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-   -   XC question re tandem cockpits. (https://vansairforce.net/community/showthread.php?t=107452)

ronschreck 12-10-2013 10:49 AM

Quote:


However, do not underestimate Katie's comment on how cold the backseat of the -8 is in winter. Unless someone has made significant modifications (and those -8s are out there but not the norm), you will NOT likely want to subject your wife to a long, Christmas-time x-c. Planes built following factory plans are frickin' frigid back there in winter.
Any hubby worth his salt has/will find a way to heat the back seat. I did!

N15JB 12-10-2013 11:58 AM

Alan,

I would be happy to give you a ride in my-10 if you want to check out that model. Based at KAPA. Don't bring your wife, unless you are prepared to go down that road. She will love all the easily accessible space.:)

PM me if you are interested.

Jim Berry
RV-10

Mike S 12-10-2013 12:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by N15JB (Post 833324)
I would be happy to give you a ride in my-10 if you want to check out that model.

Don't bring your wife, unless you are prepared to go down that road. She will love all the easily accessible space.:)

Heed this warning, it is serious.

My wife loves the 10, and while it no longer fits our usual flying mission, she is very resistant to letting it go for a two place.

Louise Hose 12-10-2013 12:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ronschreck (Post 833297)
Any hubby worth his salt has/will find a way to heat the back seat. I did!

Yep, the rule in winter is that we either take the -6 on x-c or Paul heats the backseat by sitting there and I fly in the front! :p

Low Pass 12-10-2013 12:28 PM

Wife and occasionally the Boston Terrior
 
Alright, this thing made three pages so I'll toss in my experiences with the -8 (1575 hrs, 13+ yrs).

I made a (removable) platform/enclosure that closes in the control mechanism opening and makes a seat-height platform for sitting cross-legged, or setting the backpack. It has the vent in it but is strong enough to stack things on it. No worries about jamming things in around the mechanism.

When she gets in for a trip, I follow up by handing her the backpack, food bag, purse and the O2 bottle. We have brought the dog a couple of times, and that limits things and duration somewhat. Never had one complaint (from her or the dog) about space, only occasional "bumps" I don't warn about.

Doesn't hurt that I have a 66% scale wife, either. ;)

Bottom line - side-by-side has less personal space, but better baggage accommodations. Got the cash, get a -10. And I'll see you flying straight and level - looking out the top of my canopy.

John Clark 12-10-2013 02:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Low Pass (Post 833333)
Doesn't hurt that I have a 66% scale wife, either. ;)

Bottom line - side-by-side has less personal space, but better baggage accommodations. Got the cash, get a -10. And I'll see you flying straight and level - looking out the top of my canopy.

Yeah, the ongoing tandem vs side by side discussion misses a few important metrics. Height and leg length is a real issue. When I was considering an RV, my friend and frequent passenger, Ms. Lee (a little over 6' with long legs) and I (6'3") tried out the options. The '8' won handily on legroom.

John Clark ATP, CFI
FAAST Team Representative
EAA Flight Advisor
RV8 N18U "Sunshine"
KSBA

Ironflight 12-10-2013 05:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Louise Hose (Post 833329)
Yep, the rule in winter is that we either take the -6 on x-c or Paul heats the backseat by sitting there and I fly in the front! :p

Now that we no longer live in the sub-tropics, back seat heat for the Valkyrie might move WAY up on the priority list! A guy's gotta have SOMETHING to work on....;)

Mike S 12-10-2013 05:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ironflight (Post 833391)
Now that we no longer live in the sub-tropics,

And just how is the weather out there in Dayton???:rolleyes:

skylor 12-10-2013 10:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wera710 (Post 833274)
Except for panel space, I would make a case for the RV-8 as being ?arguably? superior for truly long cross countries vs. the side by side RVs...

My totally biased opinion is that the -8 has plenty of panel space for a cross country machine:



Even for the passenger:



Skylor
RV-8

Michael White 12-11-2013 05:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by skylor (Post 833486)
My totally biased opinion is that the -8 has plenty of panel space for a cross country machine:



Even for the passenger:



Skylor
RV-8

Skylor,
You're going to make Katie B a happy camper with pictures like that! ;)


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