RV-6 No Spins

From Matronics

The larger vertical stab on the RV-7, as compared to the RV-6, has led to speculation and rumours that the RV-6 has inadequate spin characterstics, and that Van recommends against spinning the airplane.

Van's latest word on the subject is Service Bulletin 02-6-1. In it he says,

We chose to recommend that RV-6 pilots concentrate on learning spin recognition, immediate recovery, and spin avoidance rather than encouraging them to explore the limits of spin recoverability. We also recommended that the RV-6 not be used for recreational spins. Section 15 of the RV-6 Construction Manual details spin testing, spin recovery techniques, and spin limitation recommendations for pilots.

Section 15 of the RV-6 construction manual says,

For the pilot anticipating aerobatic use of his RV-6, this will include stall entries from steep pitch angles and banks, and accelerated stalls from similar attitudes. Similarly, spins should be practiced from various entry attitudes and power settings. Obviously, initial spin testing should be done with the airplane loaded to a forward C.G. and entry attitudes should be moderate. With satisfactory recovery, loading and entry attitudes can be increased to anticipated limits.

Clearly, Van is not recommending never spinning the RV-6. To the contrary, he specifically recommends spin testing for builders who plan on aerobatics, and provides some detail on how to accomplish it. Van also says that, with the larger tail, "RV-7 spin recovery qualities are equal to or better than those of the standard RV-6/6A, which have been service proven through fleet experience."

Service Bulletin 02-6-1 also says,

In other words, a conscious effort was needed to cause intentional spins, so accidental spins were deemed improbable during normal flight operations, including sport aerobatics.

This is reassuring both regarding unintentional spins and sport aerobatics as normal flight operations.