REFLECTOR: Decisions, decisions...

Tue Jan 10 12:39:03 CST 2006

A few things that may be deciding factors on  the comparison: (I agree with all that has been said so far.

You can build a Velocity with very little help, by that I mean an extra body. It is almost impossible to build an RV with out someone there to help buck rivets etc. I can count on both hands the actual times that I have needed an extra set of hands. I think that is important. 

I also believe that the RV series is better suited for rough field work and high density altitude airports with (relatively) short runways. 

I would state again, that you just can't beat the look of a Velocity compared to an RV (even though they are great airplanes). 

Kurt Winker
173FGE Aluminum V-6

-----Original Message-----
From: J.P. Brooks <jp211 at comcast.net>
To: Velocity Aircraft Owners and Builders list <reflector at tvbf.org>
Cc: built2fly at comcast.net
Sent: Tue, 10 Jan 2006 08:44:27 -0800
Subject: RE: REFLECTOR: Decisions, decisions...

Wonderful eval.  I must correct myself.  It is Mr. Scott Price who is seeking your words of wisdom.  
He does fly for United...(got that part right, one of my many few times).
JP

At 08:23 AM 1/10/2006, you wrote:

The Velocity is a wonderful bird, so is the RV line.

There would be different reasons for building each.

Velocity advantages:  

V is still quite unique in the world of kit planes.
It turns heads and is just plain cool.
It gives you more of a sense of accomplishment.
The performance characteristics demand that you become a better pilot.
Factory people are more like family than a supplier.
Fellow owners seem more giving and friendly.

RV advantages:

NO FACTORY IS as organized as Van's Aircraft.  (except maybe the folks
at Cirrus Design - My other plane).
Van wrote the book on Builder support.
NO ONE IS BETTER when it comes to consistency in design, parts, jigs,
even pre-drillings.  You can order a part and "slap" it into place with
no effort.
The RV is more proven than other kit on the face of the planet.
YOU CAN'T GET A HEAVY WING, or elevator, or rudder.  Perfect composite
building is almost impossible to achieve (at home).
Aluminum planes can be build perfectly, every time.  (Of course I am
assuming one can rivet).

By the way ... I wanted the "leeway" to stray from design a bit ... I
wanted to be more independent in determining my end product.  I loved my
experience with the Velocity.

However ... I believe some folks wouldn't be able to handle it.

I look at it this way:  An RV is like a certified airplane that you put
together.  When it's done ... it is exactly like the others except for
some minor difference.

My two cents ... (ok, maybe a nickel).

Tom

-----Original Message-----
From: reflector-bounces at tvbf.org [ mailto:reflector-bounces at tvbf.org] On
Behalf Of J.P. Brooks
Sent: Monday, January 09, 2006 10:13 PM
To: Velocity Aircraft Owners and Builders list
Cc: built2fly at comcast.net
Subject: REFLECTOR: Decisions, decisions...

All you great flyers and Velocity builders,

I ask your assistance for a friend.
Mr. Bob Pierce, a great United pilot that I've met recently is trying 
to decide between a Velocity  XL and an RV-10.
I thought it would be wonderful to hear from this forum.
I told him of all the great experience and diverse back rounds that 
would be a wealth of building assistance.
He can be contacted at the Cc above:

Would you all be willing to give your insight and great knowledge on 
his behalf?
I thank you for any assistance you may render to his future 
decision.  He should be in Sebastian next month for a visit to the 
Swings.  I highly recommended he talk one on one with all the 
employees so as to get acquainted with the marvelous cadre of admin 
that Velocity possesses.

If anyone is flying to Tokyo, London, Frankfurt or Osaka I shall do 
my best to get you into First Class where you would probably be already.

Respectfully,
JP

PS.  Feel free to Cc here at the reflector so we all can hear your 
opinions pro/con or otherwise.

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