Glasair Super II to RV8. Nuts?
 

Here's one for you. Glasair has officially announced "retirement" of their Glasair models (they are essentially morphing into a certificated manufacturer of the Sportsman, which may end up as a primary trainer in China). So I am actually considering pulling my FWF installation off of a Glasair Super II RG and starting a quick build RV8 project.

I'm in the DFW area, finishing up a new "yuge" shop, and will decide in a few months at most. Already have the RV8 Preview plans in hand, and an IO360 B1E and Hartzell CS prop, alternator, governor, starter etc, with an airplane sitting on it's gear with the engine mounted.

There won't be any more fiberglass parts available from Glasair, but many other items can be purchased directly from vendors. That said, I don't want to spend my remaining flying years fighting a never-ending battle and worrying about an orphaned airplane.

Have sat in the RV8 and as you all know, at 6'3' it is an easy fit. I've never flown any RV and have no taildragger time.

Is it worth the trip out to PDX and over to Vans to get a demo and tour of the factory? Any reason to wait? Sounds like the RV8 design and kit is "frozen", and not much development in the works for the tandem line.

RV14 is a consideration because of the instruction/build upgrades, but I'm an old fighter pilot and am leaning heavily towards a tandem.

Go ahead, tell me that I am crazy to switch horses this late in the game. ;)

Welcome aboard! You should have started here ;)

That does seem a little nuts.
Orphaned = Classic

RV8 is so fun..but..
 

I now have about 100hr in my RV8...absolutely LOVE it..such a fun plane to fly. Im 6'3' 270lb and LOVE all the space upfront for myself!! No more bumping shoulder with anyone. Recommend doing some transition training for sure for the 8...since its such a tricky little plane to land. Recently got a RV10..that sucker is SO easy to land compared to the -8,..different planes..different missions. I have a Carbon Cub, RV 10 and RV 8...the LAST to be sold would be the 8, if that has any indications of what i think of it!

Have you considered the option of finishing the Glasair since it sounds like you are almost there, and if you find you aren't happy with the lack of factory support you can sell it and put the money towards an RV-8?

I'm building an RV-10 and never gave any of the Glasair line much thought, so I favor the Van's kits. But it does seem a bit crazy to abandon your current build when you are almost at the finish line.

Just my silly opinion.

The -8 is a great choice.

You'll obviously need help, disposing of the now orphaned Glasair project. When's a good time for me to get it out of your garage?

Best to find a RV-8 locally that you might bum a ride in, or spend the time and money to go to Oregon for a flight there.

Going to Vans might be the time to take a little extra cash along for a down payment. RV bug just might bite...

What happens if you don't like it?

I wouldn't decide either way until I had some time in both to make an informed decision.

Lots of time and money invest.....

Best regards,
Mike Bauer

An old fighter pilot, eh? I'm thinking there are a few "old fighter pilots" in the DFW area that you should link up with, starting with maybe Danny King.

It's a shame that Glasair isn't supporting builders that are part way through their builds. I have a buddy building a Glasair III and was told he'd be given plenty of notice before they stopped building parts. He had the Fuselage and Wing kits only. Well, they didn't warn him and he was left high & dry. Ended up buying a full kit to ensure he had everything, he had to waste money and now has more parts than he needs.

At least giver builders a period of time to order the remaining parts they need before shutting down production. Sheesh.

On the other hand, If I had a Glasair with the engine mounted already, I'd attempt to finish it.

Glasair
 

I think it may be only a question of time before someone starts offering all the composite parts for the Glasair. While they have stood the test of time they would be so much better done all in carbon fiber.