Ravin 500

[Scott Ducey]

Does any of our members have any thoughts on this Ravin 500? I saw it down at Sun N Fun, and seemed rather slick. Do we have anyone in our group that has bought one? Anyone considering? I know it is not a Comanche for a number of reasons, but it is a modern version thereof albeit a composite version. For those unfamiliar with what I am talking about, here is their web site: http://www.ravinair.com/

I talked to one of their guys who mentioned that they are thinking about building a twin.

I look forward to hearing your thoughts.

Scott

[steen]

Scott,
They say silence is golden?
I read a report on one of my many flying pubs a year or so ago on a flight in the Raven.....I don't know if it was a test plane or the first production model....and I walked away thinking that, while it is new and very slick looking it just did not show up the PA-24 all that badly.
I don't remember the numbers but the useful load and cruise speeds were not in keeping with the cash outlay.
What have you found out?
Steen

[Russell Knowles]

Hi Scott,
I live quite close to the "factory" where the raven is made by Jan Troskie. Years ago he owned a 260 comanche and designed the raven from that. It is very strong [he invited me to walk to walk on the top of the wing and jump up and down at the tip!] It carries a huge amount of fuel [about 600 litres] and he ironed out many of the weaker points of the comanche. It cruises at 180 kts +, but there is certainly less interior space. The aircraft flies beautifully and being largely composite there is little airframe maintenance. Most of the speed mods are designed into the aircraft,[flap track slippers, gap seals etc]. There have been plans to fit it with a locally designed 320 HP turbo-charged motor which claims to burn only 9 gal/hr but nothing has materialized over the past 5 years, so a twin could be a long way off. He does do a 180 HP fixed gear model. I believe he has sold around 10 in all. It is a good well built aircraft but a bit on the pricey side. regards Russell [South African tribe chief]

[Russell Knowles]

Hi Scott,
I live quite close to the "factory" where the raven is made by Jan Troskie. Years ago he owned a 260 comanche and designed the raven from that. It is very strong [he invited me to walk to walk on the top of the wing and jump up and down at the tip!] It carries a huge amount of fuel [about 600 litres] and he ironed out many of the weaker points of the comanche. It cruises at 180 kts +, but there is certainly less interior space. The aircraft flies beautifully and being largely composite there is little airframe maintenance. Most of the speed mods are designed into the aircraft,[flap track slippers, gap seals etc]. There have been plans to fit it with a locally designed 320 HP turbo-charged motor which claims to burn only 9 gal/hr but nothing has materialized over the past 5 years, so a twin could be a long way off. He does do a 180 HP fixed gear model. I believe he has sold around 10 in all. It is a good well built aircraft but a bit on the pricey side. regards Russell [South African tribe chief]

[Scott Ducey]

I have not flown the plane, nor would i ever consider building an airplane. I saw the Ravin 500 down in Sun N Fun. Very slick plane, and for the experimental category, it has some impressive numbers from a useful load and speed perspective. It does not have the all flying tail. It has a wet wing. It is composite. Given that the fleet is aging, it seemed that this would be a great option for someone that loves the comanche, but wanted something new. It does not appear ANYONE here has flown or built one, and I was just trying to elicit feedback to see if someone had any experience with the same. I don't know if i agree with your characterizations about price - sure, when comparing with a 40 year old comanche, yes the price is expensive. However, if you compare with a new Cirrus, it is quite reasonable, and the speeds / useful loads are better with the Ravin. Basically, you get a brand new airplane for around $200K.

Again, not sure how it flies, whether it is a reliable design, or what people think of them that own them - but it is a slick plane, with some good numbers and modern. There is information on their web site at www.ravinair.com.

[Bruce Thumann]

Hi Scott:
Walter Rawlings, formerly of Calhoun County Airport in Texas http://www.manta.com/coms2/dnbcompany_hc3kj, maintained the only Ravin I know of flying here. He was also the Ravin dealer here and had 1 in kit form a couple years back. I do not know where Walter is now, but I'm sure a little research on your part with the Port Lavaca white pages, the airport, or the city council, could easily locate him, as he ran the airport for many years. I'm sure he would be more than happy to put you in touch with one or two owners. Tell him HI for me.

Bruce Thumann

[Bruce Thumann]

Scott:
I received an e-mail from Walter a day or so ago. Here is his info should you want to get more info on the Ravin.

Rawlings, Walter
E-mail Address(es):
calcoav@hotmail.com

Walter Rawlings
2725 FM 3084
Port Lavaca, Texas 77979
361-920-2269 (Cell)
210-519-6562 (Home)

Bruce

[Scott Ducey]

Thanks Bruce. I appreciate you getting me his information.

Scott Ducey