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Photo credit: Rod Bearden
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Van's RV-9AExterior Dimensions
Span: 28 ft Length: 20 ft 5 in Height: 7 ft 10 in Wing Area: 124 sq ft Weights Empty Weight: 1028 - 1075 lbs Gross Weight: 1600 - 1750 lbs Loadings Wing Loading: (118, 160hp)12.9 - 14.1 lb/sq ft Power Loading: 13.6 -10.9 lb/hp |
Special Modifications
Endurance: 20 hours (130 knots, maximum economy range at 8,000 ft).
Classic Aero Aviator seats allow for comfortable flight even on 15 hour+ legs.
HF Radio: for transoceanic communications and position reports.
Classic Aero Aviator seats allow for comfortable flight even on 15 hour+ legs.
HF Radio: for transoceanic communications and position reports.
Preparation for Trip
As of April 2018 the plane is now painted in white with a base layer of vinyl graphics. While the previous “bare metal” air frame was attractive and had the advantage of being lightweight, I had concerns regarding the corrosion resistance of the aluminum surface when travelling through the tropics.
Avionics
The aircraft is equipped with avionics to support the flight around the world. Dynon displays and integrated autopilot as a primary flight instrument, with worldwide navigation database provided by Jeppesen.
Engine and Propeller
The engine installed in “May” is a stock 8.5:1 compression Lycoming 160 horsepower piston engine. The 320 series of engines are one of the most reliable 4 cylinder aircraft piston engines ever made. An efficient and very durable Sensenich fixed pitch propeller is installed in a tractor configuration. The combined engine and propeller weight permits the installation of two cockpit fuel tanks within the allowable center of gravity (C.G.)
Safety Equipment
ACR ResQLink floating PLB, DeLorme Inreach communications device, 1 person life raft (survival suit will be rented when crossing the North Atlantic), ditch bag with survival gear, 15l oxygen system, regulator, with cannula. Oil/filters, tools, and miscellaneous spare parts.
Avionics
The aircraft is equipped with avionics to support the flight around the world. Dynon displays and integrated autopilot as a primary flight instrument, with worldwide navigation database provided by Jeppesen.
Engine and Propeller
The engine installed in “May” is a stock 8.5:1 compression Lycoming 160 horsepower piston engine. The 320 series of engines are one of the most reliable 4 cylinder aircraft piston engines ever made. An efficient and very durable Sensenich fixed pitch propeller is installed in a tractor configuration. The combined engine and propeller weight permits the installation of two cockpit fuel tanks within the allowable center of gravity (C.G.)
Safety Equipment
ACR ResQLink floating PLB, DeLorme Inreach communications device, 1 person life raft (survival suit will be rented when crossing the North Atlantic), ditch bag with survival gear, 15l oxygen system, regulator, with cannula. Oil/filters, tools, and miscellaneous spare parts.
