Van's Aircraft RV-7A Owner's manual

Van’s Aircraft RV-7A
Pilot’s Operating Handbook
N457GH
NOTE: Yellow highlighted text indicates items that need to be verified.

N457GH
Rev 4 12/29/19
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PERFORMANCE AND SPECIFICATIONS
SPAN: ……………………………………………………………….. 25’ 0”
LENGTH: ……………………………………………………………. 20’ 4”
HEIGHT: ……………………………………………………………. 7’ 10”
SPEED:
Maximum at Sea Level …………………………………….. 180 ktas
Cruise, 55% Power at 8,000 Ft …………………………….. 140 ktas
RANGE (includes 3 gal. for taxi, takeoff & climb):
55% @ 8000’, one hour (8 gal) reserve …………………….. 455 nm
RATE OF CLIMB AT SEA LEVEL …………………………….…. 1,600 FPM
SERVICE CEILING …………………………………………..……. 19,500 FT
TAKEOFF PERFORMANCE: ……………. ……………….……… 575 Ft
LANDING PERFORMANCE: ………………..…………….……… 500 Ft
STALL SPEED (CAS):
Flaps Up, Power Off ……………………………………… 54 kias
Flaps Down, Power Off …………………………………… 44 kias
MAXIMUM WEIGHT (Normal Category): …………………………. 1800 Lbs
EMPTY WEIGHT …………………………………………. 1034 Lbs
MAXIMUM USEFUL LOAD: …………………………………….. 765 Lbs
BAGGAGE ALLOWANCE ………………………………………… 100 Lbs
WING LOADING (Pounds/ Sq. Ft) ………………………………… 14.8 Lbs
POWER LOADING (Pounds/ HP) …………………………………. 10 Lbs
FUEL:
Capacity …………………………………………… 42 Gal Total
Type ………………………………………………………. 100 LL or 93 AKI mogas
OIL CAPACITY ……………………………………………………. 8 Qts
ENGINE: Lycoming ……………………………………………….. O-360-A1D
PROPELLER: Catto……….3-blade composite fixed pitch w/ nickel leading edges

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AIRSPEED LIMITATIONS
SPEED
IAS
REMARKS
VNE
Never Exceed Speed
200 kias
Do not exceed this speed in any
operations.
VNO
Maximum Structural
Cruising Speed
168 kias
Exceed this speed only in smooth air.
VA
Maneuvering Speed
116 kias (1250 lb)
132 kias (1400 lb)
151 kias (1600 lb)
Do not make full control movements
above this speed. Full elevator
deflection will result in a 6g load at
this speed.
VFE
Maximum Flap
Extended Speed
20° 95 kias
Full 87 kias
Do not exceed this speed with flaps
down
Vy
Best Rate of Climb
90 kias
Vx
Best Angle of Climb
76 kias
Vs
Stall Speed Clean
54 kias
Vso
Stall Speed Landing
Configuration
44 kias
AIRSPEED INDICATOR MARKINGS
MARKING
IAS VALUE
OR RANGE
SIGNIFICANCE
White Arc
44-87 kias
Full Flap Operating Range. Lower
limit is Vso. Upper limit is maximum
speed with flaps extended
Green Arc
54-168 kias
Normal Operating Range. Lower
limit is Vs. Upper limit is maximum
structural cruising speed
Yellow Arc
168-200 kias
Operations must be conducted with
caution and only in smooth air.
Red Line
200 kias
Maximum speed for all operations

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Views

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OPERATING LIMITATIONS
Unless operating in accordance with Advisory Circular (AC) 90-116, Additional Pilot
Program for Phase I Flight Test, during Phase I flight testing, only the minimum crew
necessary to fly the aircraft during normal operations may be on board.
This aircraft shall be operated under visual flight rules (VFR) only.
This aircraft may not be used for compensation or hire except as allowed by 14 CFR
91.319.
AEROBATIC PARAMETERS
Weight Limitation – 1600 Pounds
Recommended Entry Speeds:
Loop 135 kias
Immelman Turn 135 kias
Aileron Rolls, Barrel Roll 135 kias
Wingover 135 kias
Hammerhead Stall 135 kias
Split-S 75 kias

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PREFLIGHT INSPECTION
CABIN
1. POH and AROW -- Available in Airplane
2. Fire extinguisher--CHECK
3. Ignition Switch -- OFF
4. Electrical Switches—OFF
5. Master Switch -- ON
6. Engine gauges and flight instruments – NO RED Xs
7. Fuel quantity— CHECK and reset as needed
8. Fuel Selector– LEFT or RIGHT
9. Fuel Pump—ON briefly to verify operation
10. Strobe, position, and landing lights—CHECK
11. Master Switch – OFF
12. CO Detector--TEST
EMPENNAGE
1. Antennas—CHECK secure
2. Tail Tie-Down -- DISCONNECT
3. Control Surfaces -- CHECK freedom of movement and security
4. Static Sources-–CHECK open and clear
5. Nav/Strobe Light--CHECK condition
6. Elevator Trim Linkage—SECURE
7. Rudder Cables--SECURE
RIGHT WING
1. Flap -- CHECK security
2. Gust Lock and Wing Tiedown--REMOVE
3. Aileron -- CHECK freedom of movement and security
4. Nav/Strobe Light--CHECK condition
5. Right Landing Light -- CHECK condition
6. Wheel Pant and Tire -- CHECK secure, inflation
7. Chock -- REMOVE
8. Right Wing Tank – SAMPLE for no contaminants
9. Fuel Quantity -- CHECK level
10. Fuel Filler Cap – SECURE
5. NOSE
1. Engine Oil Level -- CHECK
2. Propeller and Spinner -- CHECK for nicks and security
3. Cowl Hinge Pins/Access Plates – CHECK for security
4. Engine and Carburetor Air Inlets -- CHECK for no restrictions

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5. Nose Wheel Tire and Pant – CHECK inflation, secure
6. Gascolator Drain – SAMPLE for no contaminants
7. Lower Cowl Brace—CHECK SECURE
8. Fuel Tank Vents -- CHECK for no blockage
9. Antennas—CHECK secure
LEFT WING
1. Gust Lock and Wing Tie-Down --REMOVE
2. Wheel Pant and Tire -- CHECK secure, inflation
3. Chock -- REMOVE
4. Left Wing Tank – SAMPLE for no contaminants
5. Fuel Quantity -- CHECK level
6. Fuel Filler Cap -- SECURE
7. Pitot/AOA-- REMOVE cover and VERIFY no blockage
8. Left Landing Light -- CHECK condition
9. Nav/Strobe Light--CHECK Condition
10. Aileron -- CHECK freedom of movement and security
11. Flap -- CHECK security
BEFORE STARTING ENGINE
1. Towbar—REMOVED
2. Shoulder Harnesses – SECURE
3. Passenger Briefing—COMPLETE
4. Avionics and Electrical Switches -- OFF
5. Canopy—ADJUST
6. Brakes – HOLD
STARTING ENGINE
1. Mixture –RICH (or lean >3000’)
2. Throttle—cracked ½”
3. Carb Heat—COLD
4. Master Switch (Battery)– ON
5. Flaps -- UP
6. Fuel Pump -- ON
7. Primer (if needed)—ON as needed
8. Alternator Switch—ON
9. Propeller Area -- CLEAR
10. Ignition Switch – START (10 sec 6 times max)
11. Oil Pressure -- CHECK rising within 30 sec
12. Throttle—800-1000 RPM
13. Fuel Pump—OFF
14. Mixture—LEAN for taxi

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15. Avionics– ON
16. ATIS/AWOS—CHECK
17. Altimeter—SET
18. Nav Lights—ON
19. Landing Lights—as needed
BEFORE TAKEOFF
1. Flight Controls -- FREE and CORRECT
2. Flight Instruments – CHECK
3. Oil Temperature—CHECK in the green
4. Elevator and Aileron Trim – NEUTRAL
5. Wing Flaps—SET for takeoff
6. Throttle -- 1800 RPM
a. Mixture—RICH (or lean as needed >3000’)
b. Magnetos—CHECK (max 125 drop, 50 diff.)
c. Carb Heat—CHECK RPM drop
d. Engine Instruments—CHECK
e. Throttle—IDLE CHECK, then 800-1000 RPM
7. Friction Lock--ADJUST
8. Radios – SET
9. Transponder—SET
10. D-2—ON as needed and SET
11. Flight Plan—ENTER as needed
12. Altitude—SET as needed
13. Canopy Latch – SECURE
14. Strobe Lights—ON
15. Landing Lights—as needed
16. Fuel Pump -- ON
17. Takeoff Briefing—COMPLETE
TAKEOFF
NORMAL TAKEOFF
1. Wing Flaps – UP
2. Throttle -- FULL OPEN
3. Elevator Control – ROTATE at 55-60 KIAS
4. Climb Speed—90-110 KIAS
SHORT FIELD TAKEOFF
1. Wing Flaps – 10°
2. Brakes – APPLY

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3. Throttle – FULL OPEN (check RPM)
4. Brakes – RELEASE
5. Elevator– ROTATE at 55 KIAS
6. Climb – 70 KIAS until clear
ENROUTE CLIMB
1. Airspeed – 90-100 KIAS
2. Throttle – 2700 RPM max
3. Fuel Pump – OFF at 1000 feet AGL
4. Fuel Pressure – CHECK
5. Autopilot—ENGAGE >800 AGL as needed
6. CHT—monitor
CRUISE
1. Throttle – 2100-2700 RPM
2. Mixture – LEAN
3. Terrain Alert Layer—ON for night flight
DESCENT/BEFORE LANDING
1. Shoulder Harnesses—SECURE
2. Fuel Selector—to fullest tank
3. Mixture—ADJUST for altitude
4. Terrain Alert Layer—OFF for night landings
5. Autopilot—OFF
6. Fuel Pump--ON
7. Carb Heat—ON when reducing power
8. Landing Lights—as needed
LANDING
NORMAL LANDING
1. Downwind—85 KIAS
2. Flaps—10° opposite touchdown
3. Flaps—20° on base
4. Base—75 KIAS
5. Flaps—full or as desired on final
6. Final approach—70 KIAS

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SHORT FIELD LANDING
1. Wing Flaps—FULL DOWN
2. Final Approach—60-65 KIAS
3. Flaps—UP upon touchdown
4. Brakes—APPLY
AFTER LANDING
1. Flaps – UP
2. Carb Heat--COLD
3. Fuel Pump – OFF
4. Strobe, Nav, and Landing Lights—as needed
ENGINE SHUTDOWN
1. Flaps—DOWN
2. Avionics and Electrical Switches-- OFF
3. Fuel Pump—VERIFY OFF
4. Throttle – 1800 RPM for 10-15 sec., then IDLE
5. Mixture – IDLE CUT-OFF
6. Ignition Switch—OFF, REMOVE key
7. Fuel Remaining, Hobbs and Tach—RECORD
8. Master Switch – OFF
9. Fuel Selector—OFF
10. 12V outlets—OFF
11. D-2—OFF
SECURING AIRCRAFT
1. Wheel Chocks--INSERT
2. Wing & Tail Tie-Downs—SECURE as needed
3. Pitot/AOA cover--SECURE
4. Master and Electrical Switches – verify OFF
5. Canopy—CLOSED
6. Canopy Cover and Cowl Plugs—SECURE as needed
7. Postflight walkaround—COMPLETE
EFIS OPERATION
To#turn#EFIS#on/off—push#and#hold#button#1#
To#reboot#EFIS#display—push#and#hold#buttons#1,#2,#5#
Settings—push#and#hold#buttons#7,#8#
Save#EFIS#screenshot#to#USB—push#and#hold#buttons#2,#7

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Performance
Mixture leaned to 50 degrees rich of peak EGT. Note: values derived for single pilot, GW
~1400-1500 lb.
Cruise Performance at 8,000’ Density Altitude:
KTAS
RPM
MAP
Fuel Flow
% Power
131
2200
18.0
7.8 GPH
43
138
2300
18.9
8.5 GPH
52
147
2400
20.1
9.7 GPH
58
159
2600
23.6
13.3 GPH
79
Cruise Performance at 10,000’ Density Altitude:
KTAS
RPM
MAP
Fuel Flow
% Power
130
2200
16.1”
6.5 GPH
36
136
2300
17.7”
7.6 GPH
46
140
2400
19.4”
8.4 GPH
56
Cruise Performance at 12,000’ Density Altitude:
KTAS
RPM
MAP
Fuel Flow
% Power
125
2200
16.0”
6.6 GPH
36
136
2300
17.2”
7.2 GPH
44
144
2400
18.0”
7.7 GPH
47
No Wind Range at 8,000’ Density Altitude:
* All range calculations include 3 gal. for engine start, taxi, takeoff and climb.
* Engine is leaned to 50 degrees rich of peak EGT.
One hour (8 gal.) reserve:
2200 RPM ……………………………………………….. 487 nm
2300 RPM ……………………………………………….. 470 nm
2400 RPM ……………………………………………….. 439 nm

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12
WEIGHT AND BALANCE
Make: Vans Model: RV-7A
Serial: 72784 Registration: N457GH
Maximum Weights:
Aerobatic Category ………………………… 1600 Lbs
Utility Category ……………………………. 1700 Lbs
Normal Category …………………………… 1800 Lbs
Datum= 70 inches forward of wing leading edge (L.E.)
Design C.G. Range = 15% to 29% of wing chord
8.7” to 16.82” from L.E.
78.7” to 86.82” aft of Datum
Wing L.E. = 70 inches aft of datum
Main wheel right = 93.75” aft of datum
Main wheel left = 94.00” aft of datum
Nose wheel = 39.13” aft of datum
Fuel …………………… 80” aft of datum
Pilot and Passenger …… 97.48” aft of datum
Baggage ………………. 126.78” aft of datum
Aircraft weighed empty in level flight attitude.
(Includes 6 qts. of oil, no fuel)
Sample:
Weight Arm Moment
Aircraft 1033 83,668.34
Fuel (6lb/gal) 252 80.00 20,160.00
Pilot 150 97.48 14,622.00
Passenger 180 97.48 17,546.40
Baggage 50 126.78 6,339.00
Total 1665 142,335.74
CG = Total Moment / Total Weight
CG = 85.49 in. aft of datum
CG Range = 78.7 to 86.82 inches aft of datum

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Empty CG = 81.00 Empty Weight = 1033 lbs.
Sample Weight and Balance Chart

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14
WEIGHT AND BALANCE DATA
*All CG ranges for possible flight conditions are within design limits
Left Main
Rt. Main
Nose
Total
Weight
389
401
243
1033
Component
Weight
*
Arm
=
Moment
Lmain
389
94.00
36566.00
Rmain
401
93.75
39573.75
Nose
243
39.13
9508.59
sub total
1033
83668.34
CG Range
78.7 to 86.82 in aft of datum
Empty C.G
81.00
Max. Gross Weight
Most Forward CG
Item
Weight
Arm
Moment
Item
Weight
Arm
Moment
Aircraft
1033
83668.34
Aircraft
1033
83668.34
Fuel (6 lbs/gal)
252
80
20160
Fuel (6 lbs/gal)
252
80
20,160
Pilot
170
97.48
16571.60
Pilot
170
97.48
16571.60
Passenger
170
97.48
16571.60
Passenger
0
97.48
0
Baggage
60
126.78
7606.80
Baggage
0
126.78
0
Total
1725
144578.34
Total
1455
120399.94
CG:
86.75
CG:
82.75
Zero Fuel CG
86.82
Zero Fuel CG
83.32
Most Aft CG
First Test Flight CG
Item
Weight
Arm
Moment
Item
Weight
Arm
Moment
Aircraft
1033
83668.34
Aircraft
1033
83668.34
Fuel (6 lbs/gal)
252
80
20160
Fuel (6 lbs/gal)
252
80
20160
Pilot
170
97.48
16571.6
Pilot
180
97.48
17546.40
Passenger
170
97.48
16571.6
Passenger
0
97.48
0
Baggage
60
126.78
7606.8
Baggage
0
126.78
0
Total
1685
144578.34
Total
1465
121374.74
CG:
85.80
CG:
82.85
Zero Fuel CG
86.82
Zero Fuel CG
83.44

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ENGINE INFORMATION
Model: …….. Lycoming O-360 A1D, Carbureted S/N L5240-36
HP: ………… 180
Fuel: ……….. 91/96 or 100/130 octane minimum 100LL; 93 AKI mogas
Oil Filter: ….. Champion CH48108-1
Avg Ambient Air
MIL-L-6082 Grades
Ashless Dispersant Grades
Above 80 F
SAE 60
SAE 60, 20W50
Above 60 F
SAE 60
SAE 60
30-90 F
SAE 40
SAE 40, 50
0-70 F
SAE 30
SAE 30, 40
Below 10 F
SAE 20
SAE 30 or 20W30
Oil Sump Capacity …….. 8 U.S. Quarts
Minimum Safe Quantity ...4 U.S. Quarts
Operating Conditions
Oil Temp: 75-220 deg F; 245 deg F maximum
Oil Pressure: 115 psi max; 55 psi min; 25 psi idle
Fuel Pressure: 8 psi max; 1 psi min; 2-7 psi desired
Cyl. Head Temp 175-400 deg F ; 450 deg F maximum
PROPELLER INFORMATION
3-bladed glass/carbon composite with nickel leading edges
68” diameter with 73” pitch
3.75” finished thickness
7” diameter prop flange
Designed for top speed 174-177 kias @ 2750 rpm
TIRES
Mains: 5.00x5
Nosewheel: “Lamb” type tire available from Van’s

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EMERGENCY PROCEDURES
AIRSPEEDS FOR EMERGENCY OPERATION
Engine Failure After Takeoff:
Wing Flaps Up ………………………… 78 KIAS
Wing Flaps Down …………………….. 70 KIAS
Maneuvering Speed (Va) ………………………. 76-87 KIAS
Maximum Glide ………………………………… 85 KIAS

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17
ENGINE FAILURES
ENGINE FAILURE DURING TAKEOFF RUN
1. Throttle –IDLE
2. Brakes – APPLY
3. Wing Flaps – UP
4. Mixture – IDLE CUT-OFF
5. Ignition Switch – OFF
6. Master Switch – OFF
ENGINE FAILURE IMMEDIATELY AFTER TAKEOFF
1. Airspeed – 78 kias (flaps up), 70 kias (flaps down)
2. Mixture – IDLE CUT-OFF
3. Fuel Selector Valve – OFF
4. Ignition Switch – OFF
5. Wing Flaps – AS REQUIRED
6. Master Switch – OFF
ENGINE FAILURE DURING FLIGHT
1. Airspeed – 85 kias
2. Fuel Pump – ON
3. Fuel Selector – SWITCH TANKS
4. Mixture – RICH
5. Carb Heat—ON
6. Primer—verify OFF
7. Ignition Switch – BOTH, LEFT, RIGHT
8. If Engine Does Not Restart—EXECUTE FORCED LANDING
FORCED LANDING WITHOUT ENGINE POWER
1. Airspeed – 85 kias (flaps up), 75 kias (flaps down)
2. Harness--TIGHTEN
3. Fuel Pump—OFF
4. Mixture—IDLE CUTOFF
5. Fuel Selector—OFF
6. Ignition Switch—OFF
7. ELT—ON
8. Flaps—AS REQUIRED (full down prior to touchdown)
9. Master switch--OFF

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FIRES
DURING START ON GROUND
1. Cranking – CONTINUE, to get a start which would suck flames and accumulated fuel through
the carb and into the engine.
If engine starts:
2. Power – 1800 RPM for a few minutes
3. Engine – SHUTDOWN and inspect for damage
If engine fails to start:
4. Cranking – CONTINUE
5. Mixture – IDLE CUT-OFF
6. Throttle – FULL OPEN
7. Fuel Pump—OFF
8. Fuel Selector—OFF
9. Magnetos—OFF
10. Fire Extinguisher – ACTIVATE
ENGINE FIRE IN FLIGHT
Note: Firewall forward temp warning (red) is set to 450 F
1. Mixture – IDLE CUT-OFF
2. Fuel Selector Valve – OFF
3. Master Switch – OFF
4. Cabin Heat and Vents – CLOSE
5. Airspeed—100+ KIAS to attempt to extinguish fire
6. Forced Landing—EXECUTE
ELECTRICAL FIRE IN FLIGHT
1. Master Switch – OFF
2. Avionics Switch – OFF
3. All Other Switches (except ignition) – OFF
4. Cabin Heat and Vents – CLOSE
5. Fire Extinguisher – USE as needed
6. Cabin—VENTILATE if absolutely necessary or when fire
is extinguished
If fire appears out and electrical power is required for remainder of flight:
1. Unnecessary electrical equipment—OFF
2. Master Switch – ON
3. Vertical Power—CHECK for circuit faults; DO NOT RESET
4. Avionics Switch—ON if circuits OK

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CABIN FIRE
1. Master Switch – OFF
2. Cabin Heat and Vents – CLOSE
3. Fire Extinguisher – USE
4. Cabin—VENTILATE if absolutely necessary or when fire
is extinguished
WING FIRE
1. Nav Lights – OFF
2. Strobe Lights—OFF
3. Landing Lights – OFF
4. Sideslip—AS NEEDED to keep fire away from cabin
ELECTRICAL
ALTERNATOR OVER-VOLTAGE
1. Alternator switch—OFF
2. Nonessential electrical equipment—OFF
3. Alternator—VERIFY circuit interrupted (Vertical Power)
4. LAND as soon as conditions permit
Note: Standby battery will power EFIS for ~1 hour. COM radio, ADS-B receiver, transponder, and
autopilot servos will not function.
ALTERNATOR LOW VOLTAGE
1. Avionics switch—OFF
2. Master switch (alt & batt)---OFF
3. Master switch—ON
4. Alternator—VERIFY acceptable voltage (Vertical Power)
5. Avionics switch—ON
If low voltage warning occurs again:
1. Alternator switch—OFF
2. Nonessential electrical equipment—OFF
3. LAND as soon as conditions permit
Note: Standby battery will power EFIS for ~1 hour. COM radio, ADS-B receiver, transponder, and
autopilot servos will not function.

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AIRCRAFT POWER LOST MESSAGE ON EFIS
1. Unnecessary electrical equipment—OFF
2. STAY ON softkey--PUSH
3. LAND as soon as conditions permit
Note: Standby battery will power EFIS for ~1 hour. COM radio, ADS-B receiver, transponder, and
autopilot servos will not function.
OTHER
RUNAWAY TRIM OR FLAPS
1. Switch—HOLD for 3 seconds in OPPOSITE DIRECTION
2. (FLAPS ONLY) Vertical Power—OPERATE FLAPS from touch screen as needed
Note: Trim will not operate from VP-X screen.
FLAP SWITCH FAILURE
1. Vertical Power—OPERATE FLAPS from touch screen
CO DETECTOR ALARM
1. Cabin Heat—OFF
2. Air Vents—OPEN full
3. If alarm continues, LAND as soon as conditions permit
WARNING AND CAUTION MESSAGES
GPS ASSIST/CROSS CHECK ATTITUDE
If#airspeed#data#to#ADAHRS#is#lost,#GPS#ASSIST#message#will#display#and#GPS#ground#speed#will#
be#used#for#attitude#indicator#display.#If#GPS#connectivity#is#lost,#CROSS#CHECK#ATTITUDE#will#
display,#and#last#known#GPS#ground#speed#will#be#used—use#other#references#to#cross#check#
attitude.#
STANDBY NETWORK ERROR#
A#redundant#network#data#pathway#for#ADAHRS,#EMS,#HDX,#or#AP#servos#has#failed.#If#at#night,#
consider#landing.#Error#should#be#addressed#before#flying#again.#
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