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Buy her some RV tailwheel time with Mr. Mike Seager (Vernonia, Oregon)
if she still wants a -7A, well that?s the way it is... |
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When I built my RV-9 I got a lot of pressure from both Van's and my EAA chapter to build a -9A.
Never once did I ever consider building it with a nosewheel and now with over 800 hours on it, I am happy I never caved into the pressure. It takes about 10 hours to learn to solo a tricycle gear airplane and about 10 hours to learn to solo a taildragger. If she is already a pilot, who can't use another 10 hours of fun and challenging trainging? Just show here a few pictures of RV-7A's. That might change her mind. ![]() |
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In Alaska back in the day, taildraggers were the move common aircraft to see taking a nap :D |
Did you ever get that ride? I'm based out of Mojave with a 7 and would be glad to help.
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After reading all the comments in this thread I have come to the conclusion that my wife must be a wonderful anomaly. We have owned numerous airplanes over the last 41 years, more than you can count on your fingers and toes, none of which have been a taildragger. But when I started looking to buy an RV Lo and behold she said get a taildragger this time. Happy wife, happy life. I pick up our new to us RV9 this coming weekend. RV grin here we come.
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You will enjoy the -9! It is probably the easiest taildragger I have ever flown, easier than a -7.
PM me your phone number and I'll call with my tips for new -9 pilots. Fairly basic stuff, such as speeds. |
You might point out that the weakest part on an RV (my opinion) is the nose gear. That?s why Antisplat had made a bunch of money selling their nose gear brace setup.
I?ve also personally experienced the impact of taxing into a hidden hole in the grass in my 7A when I left the taxiway for parking. Fortunately my prop did not strike the ground but my nose wheel skirt did shatter into multiple parts when I fell into the hole and tried to power out. The cost of a new nose wheel skirt and painting it exceeded $500. A tail dragger would have survived this experience without a problem. Don?t get me wrong, I love my 7A. It?s just that I do see an advantage with the 7 over the 7A on grass. After now falling into a hidden hole on grass I now have a personal minimum of ?No Grass Runways? and the only time I will taxi on grass will be at Oshkosh. If I ever fall into another hole my immediate response will be to shut down and pull the plane to where it needs to be. You might discuss this with her and if you don?t plan to do grass then go with her wishes. |
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