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    Michel Gadbois's Avatar
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       #1  

    Looking at the possibly of a 2nd (faster) airplane for cross-countries

    Hello All,

    I will be planning to acquire a second aircraft in 2024 for long distances. Selection and deposit this summer. Thinking RV-10 at one end of the passenger range to JMB VL3 at the other. I would love to know what others have considered or acquired for higher speed flying. Any wisdom would be appreciated.

    Thanks.
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    Michel Gadbois's Avatar
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       #2  
    Looks like its going to be the JMB VL3 916 RG... Going to test fly one this summer before I commit. Will let you all know!
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       #3  
    Hello everyone,

    As a follow-up, I did get a chance to fly the JMB VL3 915is this week-end. It is a very nice aircraft, Nice Build quality and very smooth controls. It was as light on the controls as the Icon. Landings with 52 degrees of flaps was predictable and slow. sink rate controlled by a steady sight line and adjustment of the throttle. The cabin is small (42 inches wide at the shoulders). This one had a G3x PFD and GNX 375 plus AP. We climbed (with half tanks and 400 lbs. of pilots) at 1750fpm and settled at a 183kt cruise at 9,500ft. If you are not overly wide (shoulders or hips) it is truly an enjoyable aircraft that sips fuel. Downside other than the cabin size is the tiny cargo area. Most of it is consumed by the gear retraction mechanism. If you order the fixed-gear version, all that space is wasted since the default fuse used is the RG version. That's it for me!

    Thanks.
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    Michel Gadbois's Avatar
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       #4  
    Well, to conclude this thread, I have ordered the RV-14a Quick-Build kit. This will complement my Icon for longer cross-countries. Looking forward to the build!
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    Ted Cohen's Avatar
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    #5  
    Looks amazing. You have more patience than me. I could never undertake building a plane. Good luck!
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    #6  
    I think "quick build" in experimental kits is a pretty giant misnomer
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    Michel Gadbois's Avatar
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       #7  
    I agree homebuilts are a labor of love. Very good way to relax though. Yoga with a rivet gun,
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    #8  
    Hey Michel, great minds think alike! I decided over the summer that I wanted a go-somewhere plane and landed on the RV-10.

    I bought this one in August and finally got the high performance endorsement and required training hours for the insurance company to start solos in it last month. Loving it so far!!

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    Sadly though I've come to the conclusion that two airplanes are just too much for me to keep up with right now. The RV-10 is better suited for my current life circumstances so I've decided to let the Icon go. It's been a hard decision because in my opinion nothing compares to the Icon for the pure joy of flying!!

    If anyone is interested, my Icon is serial number 150 w/ G3X touch and autopilot. I'll post a link to the listing once it's up.
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       #9  
    I am not sure if all of you have received this letter, but there is an entity looking to buy a few Icons. If you did not get the letter, let me know and I will forward. I am not interested in letting go of my Icon. I may add a third plane in 26 (SW-51). But my Icon is family...

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    Michel Gadbois's Avatar
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       #10  
    What a beautiful aircraft Troy!!!!
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    #11  
    Thanks Michel! The RV-10 was built by Devin Sirois out of Sandpoint ID. He mainly builds cubs but did an amazing job on this RV.
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       #12  
    The RV-14a is in!!!!! Now the work begins.Name:  IMG_2001.jpg
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    #13  
    That was quick!

    My main plane is a Saratoga TC II
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    #14  
    Looking forward to see the finished product. Hope it’s a quick build kit. Good luck!

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