Revision: 4
Date:
09/08/20
RV-12iS Flight Training Supplement
2-1
SECTION II
AIRCRAFT DESCRIPTION
INDEX
LIGHT SPORT AIRCRAFT OVERVIEW
2-1
RV-12iS DESIGN PHILOSOPY
2-1
RV-12iS GENERAL DESCRIPTION
2-2
LIGHT SPORT AIRCRAFT OVERVIEW
A NEW AVIATION HORIZON:
In 2004, the FAA created sport pilot/light-sport aircraft (SP/LSA) regulations. The most significant change in FAA
regulations in 50 years, it allows easier and lower-cost access for those wishing to participate in the joy of flight. With
adoption of SP/LSA, flying has become less expensive and easier than ever before. You can become a sport pilot with
as little as 20 hours of flight instruction. You can fly a one- or two-seat aircraft capable of speeds up to 120 kts (138
mph). And in most cases, you can pass the medical requirements just by showing your driver's license.
BASIC PARAMETERS OF LSA:
The FAA has defined light-sport aircraft as simple-to-operate, easy-to-fly aircraft that, since initial certification, has
continued to meet the following performance definition:
•
Maximum gross weight of 1,320 lbs
•
Maximum cruise configuration stall speed of 45 kts CAS
•
Maximum speed in level flight with maximum continuous power of 120 kts CAS
•
One or two person occupancy (pilot and one passenger)
•
Fixed or ground adjustable propeller
•
Fixed landing gear
•
Single reciprocating engine
•
Unpressurized cabin
Light Sport Aircraft may seem familiar to us by their appearance, but they are in fact quite different from the traditional
aircraft we are used to. First, LSAs weigh significantly less than many aircraft. With a typical empty weight of 750 lb and
a take-off weight of not more than 1320 lb, they are indeed light aircraft. The light weight, coupled with a generous wing
area means they have a low wing loading thus making them more susceptible to wind currents than larger, high wing
loading aircraft. A good pilot needs, therefore, to remain vigilant from the time the aircraft first moves under its own
power until after the landing is complete and the aircraft is brought to a full stop. Pilots who may have experience with
traditional aircraft but are new to LSAs need to approach LSAs with an open mind: Open to the fact that a Light Sport
Aircraft is different than a traditional aircraft, and open to the reality that pilots can, over time, develop flying habits that
are flat-out wrong or at least inappropriate to an aircraft with the weight, power loading and wing loading of an LSA.
RV-12iS DESIGN PHILOSOPHY
INTRODUCTION:
Let's take a look at the design philosophy and goals that are the basis for this airplane. The goal was to achieve the
maximum overall performance, flying enjoyment, ease of construction, building and flying economy, ease of
maintenance, and pleasing appearance possible for a two-place airplane. Understanding how this was achieved might
help you better appreciate many features of the RV-12iS as you encounter them while flying.
The formula for achieving maximum overall performance is amazingly simple: Maximize thrust, minimize drag; maximize
lift, minimize weight. The implementation of this formula is a bit more complex, however. Thrust, for a given HP engine,
has been maximized through use of a good propeller, streamlining of the engine cowl, and directing the engine outlet
rearward. Drag is minimized by keeping the aircraft frontal area to a minimum and shaping all airframe components to
reduce aerodynamic drag. Lift is maximized through use of a wing with adequate area and good airfoil. Weight is
minimized by careful structural design, by using the best airframe materials, and by installation of only essential
instrumentation and equipment. Most of the literally hundreds of features which comprise the overall RV-12iS package
have been determined in the design stage.
Summary of Contents for RV 12iS
Page 1: ...Revision 4 Date 09 08 20 RV 12iS Flight Training Supplement i FLIGHT TRAINING SUPPLEMENT...
Page 14: ...Revision 4 Date 09 08 20 RV 12iS Flight Training Supplement 4 2...
Page 15: ...Revision 4 Date 09 08 20 RV 12iS Flight Training Supplement 4 3...
Page 50: ...Revision 4 Date 09 08 20 RV 12iS Flight Training Supplement 6 2 ELECTRICAL SWITCHES KNOBS...
Page 56: ...Revision 4 Date 09 08 20 RV 12iS Flight Training Supplement 6 8...
Page 89: ...Revision 4 Date 09 08 20 RV 12iS Flight Training Supplement REAR COVER...