# Vans RV6 — RV6 POH v3 word6

> **NOT FOR FLIGHT** — source fidelity: unreviewed | operational review: none | completeness: full

## Section 2 - Limitations

**Airspeed Limitations**
> **NOTE:** Vne Never exceed 212 mph / 184 kts
> **NOTE:** Vno Normal operations, smooth air 180 mph / 156 kts
> **NOTE:** Va Do not make full or abrupt control movements above 135 mph / 115 kts. Full elevator would generate 6G
> **NOTE:** Vfe Flap extension speed: 20 deg flap 110 mph / 96 kts; 40 deg (full) flap 100 mph / 87 kts
> **WARNING:** Because of high ratio of top speed to stall speed and manoeuvring speed the aircraft is more susceptible to pilot induced overstresses than most other contemporary aerobatic aeroplanes. The pilot can therefore easily impose destructive loads on the airframe above the relatively low manoeuvring speed. Note limitations, exert caution and fly accordingly.
**Airspeed Indicator Markings**
> **NOTE:** Red line (Never exceed) 212 mph 184 kts
> **NOTE:** Black Line (Manoeuvring speed max) 135 mph 115 kts
> **NOTE:** Yellow (Caution - smooth air or light turbulence) 180/210 mph 155/180 kts
> **NOTE:** Top Green Arc (max structural cruise) 180 mph 155 kts
> **NOTE:** Bottom Green Arc (Flapless stall) 55 mph 48 kts
> **NOTE:** Top White Arc (max speed full flap) 100 mph 87 kts
> **NOTE:** Bottom White Arc (Stall full flap) 50 mph 44 kts
**Power Plant Limitations**
> **NOTE:** Based on installed engine Lycoming B2B O-320 (modified sump and internal oil feed to reposition carburettor). Maximum horse power 160. Max speed 2700 rpm (See propeller limitation which is lower)
> **NOTE:** Oil temperature Maximum 245 Deg.F, Desired 180 Deg.F
> **NOTE:** Oil pressure Min. 25 psi, Max (red line) 90 psi
> **NOTE:** Oil sump capacity Max 8 US Qts, Min 2 US Qts
> **NOTE:** Fuel pressure Min (red line) 0.5 psi, Desired 3 psi, Max (red line) 8 psi
> **NOTE:** Fuel grade (minimum octane) 100/130 Green
> **NOTE:** Propeller Max RPM 2600 rpm
> **NOTE:** Operating Approved Cylinder Head Temperature (CHT): High performance cruise max 435 Deg.F; Economy cruise max 400 Deg.F; Min for maximum life 150 Deg.F
> **NOTE:** Max cooling target on descent 50 Deg F/min to avoid shock cooling, preferably 25 Deg F/min
**Engine Instrument Markings**
> **NOTE:** Tachometer Normal operating range Green Arc 500/2600 rpm; Red Line (Max Continuous Power) 2600 rpm
> **NOTE:** Oil Temperature Green Arc Normal range 75 to 245 deg F; Red line Max 245 deg F
> **NOTE:** Oil Pressure Green Arc Normal range 60 to 90 psi; Yellow Arc Caution (Idle) 25 to 60 psi; Red line (Minimum) 25 psi; Red line (Max) 90 psi
> **NOTE:** Fuel Pressure Green Arc Normal range 0.5 to 8 psi; Red line (Minimum) 0.5 psi; Red Line (Maximum) 8 psi
> **NOTE:** Cylinder Head Temperature Red line 450 Deg F
> **NOTE:** Vacuum Gauge Max 5 in.Hg., Min 4.5 in Hg, Normal 4.5 in Hg
**Weight Limitations**
> **NOTE:** Gross Weight (Subject to Weight & Balance) 1650 lbs
> **NOTE:** Aerobatic Gross weight 1375 lbs (with aft CG 26.5% of cord, 65.37 ins rear of datum)
> **NOTE:** Maximum baggage (Subject to Weight & Balance) 100 lbs
**Centre of Gravity Limits**
> **NOTE:** Forward limit 15% Wing chord 8.7" from L.E. = 68.7" aft of datum. Rearward limit 29% Wing chord 16.8" from L.E. = 76.8" aft of datum. Note: datum 60" forward of L.E.
**Manoeuvring Limits**
> **NOTE:** Aircraft is not cleared for aerobatics in UK. Following data relates to USA.
> **NOTE:** For vertical manoeuvres (eg. Loops, Immelmann turns and horizontal eights) entry speed has an inverse relationship to G forces required to complete the manoeuvre. Due to light control stick forces and high aerodynamic cleanliness excessive speed build up can occur very quickly, particularly in a dive. The RV 6 is a pilot limited aircraft - it is the pilot's responsibility not to overstress the aircraft.
> **NOTE:** Loops, Horizontal Eights 140-190 mph 120-165 kts
> **NOTE:** Immelmann turns 150-190 mph 130-165 kts
> **NOTE:** Aileron Rolls, Barrel rolls 120-190 mph 105-165 kts
> **NOTE:** Snap Rolls 80-110 mph 70-95 kts
> **NOTE:** Vertical rolls 180-190 mph 155-165 kts
> **NOTE:** Split-S 100-110 mph 87-95 kts
**Flight Load Factors**
> **NOTE:** Designed to withstand aerobatic load of 6 G positive and 3 G negative (plus 50% safety factor on design limit of negative 6 G) at aerobatic gross weight of 1375 lbs. Calculated breaking strength is 9G at which it will withstand load for 3 seconds.
> **WARNING:** Approaching this 9G load could permanently weaken the structure even if failure does not occur.
**Types of Approved Operation**
> **NOTE:** Aircraft is approved for Day V.F.R. operation only and in accordance with a current Permit To Fly issued by the Popular Flying Association.

## Power Loss on Takeoff (EMERGENCY)

*Power loss on takeoff*

**Sufficient Runway Ahead**
> **WARNING:** IF AIRBORNE DON'T STALL
- [ ] Throttle — **CLOSE**
- [ ] Stop Straight Ahead — **CHECK**
**Insufficient Runway Ahead**
> **WARNING:** IF AIRBORNE DON'T STALL
- [ ] Throttle — **CLOSE**
- [ ] Brakes — **AS REQUIRED**
- [ ] Mixture — **IDLE CUT OFF**
- [ ] Fuel — **SELECT OFF**
- [ ] Fuel Pump — **OFF**
- [ ] Magnetos — **OFF**
- [ ] Masters — **OFF**
- [ ] Flaps — **AS REQUIRED**
- [ ] Manoeuvre to land. DON'T STALL — **CHECK**

## Power Loss in Flight (EMERGENCY)

*Power loss in flight*

- [ ] Trim — **BEST GLIDE 71 KTS**
- [ ] Carb Heat — **ON**
- [ ] Fuel Pump — **ON**
- [ ] Primer — **CHECK LOCKED**
- [ ] Mixture — **RICH**
- [ ] Fuel Selector — **TO FUELLED TANK**
- [ ] Magnetos — **ON**
- [ ] Engine Gauges — **CHECK**
**If Power Not Restored**
- [ ] Mags — **L THEN R & BOTH**
- [ ] Throttle & Mixture — **TRY DIFFERENT SETTINGS**

## Committed to Power Off Landing (EMERGENCY)

*Committed to power off landing*

- [ ] Fuel — **OFF**
- [ ] Mixture — **IDLE CUT OFF**
- [ ] Fuel Pump — **OFF**
- [ ] Throttle — **CLOSED**
- [ ] Magnetos — **OFF**
- [ ] Canopy Catch — **RELEASE**
- [ ] Harnesses — **TIGHT**
- [ ] Radio — **MAYDAY CALL**
- [ ] Masters — **OFF**

## Engine Rough (EMERGENCY)

*Engine rough*

- [ ] Carb Heat — **ON**
- [ ] Primer — **LOCKED**
**If rough after 1 Min.**
- [ ] Carb Heat — **OFF**
- [ ] Mixture — **ADJUST SMOOTH**
- [ ] Fuel Pump — **ON**
- [ ] Fuel — **CHANGE TANKS**
- [ ] Mags — **L THEN R & BOTH**
- [ ] Run on Best setting — **CHECK**
- [ ] Nearest suitable landing — **CHECK**
- [ ] Prepare power off landing — **CHECK**

## Oil Pressure Loss (EMERGENCY)

*Oil pressure loss*

- [ ] Land ASAP and investigate — **CHECK**
- [ ] Prepare Power off Landing — **CHECK**

## Fuel Pressure Loss (EMERGENCY)

*Fuel pressure loss*

- [ ] Fuel Pump — **ON**
- [ ] Fuel — **CHANGE TANKS IF FUELLED**

## High Oil Temperature (EMERGENCY)

*High oil temperature*

- [ ] Land ASAP and investigate — **CHECK**
- [ ] Prepare Power off Landing — **CHECK**

## Engine Fire During Start (EMERGENCY)

*Engine fire during start*

- [ ] Starter — **CRANK ENGINE**
- [ ] Mixture — **IDLE CUT OFF**
- [ ] Throttle — **OPEN**
- [ ] Fuel Pump — **OFF**
- [ ] Fuel Selector — **OFF**
- [ ] Advise ATC if continues — **CHECK**
- [ ] Masters — **OFF**
- [ ] Abandon if fire continues — **CHECK**

## Engine Fire in Flight (EMERGENCY)

*Engine fire in flight*

- [ ] Fuel Selector — **OFF**
- [ ] Throttle — **CLOSED**
- [ ] Mixture — **IDLE CUT OFF**
- [ ] Fuel Pump — **OFF**
- [ ] Cabin Heat — **OFF**
- [ ] Magnetos — **OFF**
- [ ] Prepare emergency Land — **CHECK**

## Electrical Fire (Smoke in Cabin) (EMERGENCY)

*Electrical fire (smoke in cabin)*

- [ ] Masters — **OFF**
- [ ] Cabin Heat — **OFF**
> **WARNING:** USE EXTINGUISHER WITH CAUTION
- [ ] Open Air vents to clear Cabin — **CHECK**
- [ ] Electrical switches — **OFF**
- [ ] Masters — **ON**
- [ ] Isolate faulty circuit — **CHECK**
- [ ] Reinstate Essential services — **CHECK**
- [ ] Land ASAP — **CHECK**

## Cabin Fire (EMERGENCY)

*Cabin fire*

- [ ] Air Vents — **CLOSE**
> **WARNING:** USE EXTINGUISHER WITH CAUTION
- [ ] Open Air vents to clear Cabin — **CHECK**
- [ ] Land ASAP — **CHECK**

## Alternator Failure (EMERGENCY)

*Alternator failure*

- [ ] Verify failure from instruments — **CHECK**
- [ ] Reduce electrical load — **CHECK**
- [ ] Check Circuit breakers — **CHECK**
- [ ] Masters OFF 1 Second then ON (Resets voltage regulator) — **CHECK**
**IF no output**
- [ ] Alternator switch — **OFF**
- [ ] Reduce electrical load — **CHECK**
- [ ] Land ASAP — **CHECK**

## Radio Failure (EMERGENCY)

*Radio failure*

- [ ] Radio — **CHECK ON**
- [ ] Radio Master — **CHECK ON**
- [ ] Volume — **TURNED UP**
- [ ] SQUELCH — **TURNED UP**
- [ ] Headset — **PLUGGED IN**
- [ ] Circuit Breaker — **CHECK**
- [ ] Frequency — **SELECTED**
**IF FAILURE CONFIRMED**
- [ ] Transponder — **SET 7600**
- [ ] Transmit (Rx may have failed) — **CHECK**
- [ ] Land ASAP — **CHECK**
- [ ] Consider Emergency Radio if Available — **CHECK**

## Loss of Suction (EMERGENCY)

*Loss of suction*

> **NOTE:** Services lost: Artificial Horizon, Direction Indicator

## Brake Failure on Ground (EMERGENCY)

*Brake failure on ground*

- [ ] Throttle — **CLOSE**
- [ ] STEER TO GRASS AREA INTO WIND — **CHECK**
- [ ] Mixture — **IDLE CUT OFF**
- [ ] Magnetos — **OFF**
- [ ] Advise ATC — **CHECK**
- [ ] Shut Down Checks — **CHECK**

## Brake Failure After Touchdown (EMERGENCY)

*Brake failure after touchdown*

- [ ] Overshoot Action — **CHECK**
- [ ] Radio — **GIVE DETAILS**
- [ ] Land on SAFE GRASS LONGEST RUNWAY INTO WIND — **CHECK**
- [ ] Shut Down Checks — **CHECK**
- [ ] Await assistance — **CHECK**

## Ditching Procedure (EMERGENCY)

*Ditching in water - life jackets to be worn for sea crossing*

- [ ] Always Check DIRECTION OF SWELL and WIND — **CHECK**
- [ ] Turn towards LAND/SHIPPING — **CHECK**
- [ ] Trim — **BEST GLIDE 71 KTS**
- [ ] Plan landing along swell OR no swell into wind — **CHECK**
- [ ] Check Failure — **ATTEMPT CORRECTION**
- [ ] Radio — **MAYDAY**
- [ ] Engine — **SHUT DOWN PROCEDURE**
- [ ] Harnesses — **TIGHT**
- [ ] Cabin Latch — **UNLOCK. NOT OPEN**
- [ ] Final Approach — **MASTER OFF**
- [ ] NO FLAP SELECTED (Pitches DOWN) — **CHECK**
- [ ] HOLD OFF "SPLASH" TAIL DOWN — **CHECK**

## Leaving Aircraft (EMERGENCY)

*After ditching*

- [ ] Seat Belts — **RELEASE**
- [ ] Canopy — **OPEN**
- [ ] Exit onto Wing — **CHECK**
- [ ] Inflate Life Jacket — **CHECK**

## Preflight Check - External Checks

- [ ] All switches — **OFF**
- [ ] Exterior — **CHECK FOR DAMAGE**
- [ ] Flap pushrod ends — **CHECK WEAR/SECURITY**
- [ ] Rear Empenage fairing — **SECURE ROUND ELEVATOR**
- [ ] Control surfaces — **CHECK INTERFERENCE**
- [ ] Hinges — **OK**
- [ ] Tanks — **CAPS SECURE & QUANTITY**
- [ ] Tank drains — **DRAIN**
- [ ] Fuel vents — **CLEAR**
- [ ] Tyres — **CHECK OK**
- [ ] Pitot tube — **CLEAR**
- [ ] Windshield — **CLEAN**
- [ ] Prop & Spinner — **OK**
- [ ] Oil — **CHECK LEVEL**
- [ ] Dipstick — **SECURE**
- [ ] Cowls — **SECURE**
- [ ] Air inlets — **CLEAR**
- [ ] Static port — **CLEAR**
- [ ] Master — **ON**
- [ ] Flap — **EXTEND**
- [ ] Nav lights — **CHECK**
- [ ] Strobe — **CHECK**
- [ ] Stall Warn — **CHECK**
- [ ] Fuel gauges/Quantity — **CHECK**
- [ ] Master — **OFF**

## Preflight Check - Internal Checks

- [ ] Park Brake — **ON**
- [ ] Canopy — **LATCHED**
- [ ] Controls — **FULL & FREE**
- [ ] Master on CB in — **CHECK**
- [ ] Flap — **SET**
- [ ] Trims cycle & check — **CHECK**
- [ ] Fuel select — **LOWEST**
- [ ] Pump on check pressure — **CHECK**
- [ ] Pump — **OFF**
- [ ] Carb heat — **SET**
- [ ] Mixture — **RICH**
- [ ] Throttle — **SET (1/4 TRAVEL OPEN)**
- [ ] Prime — **3 STROKES MAX**

## Starting

> **NOTE:** Start (10 Sec Max Crank time)
- [ ] 1200 rpm set — **CHECK**
- [ ] Alternator — **ON**
- [ ] Relay light — **CHECK**
- [ ] Oil pressure — **CHECK (MAX 90 MIN 60 PSI)**
- [ ] Fuel pressure — **CHECK (MAX 8 MIN 0.5)**
- [ ] Suction — **CHECK (4.5 IN HG)**
- [ ] Ammeter — **CHECK**
- [ ] Magnetos — **CHECK**
- [ ] Strobe — **ON**
- [ ] DI — **SET**
- [ ] AI — **RISING**
- [ ] Autopilot — **SET TO T/C**
- [ ] Radio Master on & set radios — **CHECK**

## Taxiing

- [ ] Brakes — **CHECK**
- [ ] Instruments — **CHECK**

## Power Check

- [ ] Brakes — **ON**
- [ ] Change tanks — **CHECK**
- [ ] 1800 rpm set — **CHECK**
- [ ] Carb heat — **CHECK**
- [ ] Mag drop — **DROP LESS THAN 175 RPM, NOT GREATER 50 RPM BETWEEN MAGS**
- [ ] Amps & Volts — **CHECK**
- [ ] Oil temp — **CHECK**
- [ ] CHT — **ALL ABOVE 150 DEG.F**
- [ ] Idle — **500/700 RPM**

## Pre Take Off

- [ ] Trimmer — **SET**
- [ ] Mixture — **RICH**
- [ ] Magnetos — **BOTH ON**
- [ ] Carb air — **COLD**
- [ ] Fuel pump — **ON**
- [ ] Primer — **LOCKED**
- [ ] Fuel status — **CHECK**
- [ ] Flaps — **AS REQUIRED**
- [ ] DI — **SET**
- [ ] Altimeter — **SET**
- [ ] Engine instruments — **CHECK**
- [ ] Canopy — **CLOSED AND LOCKED**
- [ ] Harnesses — **SECURE**
- [ ] Collision lights — **ON**
- [ ] Controls — **FULL AND FREE**

## After Take Off Checks

- [ ] G (Gear up) — **CHECK**
- [ ] F Flaps up — **CHECK**
- [ ] H Heading/speed check — **CHECK**

## Climb Checks

- [ ] I Icing/IDENT — **CHECK**
- [ ] P Power — **CHECK**
- [ ] A Altimeter — **CHECK**

## Top of Climb

- [ ] F Fuel pump off/Mix set — **CHECK**
- [ ] A Altimeter set — **CHECK**
- [ ] I Ident nav. aids — **CHECK**
- [ ] L Landing light off — **CHECK**
- [ ] P Power — **CHECK**
- [ ] A Altimeter — **CHECK**
- [ ] T Transmit — **CHECK**

## Turn Checks

- [ ] S Stopwatch — **CHECK**
- [ ] T Turn/track — **CHECK**
- [ ] A Altimeter set — **CHECK**
- [ ] R R/T report — **CHECK**
- [ ] R Radio/nav set — **CHECK**
- [ ] T Time — **CHECK**
- [ ] T Turn — **CHECK**
- [ ] T Talk — **CHECK**

## FEMDO Route Check

- [ ] F Fuel — **CHECK**
- [ ] E Engine — **CHECK**
- [ ] M Mixture — **CHECK**
- [ ] D D/I set — **CHECK**
- [ ] O Orientation — **CHECK**

## Descend Checks

- [ ] S Sector safety — **CHECK**
- [ ] A Altitude — **CHECK**
- [ ] S Speed — **CHECK**

## Field Approach

- [ ] F Fuel tank — **CHECK**
- [ ] R Radio Freq./vol — **CHECK**
- [ ] E Engine T's & P's, carb air, Mixture — **CHECK**
- [ ] D D.I set — **CHECK**
- [ ] A Altimeter set — **CHECK**

## Landing Checks

- [ ] B Brakes — **CHECK**
- [ ] U (Undercarriage down) — **CHECK**
- [ ] M Mixture rich — **CHECK**
- [ ] C Carb air Hot — **CHECK**
- [ ] F Fuel tank & Pump — **CHECK**
- [ ] H Harnesses/Articles — **CHECK**
- [ ] C Carb air Cold — **CHECK**
- [ ] E Engine T's & P's — **CHECK**

## HASELL Check

- [ ] H Height sufficient — **CHECK**
- [ ] A Airframe/flaps — **CHECK**
- [ ] S Security/harnesses — **CHECK**
- [ ] E Engine T & P, Mixture — **CHECK**
- [ ] L Location — **CHECK**
- [ ] L Lookout — **CHECK**

## After Landing Checks

- [ ] 1. Unnecessary electrics — **OFF**
- [ ] 2. Flaps up if appropriate — **CHECK**
- [ ] 3. Carb air — **COLD**

## Shutdown Checks

- [ ] 1. Park brake — **ON**
- [ ] 2. 1200 RPM set — **CHECK**
- [ ] 3. Magnetos — **CHECK**
- [ ] 4. Radios (MASTER) — **OFF**
- [ ] 5. Electrics — **OFF**
- [ ] 6. Mixture — **CUT OFF**
- [ ] 7. Magneto Switch — **OFF**
- [ ] 8. Master switches — **OFF**
- [ ] 9. Fuel — **OFF**
- [ ] 10. CABIN TIDY — **CHECK**

---

NOT FOR FLIGHT — source fidelity: unreviewed | operational review: none | completeness: full  
Source: Vans/RV6/roger_hopkinson_vans_rv6_poh3_w6/RV6 POH v3 word6.txt  
Rights: licensed  
Checklist hash: 82a360a98946c334c191f1c41405342c30fc4d36d032635cccdcf4c43211141d  
Verify against the aircraft's own approved documentation before use.