Short-field landings in the RV-9A

When I built the -9A, I enabled the datalogging feature on the SkyView as well as installing a Navman MiVue 530 Dash-camera on the roll bar behind the Coey's seat. As most of my flights are solo, the view of the back of a head is fairly infrequent and it provides a video and data log of all my flights and actions in the event I spear in.

 

I downloaded the card the other day to grab some footage of my recent landings to measure the numbers and you can see the results for yourself. The -9A, admittedly one of the lighter ones out there, can consistently pull off ground rolls under 600' with moderate braking on a slightly uphill runway and is likely capable of sub-400' ground rolls for a maximum performance landing if need be. You can also have fun showing off to Diamond pilots at the holding point by crossing the threshold on a 3000' runway at 250' AGL and still make the turnoff at the far end.

 

The runway at Somersby is only 600m / 2000' long, 850'AMSL and on top of a plateau, slopes down 2* to the north and is surrounded by trees, so most FW landings tend to use Runway 17 and takeoff on 35, irrespective of the wind.

 

For those considering a -9A, enjoy!

 

 

Its probably just the camera angle but that sunshade looks to be simulating a high wing - sooooo the combination of high and low (biplane) seems to be doing bad thins for visibility (see and avoid)

 

 

Its probably just the camera angle but that sunshade looks to be simulating a high wing - sooooo the combination of high and low (biplane) seems to be doing bad thins for visibility (see and avoid)

The majority of low wing aircraft have roofs made entirely of metal, I don't see the problem

 

 

The majority of low wing aircraft have roofs made entirely of metal, I don't see the problem

 

Its one thing to accommodate, as best you can, a manufacturers design feature and quite another to willingly compromise (unknowingly?) safety.

 

 

KR it looks great. I may have missed it, but why do you choose to fly from the right hand seat?

 

 

Its probably just the camera angle but that sunshade looks to be simulating a high wing - sooooo the combination of high and low (biplane) seems to be doing bad thins for visibility (see and avoid)

You're correct in that it does reduce visibility somewhat, primarily from about 20* above the horizon ahead. In the circuit, clearing the area hidden by the sunshade - assuming it isn't busy enough to justify retracting it - is easily accomplished though.

KR it looks great. I may have missed it, but why do you choose to fly from the right hand seat?

Nothing more than personal preference. I'm right handed and by flying PIC from the right hand seat, any passenger isn't going to bump my right arm when I'm hand flying.

You're correct in that it does reduce visibility somewhat, primarily from about 20* above the horizon ahead. In the circuit, clearing the area hidden by the sunshade - assuming it isn't busy enough to justify retracting it - is easily accomplished though.

 

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Fair enough I guess - I also fly a bubble canopy low wing, however in my case (being somewhat tight arsed) I have opted for a relativity (compared with your sunshade) small area of automotive static film that is silvered/reflective and perforated ($15 from AutoBarn). I had to shape/cut it to fit, in terms of max shade V min loss of viability and curvature of canopy. Been in place for a couple of years now. Seems to work quit well.