Vans RV-10

Although I am still trying to sell my Vans RV-10 (lack of time---I have
a toddler), I have decided that I will keep it if I don't get any nice
offers. (in case anyone is interested,
http://welch.econ.brown.edu/n325hp/).

Now, I am still flying once a month with it to familiarize myself with
it. Flight characteristics are wonderfully simple---as easy as a piper
cherokee, and this at 50% faster and with fuel consumption that is
fairly similar at comparable speeds. Vans make amazing airplanes.
Alas, I find that the ground handling, like any other nose-steerable
plain with wheels close together and castoring front-wheel (eg SR-22),
is less pleasant. I am a low-time pilot, and not flying often does not
help.

So, I would love to ask some other RV-10 pilots what practices they
like best about landing. At 80 knots, the airplane is in slow-flight
mode---behind the power curve. still very easily controllable, but not
as crisp as it is at 110 knots. When I land with full flaps, I also
think it is not as easily controllable (tends to want to jump up again)
as when I land with 2/3 flaps. Finally, I find that it lands nicer
with a passenger than without one. In fact, I can usually grease the
landing in such situations. Am I imagining these characteristics, or
do other RV-10 pilots have the same experience?

I was thinking about landing another 10 knots slower for easier ground
handling, but even though this is still about 20 knots above stall
speed, the fact that it is in slow flight makes me hesitate. Any other
pilot experiences would be appreciated.

Regards,

/iaw

FWIW, I would sacrifice 5 knots in flying speed for wheels further
apart, bigger, and perhaps front wheel steerable. If nothing else, it
would make soft-field landings safer. I wish Vans and Cirrus and
everyone else offered some options to improve ground handling.