In a message dated 4/20/2006 10:52:13 AM Pacific Standard Time,=20 joe.grubbs@weyerhaeuser.com writes:

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Hello,

I have just begun to believe that I could=20 successfully build and fly an airplane. As such, I joined this mail=20= list=20 and have started reading your comments, questions, & concerns. T= he=20 help you are providing each other seems to be valuable.

In just a few weeks of reading two airplane= s will=20 easily fit my need and allow for growth, the RV-10 and Velocity XLRG. = ; Of=20 the two, I favor the RV for its better STOL capabilities and low speed=20 landings. There are benefits to a pusher style drive system (besides= a=20 quieter ride), the Velocity is a good looking plane (that has to count for= =20 something).

So, my question to you all is, for those wh= o fly a=20 canard style airplane, what were the top reasons you chose this style of=20 aircraft to build and fly?

Thank you;

J.D. Grubbs
Dream= ing in Port=20 Orchard, WA
360-434-2120 (C)= =20

The biggest difference is the mission of the two planes. I have=20 looked at both kits as well. The Velocity is a fast flier that has a mu= ch=20 longer landing distance, with somewhat lower payload. Canards are usually be= tter=20 on efficiency, with good range. (I can't last longer than about 3-4 ho= urs=20 anyway.) The Velocity is not well equipped for landing on anything but long=20 paved runways. The Velocity has a narrower cockpit not suitable to larger=20 pilots. Even what they call the "bubba" version isn't that wide inside. The=20= RG=20 version is considered a complex aircraft and has higher insurance premiums.=20

The RV-10 is fixed gear conventional low wing aircraft. The missi= on=20 is somewhat more "utility" than the Velocity. RVs have short takeoff and lan= ding=20 distances, it's like a trademark. The RV has a roomier cockpit which is=20 important to me since I'm a bigger guy. Fixed gear and a good rep for low-sp= eed=20 landings helps insurance rates on the RV. Lastly Vans has the largest flying= =20 fleet of kits in the field and is a very stable company.

To wrap up Velocity: faster, more complex, probably more efficien= t=20 (mileage), more difficult landing and takeoff (requires longer runways), loo= ks=20 cool, higher insurance rates, lower payload. RV: simpler, more room, higher=20 payload, lower speed (about 200 MPH), shorter range with standard tanks. Muc= h=20 lower landing and takeoff speed, and shorter distances, lower insurance, bet= ter=20 rough field capability. Looks more "Spam" like. Stable company. While it mig= ht=20 not be a big factor for you RV's usually have a higher resale value.

Do you want speed or utility? The Velocity will cost more to finish bei= ng a=20 retractable plane. The RV-10 is aluminum, with THOUSANDS of tedious rivets.=20= The=20 Velocity will test your resistance to epoxy. The final choice is always=20 yours!

Bill Jepson (I went RV. I needed the cockpit room and desired payload o= ver=20 speed)

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