Similar to RV-12 - SportStar
Hi all,
Just thought I would post a pilot report on an airplane that is very similar to the RV-12, the Evektor SportStar. I recently flew this airplane for a total of 2 hours and I was very pleased.
First let me say that my first impression was; it's small, the big bubble canopy is not very attractive and boy the metal it is constructed of is sure thin, and it has a Rotax engine - 912s.
Yes it is small, this one weighs 735lbs, but the cockpit is roomy. The panel is basic but it has really everything a day VFR airplane will need. The top cowling comes off with about a dozen screws and this gives you great access to the engine. Start up was easy - no primer - just boost pump and choke and it starts right up! The throttle is nice - push pull or screw in and out - I like that. About the engine, it runs much faster than a Lycoming and I found that trottle adjustments were done more with feeling than with sound, pull the power back on a Lycoming and the change in power is audible, to me a power change didn't cause the engine to sound much different, 5000 to 4000 RPM, but you could feel it, not vibration just a sense of change in acceleration! Power, the little 912S has power and she produces torque, gotta use right rudder, and acceleration is much quicker than say a Cessna 150. Climb out at 60 Knots and I saw about 800 FPM near sea level 90 F at (probably over gross). Full power and all instruments were green and the little engine ran without any flaw, add / reduce power without any hesitation. The visibility - wow - the bubble canopy and forward seating really lets you see the scenery and other traffic - really beautiful. It was a 90+ day and the sun was bright but I'll take the clear canopy anytime, it has a shade that is easily positioned if shade is needed (RV-12 also has this shade). She performed very well with an 180hp Cessna 172 in the pattern, I felt like we were waiting for the Cessna in the pattern, SportsStar was out climbing her, my opinion. Landing, you gotta fly it, elevator is very effective and you need to use the rudder to keep her straight but she is really fun to fly. The RV-12 will be a very fine airplane with the Rotax engine - she won't fly 200 MPH or climb 2000 FPM but she will take you for a cheap hamburger and you will have that smile on your face when you get there!
I'm ready!
Jim, Sacramento