Van's Aircraft RV-12 Owner's manual

REVISION DESCRIPTION: All page number references use the revised
section numbers.
1) Page: ii REV 9: Delete the text: "& ABBREVIATED CHECKLIST" from page ii.
Page: iii REV 9: Delete the text; "& ABBREVIATED CHECKLIST" from page iii.
2) Page: iii REV 9: In the NOTE: "... 2-6, 2-7, 4-2 & 6-5 ..." SB (revised and
reordered) "...3-5, 6-3, 7-7 & 7-8..."
3) Reorder the contents of the following sections. Section Rev levels remain with
the original Section number and do not move with the contents of the section.
Section 7 Rev 6: Move contents of Section 2 to Section 7
Section 2 Rev 5: Move contents of Section 3 to Section 2
Section 6 Rev 4: Move contents of Section 4 to Section 6
Section 3 Rev 3: Move contents of Section 6 to Section 3
Section 4 Rev 3: Move contents of Section 7 to Section 4
Section 9 Rev 3: Move contents of Section 10 to Section 9
Contents of Section 9 to added to end of Section 2.
4) Page: iv REV 9: Add; " Data Location and Contact; Information for recovery of
certification documentation should Van's Aircraft Inc. lose its ability to support this
aircraft. www.vansaircraft.com
5) Page: 2-2 REV 5: Add statement: "WARNING Flight into IFR/IMC is
prohibited." Remove "WARNING Flight into IFR is prohibited."
Page: ELSA 2-7 REV 5: Add statement: "WARNING FLIGHT INTO IMC IS
PROHIBITED."
Page: SLSA 2-7 REV 5: Add statement: "WARNING FLIGHT INTO IMC IS
PROHIBITED."
6) Page: 2-3 REV 5: Add line: "AIRSPEED DESIGNATION, TAS (kts)" above the
line "Never Exceed (VNE – red line) 136
7) Page: 8-2 REV 4: Add statement: "CAUTION Use of poor quality fuel or winter
blend fuels in hot conditions may result in vapor lock."
8) Figure numbers revised.
9) Page: 1-2 REV 2: Add Summary of Performance Specifications per ASTM
F2746-12

Revision: 9 Date: 12/03/14
RV-12 PILOT'S OPERATING HANDBOOK i
RV-12
PILOT'S OPERATING
HANDBOOK
Aircraft Serial Number: _____________________
Aircraft N Number: ________________________

Date: 12/03/14 Revision: 9
ii RV-12 PILOT'S OPERATING HANDBOOK
REVISION SUMMARY
SECTION
REVISION
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FRONT COVER
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REAR COVER
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Revision: 9 Date: 12/03/14
RV-12 PILOT'S OPERATING HANDBOOK iii
TABLE OF CONTENTS
COVER PAGE i
REVISION SUMMARY ii
TABLE OF CONTENTS iii
INTRODUCTION iv
SECT 1 GENERAL INFORMATION 1-1
SECT 2 OPERATING LIMITATIONS 2-1
SECT 3 EMERGENCY PROCEDURES 3-1
SECT 4 NORMAL PROCEDURES 4-1
SECT 5 PERFORMANCE 5-1
SECT 6 WEIGHT & BALANCE 6-1
& EQUIPMENT LIST
SECT 7 DESCRIPTION OF AIRCRAFT 7-1
& SYSTEMS
SECT 8 AIRCRAFT GRND HANDLING
& SERVICING 8-1
SECT 9 SUPPLEMENTARY 9-1
INFORMATION
NOTE: Pages 3-5, 6-3, 7-7, & 7-8 correspond to a particular EFIS
installation. Please remove all pages that do not correspond to your
EFIS. Specific EFIS type is noted next to the page number.
Pages 2-7 and 2-8 correspond to ELSA or SLSA aircraft. Please
remove the pages that do not correspond to your particular aircraft.

Date: 12/03/14 Revision: 9
iv RV-12 PILOT'S OPERATING HANDBOOK
INTRODUCTION
The aircraft is compliant with the following standards
Design F 2245
Construction F 2563
Continued Airworthiness F 2295
Pilot Operating Handbook F 2746
Manufacture Contact Information
For an SLSA Aircraft
Van’s Aircraft, Inc.
14401 Keil Rd NE
Aurora, Oregon 97002
Phone: [phone]
Data Location and Contact
Information for recovery of certification
documentation should Van's Aircraft Inc. lose its
ability to support this aircraft:
www.vansaircraft.com

Revision:2 Date:12/03/14
RV-12 PILOT'S OPERATING HANDBOOK 1-1
SECTION 1
GENERAL INFORMATION
INDEX
GENERAL INFORMATION 1-1
GENERAL INFORMATION
This manual has been prepared to inform the pilot of the features
and systems incorporated in the RV-12. Recommended
operating procedures and performance data are provided so that
maximum utilization can be obtained with the utmost of safety,
economy, and serviceability. A companion manual, the RV-12
Flight Training Supplement, mirrors the content of this manual
but presents operating procedures at a greater level of detail than
can effectively be presented in this manual.
It is strongly recommended that the pilot be familiar with the
aircraft, the RV-12 FTS, and this manual prior to flight.
The words “WARNING”, “CAUTION”, and “NOTE” are used
throughout the manual with the following definitions:
WARNING
An operating procedure, practice, or condition, etc. which may
result in injury or fatality if not carefully observed or followed.
CAUTION
An operating procedure, practice, or condition, etc. which if not
strictly observed may damage the aircraft or equipment.
NOTE
An operating procedure, practice, or condition, etc.

Date:12/03/14 Revision:2
1-2 RV-12 PILOT'S OPERATING HANDBOOK
SUMMARY OF
PERFORMANCE SPECIFICATIONS
Gross Weight 1320 lb
Top Speed
(@ gross weight) 117 KCAS
Cruise
(@ gross weight, 5500rpm) 114 KCAS
Range
(@gw, 5500rpm, 7500ft, 30 min reserve) 425 nm
Rate of Climb
(@ gross weight, VY75 KCAS, sea level) 906 ft/min
Stall Flaps Down
(@ gross weight, VSO) 41 KCAS
Stall
(@ gross weight, VS) 45 KCAS
Total Fuel Capacity 19.8 US Gallons
Total Useable Fuel (See Warning on page 7-2)
Shallow Climbs, Lvl or Descending Flight:0 US Gallons
Vx Climb: 3 US Gallons
Climbs: 4 US Gallons
Approved Fuel Types 100 LL Aviation Fuel
or (91 AKI) Premium
Unleaded Automotive
Maximum Engine Power 100 Hp @ 5800 (5 minutes maximum)

Revision:5 Date:12/03/14
RV-12 PILOT'S OPERATING HANDBOOK 2-1
SECTION 2
OPERATING LIMITATIONS
INDEX
GENERAL 2-1
AIRSPEED LIMITATIONS 2-3
CEILING 2-4
FLIGHT LOAD FACTORS 2-4
PROHIBITED MANEUVERS 2-4
POWERPLANT LIMITATIONS 2-5
FUEL LIMITATIONS 2-6
AIRSPEED/POWERPLANT
INDICATOR MARKINGS 2-7
OPERATING LIMITATIONS 2-7
PASSENGER WARNING 2-7
MISCELLANEOUS PLACARDS 2-8
GENERAL
This section lists all power plant and airframe operating
limitations. These limitations are also indicated in the aircraft in
the form of placards, instrument color markings, and audio
warnings. The aircraft placards, instrument color markings, and
audio warnings are to be the authority if an inconsistency exists
with this manual.
WARNING
All operating limitations must be strictly adhered to for reasons
of safety and serviceability.

Date:12/03/14 Revision:5
2-2 RV-12 PILOT'S OPERATING HANDBOOK
FLIGHT OPERATIONS
The RV-12 is designed for operation in the Light Sport Category.
Daytime flight in VFR conditions only is approved providing that
the aircraft is operating as specified under Part 91 of the Federal
Air Regulations (F.A.R.’s).
WARNING
Night flight is prohibited
(unless equipped with optional lighting).
WARNING
Flight in IFR/IMC conditions is prohibited.
WARNING
Flight into known icing conditions is prohibited.

Revision:5 Date:12/03/14
RV-12 PILOT'S OPERATING HANDBOOK 2-3
AIRSPEED LIMITATIONS
AIRSPEED DESIGNATION CAS (kts)
Stall Flaps Down (@ gross weight 1320 lb) (VSO) 41
Stall (@ gross weight 1320 lb) (VS) 45
Flap Operating Range (VSO –VFE) 41-82
Normal Operating Range (green arc) 45-108
Maneuvering (VA–blue line) 90
Maximum Structural Cruise (VNO) 108
Caution Range (yellow arc) 108-136
AIRSPEED DESIGNATION TAS (kts)
Never Exceed (VNE –red line) 136
Maximum Direct Crosswind Component 11kts
Maximum Wind Limitation 30kts
NOTE
CAS Calibrated airspeed is indicated
airspeed (IAS) corrected for installation
and instrument error.
IAS Indicated airspeed assumes zero
instrument error only.
TAS Speed of the aircraft relative to the air
mass in which it is flying.
VNE Maximum safe airspeed, not to be
exceeded at any time.
VNO Not to be exceeded except in smooth air
only and then with caution.
VFE Not to be exceeded with flaps extended.
VANo full or abrupt control movements
allowed above this airspeed.

Date:12/03/14 Revision:5
2-4 RV-12 PILOT'S OPERATING HANDBOOK
CEILING
Service Ceiling Estimated 12,000 ft
FLIGHT LOAD FACTORS
Category Limit Load Factor
Light Sport Category +4.0g/-2.0g
PROHIBITED MANEUVERS
AEROBATICS PROHIBITED!
Intentional spinning prohibited

Revision:5 Date:12/03/14
RV-12 PILOT'S OPERATING HANDBOOK 2-5
POWERPLANT LIMITATIONS
Tachometer
Caution Range (yellow arc) 1400 to 1800 RPM
Normal Range (green arc) 1800 to 5500 RPM
Caution Range (yellow arc) 5500 to 5800 RPM
Maximum (red line) 5800 RPM
Cylinder Head Temperature
Normal in Cruise (green arc) 150to 230F
Caution Range (yellow arc) 230to 248F
Maximum (red line) 248F
Oil Temperature
Minimum 122F
Normal in Cruise 190to 230F
Caution Range (yellow arc) 230F to 248F
Maximum (red line) 248F
Oil Pressure
Minimum at Cruise 29 psi
Maximum at Cruise 73 psi
Maximum –Cold (red line) 100 psi
Minimum at Idle (red line) 12 psi
Exhaust Gas Temperature
Maximum Cruise 1560O F
Maximum Take-Off 1616OF
Fuel Pressure (using engine driven pump 893110, 893114, or
893115)
Normal Range 2.2 to 7.2 psi
Maximum (red line) 7.2 psi
Minimum (red line) 2.2 psi
Fuel Pressure (using engine driven pump other than 893110,
893114, or 893115)
Normal Range 2.2 to 5.8 psi
Maximum (red line) 5.8 psi
Minimum (red line) 2.2 psi

Date:12/03/14 Revision:5
2-6 RV-12 PILOT'S OPERATING HANDBOOK
FUEL LIMITATIONS
Fuel
Type 100 LL Aviation Fuel
or (91 AKI) Premium
Unleaded Automotive
Capacity 19.8 US Gallons
Unusable Fuel
Shallow Climbs, Lvl or Descending Flight:0 US Gallons
Vx Climb: 3 US Gallons
Climbs: 4 US Gallons
WARNING
When the fuel level is less than 4 US Gallons, extreme
caution should be used during climbs to ensure that the
tank outlet remains submerged. Prolonged high pitch
angles (greater than 8 deg nose up), may result in fuel
starvation and engine stoppage.

Revision:5 Date:12/03/14
RV-12 PILOT'S OPERATING HANDBOOK
ELSA 2-7
AIRSPEED/POWERPLANT INDICATOR MARKINGS
Limitations are displayed electronically.
OPERATING LIMITATIONS
Limitations are displayed electronically.
PASSENGER WARNING
Displayed on instrument panel
THIS AIRCRAFT IS AN EXPERIMENTAL LIGHT-
SPORT AIRCRAFT AND DOES NOT COMPLY
WITH FEDERAL SAFETY REGULATIONS FOR
STANDARD AIRCRAFT
WARNING
FLIGHT INTO IMC IS PROHIBITED

Date:12/03/14 Revision:5
RV-12 PILOT'S OPERATING HANDBOOK
2-8 ELSA
MISCELLANEOUS PLACARDS
N number on outside of aircraft, 2 places
Stainless steel data plate on outside of aircraft
N number on instrument panel
EXPERIMENTAL placard on baggage bulkhead
Instrument panel switches and fuses are all labeled
OPEN placard (near canopy latch on outside of rear window)
Fuel type and capacity placard (near fuel cap)
THROTTLE above throttle knob, PUSH OPEN on knob end
CABIN HEAT above cabin heat knob, PULL ON on knob end
PULL ON & ROTATE TO LOCK below choke control
Fuel valve on/off placard adjacent to fuel valve
Baggage capacity maximum 50 lb on baggage bulkhead
No Push placards (2 places) on anti-servo tab
Autopilot disconnect adjacent to switch (If optional Autopilot
installed)
12 Volt Power Outlet 5A max adjacent to power outlet
Music Input adjacent to receptacle
ELT label adjacent to instrument panel switch
Spare fuse holder fuse positions labeled

Revision:5 Date:12/03/14
RV-12 PILOT'S OPERATING HANDBOOK
SLSA 2-7
AIRSPEED/POWERPLANT INDICATOR MARKINGS
Limitations are displayed electronically.
OPERATING LIMITATIONS
Limitations are displayed electronically.
PASSENGER WARNING
Displayed on instrument panel
THIS AIRCRAFT WAS MANUFACTURED IN
ACCORDANCE WITH LIGHT SPORT AIRCRAFT
AIRWORTHINESS STANDARDS AND DOES
NOT CONFORM TO STANDARD CATEGORY
AIRWORTHINESS REQUIREMENTS
INTENTIONAL SPINS PROHIBITED
WARNING
FLIGHT INTO IMC IS PROHIBITED

Date:12/03/14 Revision:5
RV-12 PILOT'S OPERATING HANDBOOK
2-8 SLSA
MISCELLANEOUS PLACARDS
N number on outside of aircraft, 2 places
Stainless steel data plate on outside of aircraft
N number on instrument panel
LIGHT-SPORT placard on baggage bulkhead
Instrument panel switches and fuses are all labeled
OPEN placard (near canopy latch on outside of rear window)
Fuel type and capacity placard (near fuel cap)
THROTTLE above throttle knob, PUSH OPEN on knob end
CABIN HEAT above cabin heat knob, PULL ON on knob end
PULL ON & ROTATE TO LOCK below choke control
Fuel valve on/off placard adjacent to fuel valve
Baggage capacity maximum 50 lb on baggage bulkhead
No Push placards (2 places) on anti-servo tab
Autopilot disconnect adjacent to switch
12 Volt Power Outlet 5A max adjacent to power outlet
Music Input adjacent to receptacle
ELT label adjacent to instrument panel switch
Spare fuse holder fuse positions labeled

Revision:3 Date:12/03/14
RV-12 PILOT'S OPERATING HANDBOOK
SECTION 3
EMERGENCY PROCEDURES
INDEX
GENERAL 3-2
FIRE 3-3
ENGINE FIRE DURING START 3-3
ENGINE FIRE IN FLIGHT 3-4
ELECTRICAL FIRE 3-4
GENERATOR/ELECTRICAL FAILURE 3-5
ENGINE MALFUNCTION 3-8
ENGINE FAILURE ON TAKE-OFF 3-8
ENGINE AIR RESTART 3-9
PARTIAL POWER LOSS/ROUGH RUNNING 3-9
ABNORMAL OIL PRESSURE/TEMPERATURE
INDICATIONS 3-9
LANDING EMERGENCIES 3-11
PRECAUTIONARY LANDING APPROACH 3-11
FORCED LANDING (COMPLETE
POWER FAILURE) 3-12
DITCHING 3-13
UNUSUAL FLIGHT CONDITIONS 3-14
SEVERE TURBULENCE 3-14
STALLS 3-14
SPINS 3-15
RUNAWAY TRIM MOTOR 3-15
IN-FLIGHT OVERSTRESS 3-16
3-1

Date:12/03/14 Revision:3
RV-12 PILOT'S OPERATING HANDBOOK
GENERAL
This section covers the recommended procedures to follow
during emergency and adverse flight conditions. As it is not
possible to define every type of emergency that may occur, it is
the pilot’s responsibility to use sound judgment based on
personal experience and knowledge of the aircraft to determine
the best course of action.
It is considered mandatory that the pilot be familiar with this
entire manual, in particular, the “Emergency Procedures” section
prior to flight. NOTE
All airspeeds in this section are calibrated airspeeds
(CAS) unless stated otherwise.
3-2

Revision:3 Date:12/03/14
RV-12 PILOT'S OPERATING HANDBOOK
FIRE
ENGINE FIRE DURING START
If the fire is believed to be confined to the intake or exhaust
system (result of flooding engine):
Continue cranking engine with starter
Choke –PUSH OPEN
Throttle –FULL OPEN
Inspect aircraft thoroughly for damage and cause prior
to restart
If fire persists or is not limited to intake or exhaust system:
Fuel Shut-Off Valve –PULL UP-OFF
Electrical and Ignition switches –ALL OFF
Exit Aircraft
Direct fire extinguisher through the air outlet tunnel at
the bottom of the cowl
3-3