Before you fly your new RV that you just completed, or go out to fly one that you are considering to purchase you should ask yourself am I really ready ?
You may have a lot of experience flying Cessna's, Piper's or even Airline equipment, but the RV series of aircraft are different. I don't mean to say they are any more difficult to fly, just that they are different. In fact, they are quite easy to fly, and you will soon become comfortable flying one in no time at all.
The transition training process should be fun, and you will see why there are more than 5000 Vans aircraft currently flying. This training will give you the confidence, skill and knowledge to fly your new RV safely. The key here is "safely..."
This training is detailed for transitioning pilots into the RV series of aircraft. In my own RV7, you will learn and feel the flight characteristics and performance of an RV. It's not a course for basic flight training, tailwheel endorsments, BFR's or aerobatic instruction.
My RV7 is equipped with a new 180 hp Lycoming
O-360-A1A and a Hartzell constant speed prop for maximum performance.
I decided for now on a VFR panel consisting of two Icom A200's plumbed into a PS Engineering PM1000 intercom using
Lightspeed ANR 3G series headsets. The cockpit is hardwired for MP3 music input for those long comfortable flights.
For navigation, I recessed a Garmin 296, with a custom fabricated bracket and angled it slightly toward the left pilot
seat. A Dynon D10 is the focal point in the panel with back up analog gauges on each side. A VM1000 is used
for engine management, and a Garmin GTX320 transponder completes the panel.
The cost is $360. A lesson plan will be followed to ensure that you receive the full benefit of the training. I have been a pilot for 21 years and a flight instructor for the last 16 years. I hold a CFI certificate with instrument and multiengine ratings, and specialize in tailwheel training and mountain flying for the local community.
Jeff is a wonderful teacher of all things related to aviation. His depth of knowledge and broad base of experience makes him very well suited to share his experience with others. His unassuming nature and relaxed demeanor put you at ease the minute you meet him. During hours of instrument proficiency training, unusual attitude training, and leisurely long cross country trips with Jeff, I have been exposed to his remarkable teaching style. He builds confidence by using positive reinforcement and incremental learning to gradually develop and retain your skills. Having watched Jeff meticulously build his RV 7, I have come to appreciate what a craftsman he is. He has armed himself with knowledge and through careful study and attention to detail he has produced a truly magnificent airplane. One of the highlights of my aviation career has been getting to fly 982EJ and seeing first hand how rewarding it can be to build an RV.
I am extremely fortunate to have Jeff as a friend and mentor. His enthusiasm for building and flying airplanes is infectious and he has taught me how to really have FUN flying!
Andrew R. Gall