Doug Garrou

Legally, yes, but if you've got Foreflight you're still in pretty good shape. Having had a complete panel failure one evening on an IFR flight (dead radios, dark cockpit, no transponder, the works), I can testify that it is actually fairly easy to fly an approach with a G5 (on battery power) and an iPad. Moreover, the FAA is surprisingly happy with this procedure so long as you call them IMMEDIATELY after landing and later give them a very thorough explanation. 😅

Well known experimentals are pretty easy to insure in the US. Not much different from the equivalent certified aircraft. As one data point, full liability and hull coverage on my RV-9A is about $1000 annually. I’ve got about 1500 hours, 500 in type, instrument rated, and the hull value is $100K. My old Warrior was a only a little cheaper with me at 1000 hours, instrument rated, and a $50K hull value.

Some of the RV folks with higher-end paint jobs (like a new VL3 would doubtless have) report good success with ceramic coatings. Hydrosilex Marine Ceramic Coating has been mentioned favorably a few times. I haven't tried it but might give it a whirl. Not sure if I'd need to get the Aero Cosmetics Wash/Wax All off first (I love that stuff)....

There's been some discussion of the Inogen oxygen concentrator system on the Vans board; some people like it and use it. Apparently it will support two people up to 14k and a single person up to 18k. It appears the FAA does not allow use of nasal cannulas above 18k (although I can't quote you that reg off the top of my head). Above 18K, I guess you'll need a bottle system and you'll probably want a face mask that includes an integrated microphone. I don't go that high, because (a) I fly the RV under BasicMed, (b) it's too freaking cold up there, and (c) my RV's heater is marginal at best. 🙂

There's a lot to be said for a removable system. RVs are a bit weight challenged so it's handy to be able to ditch the O2 gear when you need the payload for something else, and won't be flying high.

I'm the RV9A guy (I'll likely become known here as "TFMWSE," for "The Forum Member With Speed Envy"). Anyway I've got the Mountain High O2D2 with a nasal cannula (like the guy is wearing in the picture). I've been really happy with it. You can get away with a small/light bottle because the pulse demand system is very efficient and the O2 seems to last a long time. Among other settings, it will come on automatically above 5,000 feet pressure altitude (and turn off below 5,000), which is how I do it.