August 31, 2008 - Flight in Mike's RV-7A

Loyal readers will recall I've been over to Mike R.'s hangar at Montgomery County (KGAI) a couple of times the past two years to help him with mounting his engine and wings.  Well, he's been flying his RV-7A since last November and having a blast with it.  He invited me over for a ride.  I've flown in a 6 and an 8, but not a 7 yet. 
 
Mike and his RV-8 driving Avien were going to do some practice this Sunday morning. 
 
I like Montgomery County airport.  It's a busy place with lots of airplanes about, and has a nice restaurant in the FBO building overlooking the runway. 
 
Run-up.  It was about 8AM -- nice and cool. 
 
Nice visibility for a late summery day in Maryland.  Usually it's hot, hazy and humid.  Mike and Arien were flying in the morning for the calm air. 
 
 
Mike was giving Avien the hand-signals to move him around in the different positions. 
 
Doing a formation low-pass at Carroll-County.
 

Avien having some fun off our left wing.

I flew the plane for about 20 minutes.  At first I just made some shallow turns, but within minutes I was honking it over and pulling some Gs.  Then I had fun doing chandelles.  The RV's performance is simply awesome.  It is just so agile and fast -- like nothing I've ever flown before.  I GOTTA get mine done soon! 

 
Avien making a solo low pass.
 

Mike and Arien de-briefing.

Notice Mike's Sam James cowl.  Very Cirrus like. 

 
A better look at the cowl.  It gives you some extra speed, as well as improves cooling.
 
Thanks to Mike for the ride which I enjoyed immensely.  I am even more motivated now to get my RV done. 
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