuel Selectors, pre-bent fuel lines. It was great to see some of the various parts. Really emphasises that paying a little extra for quality items is worth it.

There are many other planes that I was able to take a peak at. A carbon cub, and Lancair. Just so much better seeing them in person rather than looking at pictures.

I had an incredible opportunity to take a ride in an RV7A. Pilot Eugene was a wealth of knowledge and willing to share his advice. He showed me what worked for him, what didn't, what he would do differently. What I noticed was small little details that the average builder would miss or not think about until you were further along in the process. It was great to look over his RV as it explained so many questions I had. Cockpit layout was huge as I never had sat in an RV before. I am 6'3" tall and fit had always concerned me. But...My fears were quickly settled. I fit just fine. True I will need to go with the "almost an RV14" mod and adjust the placement of the rudder pedals which I had figured. But my head was nowhere close to touching the canopy and everything was an easy reach. And one other thing...The Dynon Skyview EFIS so nice!

I was thinking about a throttle quadrant, but I could see for me this was not going to work well. Push/Pull knobs and placement was very accessible and not obtrusive. I think a throttle quadrant would not be for me. Fire extinguisher was on the floor which was out of the way, but very accessible.

Eugene took my up for a quick flight to another local airport and back. We flew at 4400', did a touch and go, stall recovery practice, a low level flyby and a forced approach. He was kind enough to ask if I wanted to take the controls. Oh...I was nervous, but I gladly accepted. The controls are more sensitive than I thought (Might even be more sensitive than the Extra?). Took me by surprise. Not in a negative way, but similar to the feeling of when I first drove the Porsche. Precise in every detail. My first RV Grin!. I admit I did the rookie mistakes of getting a little high, and then getting a little low, A little off course, with a little over correction. Eugine was watchful and understanding. I do not have my license yet and my plan is to start this fall. This experience has solidified my resolve to keep forging ahead full speed.

A big thank-you to the guys who have welcomed me into their world and shared their love of aviation with me.