Enclosed is the POH that I developed during the flight testing of my RV-6A. It is roughly based on a typical Cessna POH, with modifications specific to an RV. There are also specific references to my tail number and equipment installed in my RV-6A. For this POH to be useful, you must tailor it to your specific aircraft. The tail number can easily be changed with a search and replace. Other modifications will take longer, such as references to the trike, tip-up canopy, C/S prop, RMI engine monitor, internal ski rack, etc.

Most performance figures (fuel flow, endurance, speed, ROC, glide performance, etc) were obtained from actual flight test data.

I found it beneficial to print the checklists separately and use them during the preflight (pages 7-13, 23-26). This document is best used when printed on a color printer. The 8 ½” X 11” paper should be cut to the proper size after printing.

The Annual Condition Inspection was taken from the RV-List. I think it was originally written by George Orndorff. The Van’s Airforce logo was downloaded from the Internet and I have no idea of the original artist. If George, or the designer of the logo, objects to these being included in the POH, I will remove them from all further distributions.

This POH can be considered “freeware”. It is distributed free of charge. You may pass it on to anyone else as long as this title page remains intact.

This manual was first posted online in the fall of 1997. Since then, it appears that it has been used as a template for many additional manuals that have also been published. If anyone copies information from this manual and then republishes it, I ask that you include a cover page indicating what data has been copied. This manual covers the performance of a 160 HP RV-6A. When these new manuals are then used by a third party, that person will not be able to know what information has been copied, and what was obtained from actual flight test. My goal is to ensure the sharing of ACCURATE data.

I am not a technical writer and make no warrantee as to the accuracy of the information contained in the enclosed document. You MUST review, modify and be comfortable with the enclosed information PRIOR to using it as a preflight/ inflight reference. Due to the nature of homebuilt aircraft, I feel it is impossible to develop one standard POH to cover all RV’s. Use the enclosed information at your own risk. If you don’t agree with this disclaimer, just delete this entire document and get on with your life.

This document is under constant revision. If anyone has any ideas on how it can be improved, please let me know. I hope this is of help to others.

Scott Gesele N506RV – Flying (1000 hrs)sgesele@yahoo.com

Van’s Aircraft RV-6A

Pilot’s Operating Handbook

N506RV

PERFORMANCE – SPECIFICATIONSSPAN: ……………………………………………………………….. 23’ 0”LENGTH: ……………………………………………………………. 19’ 9”HEIGHT:………………………………………………………………. 6’ 8”

SPEED:Maximum at Sea Level …………………………………….. 180 KnotsCruise, 75% Power at 8,000 Ft …………………………….. 167 Knots

RANGE (includes 3 gal. for taxi, takeoff & climb): 75% @ 8000’ , no reserve .…………………………………. 695 nm 55% @ 8000’ no reserve ….………………………………. 840 nm

75% @ 8000’, one hour (8 gal) reserve …………………….. 540 nm55% @ 8000’, one hour (8 gal) reserve …………………….. 650 nm

RATE OF CLIMB AT SEA LEVEL …………………………….…. 2,050 FPM

SERVICE CEILING …………………………………………..……. 19,500 FT

TAKEOFF PERFORMANCE: ……………. ……………….……… 535 Ft

LANDING PERFORMANCE: ………………..…………….……… 500 Ft

STALL SPEED (CAS):Flaps Up, Power Off ……………………………………… 47 KnotsFlaps Down, Power Off …………………………………… 43 Knots

MAXIMUM WEIGHT: ……………………...……………………. 1800 Lbs

EMPTY WEIGHT …………………………………………………. 1142 Lbs

MAXIMUM USEFUL LOAD: …………………………………….. 658 Lbs

BAGGAGE ALLOWANCE ………………………………………… 100 Lbs

WING LOADING (Pounds/ Sq. Ft) ………………………………… 15

POWER LOADING (Pounds/ HP) …………………………………. 10.3

FUEL:Capacity …………………………………………………… 38 Gal TotalType ………………………………………………………. 100 LL

OIL CAPACITY ……………………………………………………. 8 Qts

ENGINE: Lycoming ……………………………………………….. O-320-D1A

PROPELLER: Hartzell ……………………………………………. HC-C2YL-1BF

AIRSPEED LIMITATIONS

SPEED KIAS REMARKSVNE

Never Exceed Speed

182 Kts Do not exceed this speed in any operations.

VNOMaximum Structural Cruising Speed

156 Kts Exceed this speed only in smooth air.

VAManeuvering Speed 115 Kts Do not make full control

movements above this speed. Full elevator deflection will result in a 6g load at this speed.

VFEMaximum Flap Extended Speed

96 –20 deg87 - Full

Do not exceed this speed with flaps down

Vy Best Rate of Climb 75 Kts

Vx Best Angle of Climb

65 Kts

Vs Stall Speed Clean 47 Kts

Vso Stall Speed Landing Configuration

43 Kts

AIRSPEED INDICATOR MARKINGS

MARKING KIAS VALUE OR RANGE

SIGNIFICANCE

White Arc 43 – 87 Kts Full Flap Operating Range. Lower limit is Vso. Upper limit is maximum speed with flaps extended

Green Arc 47 – 156 Kts Normal Operating Range. Lower limit is Vs. Upper limit is maximum structural cruising speed

Yellow Arc 156 – 182 Kts Operations must be conducted with caution and only in smooth air.

Red Line 182 Kts Maximum speed for all operations

N506RV

N506RV AEROBATIC INFORMATION

Weight Limitation – 1375 Pounds

Recommended Entry Speeds:

Loops, Horizontal Eights …. 120 – 165 KtsImmelman Turns ………….. 130 – 165 KtsAileron Rolls, Barrel Rolls .. 105 – 165 KtsSnap Rolls………………….. 70 – 95 KtsVertical Rolls ……………… 155 –165 KtsSplit-S …………………….. 85 - 95 Kts

N506RV PREFLIGHT INSPECTION1. CABIN

a) Documentation -- Available In Airplaneb) Aeronautical Charts – CURRENT AND APPROPRIATE TO FLIGHTc) Seat Belt Securing Control Stick -- RELEASE d) Ignition Switch -- OFFe) Avionics -- OFFf) Master Switch -- ONg) Engine Monitor – ONh) Engine Monitor – RESET FLIGHT TIMEi) Fuel Quantity -- CHECK QUANTITY

-- VERIFY ENGINE MONITOR PRESETj) Flaps – DOWNk) Master Switch -- OFFl) Carb Heat – COLD

2. EMPENNAGEa) Tail Tie-Down – DISCONNECTb) Rudder Gust Lock -- REMOVEc) Control Surfaces -- CHECK freedom of movement and securityd) Static Sources (both sides of fuselage) –CHECK for blockage

3. RIGHT WINGa) Aileron -- CHECK freedom of movement and securityb) Flap -- CHECK securityc) Wing Tie-Down -- DISCONNECTd) Main Wheel Tire -- CHECK for proper inflatione) Chock -- REMOVEf) Right Wing Tank – SUMPg) Main Buss Alternate Feed – ONh) Fuel Boost Pump – ONi) Gascolator – SUMPj) Fuel Boost Pump – OFFk) Main Buss Alternate Feed -- OFFl) Fuel Quantity -- CHECK VISUALLYm) Fuel Filler Cap – SECURE

N506RV 5. NOSE

a) Engine Oil Level -- CHECK, do not operate with less than 4 quartsb) Propeller and Spinner -- CHECK for nicks and securityc) Cowl Hinge Pins – CHECK for securityd) Air Inlet -- CHECK for restrictionse) Nose Wheel Tire -- CHECK for proper inflationf) Chock -- REMOVEg) Fuel Tank Vents -- CHECK for blockage

6. LEFT WINGa) Wing Tie-Down -- DISCONNECTb) Main Wheel Tire -- CHECK for proper inflationc) Chock -- REMOVEd) Left Wing Tank -- SUMPe) Fuel Quantity -- CHECK VISUALLYf) Fuel Filler Cap -- SECUREg) Pitot Tube Cover -- REMOVE and check for blockageh) Landing Light -- CHECK conditioni) Aileron -- CHECK freedom of movement and securityj) Flap -- CHECK security

N506RV

BEFORE STARTING ENGINEa) Preflight Inspection – COMPLETEb) Rudder Gust Lock Removed -- VERIFYc) Seat Belts and Shoulder Harnesses -- ADJUST and LOCKd) Canopy -- DOWNe) Fuel Selector Valve -- DESIRED TANKf) Avionics and Electrical -- OFFg) Brakes -- SETh) Circuit Breakers -- CHECK IN

STARTING ENGINEa) Mixture -- RICHb) Carb Heat -- COLDc) Prop -- HIGH RPMd) Master Switch – ONe) Fuel Boost Pump -- ONf) Strobe – ONg) Flaps -- UPh) Prime -- AS REQUIRED (3-4 seconds when cold)i) Throttle -- OPEN approx 1/4”j) Propeller Area -- CLEARk) Ignition Switch -- STARTl) Engine Monitor -- ONm) Oil Pressure -- CHECK 25 psi at idlen) Fuel Boost Pump – OFFo) Autopilot / Encoder -- ONp) Avionics -- ON

N506RVBEFORE TAKEOFF

a) Brakes -- SETb) Canopy -------- Main Latch -- SECURE

-------- Secondary Latch -- SECUREc) Flight Controls -- FREE and CORRECTd) Flight Instruments – SET

Altimeters – CORRECT PRESSURE A/H – ALLIGNED Autopilot – TURN COORDINATOR MODE

e) Navigational Instruments -- SETf) Fuel Selector Valve -- DESIRED TANKg) Mixture -- RICH (below 3000’)h) Elevator and Aileron Trim -- NEUTRALi) Throttle -- 1700 RPM

1) Magnetos -- CHECK (125 max drop, 50 differential)2) Suction – CHECK (5” Hg)3) Carb Heat -- CHECK for drop4) Prop -- CHECK operation5) Engine Instruments -- CHECK6) Throttle -- IDLE7) Carb Heat -- COLD

i) Radios – SETj) Flaps -- AS REQUIREDk) Fuel Boost Pump -- ONl) Transponder -- ALTITUDE

N506RVTAKEOFF

NORMAL TAKEOFFa) Wing Flaps – UPb) Carb Heat – COLDc) Prop – HIGH RPMd) Throttle -- FULL OPENe) Elevator Control – LIFT NOSE WHEEL (at 55KIAS)f) Climb Speed -- 110 KIAS

SHORT FIELD TAKEOFFa) Wing Flaps – 10 Degb) Carb Heat – COLDc) Prop – HIGH RPMd) Brakes – APPLYe) Throttle – FULL OPENf) Mixture – RICH (above 3000’ lean to obtain max RPM)g) Brakes – RELEASEh) Climb Speed – 80 KIAS (Vy)

ENROUTE CLIMBa) Airspeed – 110 - 130 KIASb) Throttle – 25 in Hg, or full throttlec) Prop – 2500 RPMd) Boost Pump – OFF at 1000 feet AGLe) Fuel Pressure – CHECKf) Mixture – LEAN above 5000’

CRUISEa) Throttle – 23 in Hgb) Prop – 2300 RPMc) Trim – ADJUSTd) Mixture – LEAN

N506RV

Enroute

Fuel Schedule:

Fuel SelectorPosition

Switch At:(Aircraft Total)

StartingTotal (Left)

StartingTotal (Right)

Left 37 18.5 18.5Left to Right 27 8.5 18.5Right to Left 11.5 8.5 3

Oxygen Duration (hours):

(AL-645 Tank 22.8 cu ft max, with A3 Flowmeters, 1800 psig at 70 F)Crew 10,000 ft 15,000 ft 18,000 ftOne 29 16 12Two 14.5 8 6

N506RVPOSTFLIGHT

AFTER LANDING a) Wing Flaps – UPb) Boost Pump – OFFc) Transponder – STANDBY

ENGINE SHUTDOWNa) Avionics – OFFb) Autopilot / Encoder -- OFFc) Electrical – OFFd) Throttle – IDLEe) Prop – FULL FORWARDf) Mixture – IDLE CUT-OFF

(After Engine Stops)g) Ignition – OFFh) Strobe -- OFFi) Flaps – DOWNj) Master – OFF

SECURING AIRCRAFTa) Wheel Chocks – INSTALLb) Wing & Tail Tie-Down – INSTALL AS REQUIREDc) Pitot Tube Cover – INSTALL AS REQUIREDd) Cockpit – CLEAN AND SECUREe) Ignition Key – REMOVEDf) Master and Electrical Switches – OFFg) Engine Monitor Fuel Quantity – RESET AFTER REFUELING

N506RV

Performance

Cruise Performance at 8,000’:KTAS RPM MAP Fuel Flow % Power167 2400 23” 8.4 GPH 75%157 2200 23” 7.4 GPH 65%151 2200 21” 6.3 GPH 55%

No Wind Range at 8,000’: All range calculations include 3 gal. for engine start, taxi, takeoff and climb. Engine is leaned for best economy.

One hour (8 gal.) reserve:75% Power ……………………………………………….. 540 nm65% Power ……………………………………………….. 575 nm55% Power ……………………………………………….. 650 nm

No Reserve:75% Power ……………………………………………….. 695 nm65% Power ……………………………………………….. 745 nm55% Power ……………………………………………….. 840 nm

N506RVWEIGHT AND BALANCE DATAMake: Scott Gesele Model: RV-6ASerial: 22717 Registration: N506RV

Maximum Weights:“Aerobatic”………………………………… 1375 Lbs“Utility” ……….…………………………….1650 Lbs*“Normal” …………………………………… 1800 Lbs* * Recommended maximum landing weight is 1650 lbs

Datum= 60 inches forward of wing leading edge (L.E.)Design C.G. Range = 15% to 29% of wing chord

8.7” to 16.8” from L.E.68.7” to 76.8” aft of Datum

Wing L.E. = 60 inches aft of datumMain wheel right = 84.25” aft of datumMain wheel left = 84.25” aft of datumNose wheel = 28.50” aft of datum

Fuel …………………… 70” aft of datumPilot and Passenger …… 87.4” aft of datumBaggage ………………. 117” aft of datumInternal Ski Rack ……... 144” aft of datum

Aircraft weighed empty in level flight attitude.(Includes 8 qts. of oil, no fuel)

Weight Arm MomentRight Wheel 428 84.25 36059Left Wheel 420 84.25 35385Nose Wheel 294 28.5 8379

Total 1142 79832Empty CG = 69.91 aft of datum

N506RV

WEIGHT AND BALANCE DATA

Sample:

Weight Arm MomentAircraft 1142 79832Fuel (6lbs/gal) 70 Pilot 87.4 Passenger 87.4 Baggage 117 Skis 144 (Skis weigh 9 lbs/adult pair)

Total

CG = Total Moment / Total WeightCG = in aft of datum

CG Range = 68.7 to 76.8 in aft of datum

N506RVWEIGHT AND BALANCE DATA*With a CG Range of 68.7 to 76.8 in., all foreseeable loading configurations are within limitations.

N506RV

Engine Information

Model: …….. Lycoming O-320 D1AHP: ………… 160Fuel: ……….. 91/96 or 100/130 octane minimum ……….. 100LLOil Filter: ….. Champion CH48110

OIL: Avg MIL-L-6082 Ashless Dispersant Ambiant Air Grades Grades Above 80F SAE 60 SAE 60Above 60F SAE 50 SAE 40 or SAE 5030 – 90F SAE 40 SAE 40 0-70F SAE 20 SAE 30 or SAE 40 Below 10F SAE 20 SAE 30

Oil Sump Capacity …….. 8 U.S. QuartsMinimum Safe Quantity ...2 U.S. Quarts

Operating Conditions:

Oil Inlet Temp: 82 deg C desired, 118 deg C MaximumOil Pressure: 90 psi max; 60 psi min; 25 psi idleFuel Pressure: 8 psi max; 0.5 psi min; 3.0 psi desiredCyl. Head Temp 66 deg C – 223 deg C desired range, 260 deg C max

N506RV

ENGINE INFORMATION

N506RV

ENGINE INFORMATION

N506RV

ENGINE INFORMATION

N506RV

EMERGENCY PROCEDURES

AIRSPEEDS FOR EMERGENCY OPERATIONS

Engine Failure After Takeoff:Wing Flaps Up ………………………… 80 KtsWing Flaps Down …………………….. 70 Kts

Maneuvering Speed (Va) ………………………. 115 Kts

Maximum Glide ………………………………… 80 Kts

EMERGENCY PROCEDURES

ENGINE FAILURES

ENGINE FAILURE DURING TAKEOFF RUN1. Throttle –IDLE2. Brakes – APPLY3. Wing Flaps – RETRACT4. Mixture – IDLE CUT-OFF5. Ignition Switch – OFF6. Master Switch – OFF

ENGINE FAILURE IMMEDIATELY AFTER TAKEOFF1. Airspeed – 70 KIAS2. Mixture – IDLE CUT-OFF3. Fuel Selector Valve – OFF4. Ignition Switch – OFF5. Wing Flaps – AS REQUIRED6. Master Switch – OFF

ENGINE FAILURE DURING FLIGHT1. Airspeed –80 Knots2. Boost Pump – ON3. Fuel Selector – SWITCH TANKS4. Carb Heat – ON5. Mixture – RICH6. Ignition Switch – BOTH, LEFT, RIGHT7. Transponder – 7700

EMERGENCY PROCEDURES

FIRESDURING START ON GROUND

1. Cranking – CONTINUE, to get a start which would suck the flames and accumulated fuel through the carb and into the engine.

If engine starts:

2. Power – 1700 RPM for a few minutes3. Engine – SHUTDOWN and inspect for damage

If engine fails to start:

4. Throttle – FULL OPEN5. Mixture – IDLE CUT-OFF6. Cranking – CONTINUE7. Fire Extinguisher – OBTAIN8. Engine – SECURE

ENGINE FIRE IN FLIGHT1. Mixture – IDLE CUT-OFF2. Fuel Selector Valve – OFF3. Master Switch – OFF4. Cabin Heat and Air – OFF

ELECTRICAL FIRE IN FLIGHT1. Master Switch – OFF2. Avionics – OFF3. All Other Switches (except ignition) – OFF4. Vents/ Cabin Air/ Heat – CLOSED5. Fire Extinguisher – ACTIVATE (if available)

CABIN FIRE1. Master Switch – OFF2. Vents/ Cabin Heat – CLOSED3. Fire Extinguisher – ACTIVATE (if available)

WING FIRE1. Nav Lights – OFF2. Landing Light – OFF

EMERGENCY PROCEDURESELECTRICAL / ALTERNATOR FAILURE

1. Avionics –OFF2. Master Switch – OFF, both sides3. Alternator Breaker – RESET4. Main Feed Breaker - RESET5. Circuit Breakers – VERIFY POSITIONS6. Master Switch – ON

IF ALTERNATOR IS STILL OFF-LINE:

7. Master Switch – OFF8. Electrical Switches – OFF9. Alternator Breaker – PULL10. Avionics – OFF11. Main Feed Breaker – PULL12. Alternate Feed Switch Guard – UP13. Alternate Feed Switch – ON14. Avionics – ON as required15. Electrical Equipment – ON, as required16. Flight – TERMINATE as soon as practical, aircraft is on

battery reserves only.

In accordance with Item 15 of the Transport Canada and Bahamas Civil

Aviation Department Standardized Validation of A Special

Airworthiness Certificate- Experimental, I, , as the

registered owner of authorize the following

persons for continued operation of this aircraft in both Canadian and

Bahamian airspace.

Registered Owner’s Signature Date

N506RVANNUAL CONDITION INSPECTION REPORT

HOURS: MAKE: RV-6A SERIAL #: 22717REGISTRATION #: N506RV DATE:

DESCRIPTION : COMMENTS:

A. PROPELLER GROUP1. Inspect spinner and back plate....2. Inspect blades for nicks and cracks....3. Check for grease and oil leaks....4. Lubricate propeller per lubrication chart....5. Check spinner mounting brackets....6. Check propeller mounting bolts and safety....7. Inspect hub parts for cracks and corrosion....

B. ENGINE GROUP

CAUTION: ground mags before working on engine

1. Remove engine cowl....2. Clean and check cowling for cracks, distortion and loose or missing fasteners....3. Drain oil sump....4. Clean suction oil strainer at oil change....5. Clean pressure oil strainer or change full flow oil filter element......6. Check oil temp. sender for leaks and security....7. Check oil lines and fittings for leaks, chafing security, dents and cracks....8. Clean and check oil radiator cooling fins....9. Fill engine with oil per lubrication chart...10. Clean engine....11. Check condition of spark plugs adjust gap....12. Check ignition harness and insulators....13. Check magneto points for proper clearance

maintain at .018 +- .006....14. Check magneto for oil seal leaks....15. Check breaker felt for proper lubrication....16. Check distributor block for cracks, burned

areas or corrosion....

17. Check magnetos to engine timing....18. Remove air filter and clean....19. Drain carburetor and clean inlet line fuel

strainer....20. Check condition of carburetor heat air door

and box....21. Check intake seal for leaks and clamps for

tightness....22. Clean screens in fuel pump....23. Clean and check gascolator....24. Inspect condition of fuel lines....25. Check fuel system for leaks.....26. Check electric fuel pump for operation.....27. Check engine controls throttle, carb heat,

mixture, and prop....28. Inspect exhaust stacks, connections, gaskets....29. Inspect heat exchange and baffles....30. Check breather tube for obstructions and

security....31. Check crankcase for cracks, leaks, security

of bolts....32. Check engine mounts for cracks and loose mountings.......33. Check all engine baffles....34. Check firewall seals....36. Check condition and tension of alternator

and drive belt....36. Check condition of starter....37. Check fluid in brake reservoir....38. Lubricate all controls....39. Reinstall engine cowl....

C. CABIN GROUP

1. Inspect canopy and windows....2. Check upholstery for tears....3. Check seats, seat belts, shoulder belts....4. Check trim operation...5. Check rudder pedals....6. Check control column, systems and connection.....7. Check landing, nav, cabin, and instrument lights...8. Check instrument, lines and attachments....9. Check gyro operation, and electric turn

and bank....10. Check or replace gyro air filter....

11. Clean or replace vacuum regulator filter....12. Check altimeter....13. Check operation of fuel selector valve....14. Check operation of engine primer....15. Check condition of heater controls....16. Check condition and operation air vents....

D. FUSELAGE AND EMPENNAGE GROUP

1. Remove inspection plates and panels...2. Check battery box, battery and cables...3. Check electronic installations....4. Check bulkheads and stringers for damage...5. Check antenna mounts and wiring....6. Check fuel lines and valves....7. Check vertical fin and rudder surfaces....8. Check rudder horn and attachment....9. Check vertical fin attachments....10. Check rudder bolts for wear...11. Check horizontal stabilizer and elevators...12. Check horizontal stabilizer attachment...13. Check elevator horn...14. Check elevator bolts for wear...15. Check elevator bell cranks and controls....16. Check EHSI / EFIS Electronic Compass …17. Check autopilot pitch servo and pushrod17. Lubricate all bearings as needed.....18. Reinstall inspection plates and panels....

E. WING GROUP

1. Remove inspection plates...2. Check surfaces and tip for damage and loose

rivets and condition of walkways....3. Check aileron mounts and attachments....4. Check aileron bellcrank and control tubes....5. Check autopilot roll servo and pushrod6. Check flaps and attachment for damages....7. Check all wing attachment bolts....8. Check fuel tanks and lines for leaks and....9. Check fuel tank vents....10. Reinstall inspection plates....

E. LANDING GEAR GROUP

1. Check nose gear travel and damper tightness....2. Check main gear attachments...3. Check tires for cuts and wear....4. Remove wheel, clean, and repack bearings...5. Check wheels for cracks, corrosion and broken bolts....6. Check tire pressure....7. Check brake lining and disc....8. Check brake lines....

F. OPERATIONAL INSPECTION

1. Check fuel pump and fuel tank selector....2. Check fuel pressure....3. Check oil pressure and temperature....4. Check alternator output....5. Check manifold pressure....6. Check alternate air....7. Check vacuum gauge....8. Check gyros for noise and roughness....9. Check Cabin heat operation....10. Check magneto switch operation....11. Check magneto RPM variation....12. Check throttle and mixture operation....13. Check propeller smoothness....14. Check electronic equipment operation....15. Perform 2 hr Capacity Check of EHSI/EFIS Backup Battery ….

G Known problem areas:

a) Smoking rivets on forward bottom skinb) Chafing brake lines on gear leg fairing and beneath wheel pantc) Chaffing of wheel on wheel pantd) Fretting corrosion at gear leg fairing intersectione) Corrosion of exposed rod end bearingsf) Rudder contacting elevator roots in flight (dynamic clearance

less than static clearance!)g) Nose gear leg bolt security

NOTES