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-   -   RV-14 vs RV-8 (https://vansairforce.net/community/showthread.php?t=169656)

neck101 03-15-2019 01:07 PM

RV-14 vs RV-8
 
I realize this is the -14 section of the forum, but I also see quite a few posters who previously built RV-8s, sold them, and are now building/flying -14s. I had originally leaned towards the -8, but now looking hard at the bigger aircraft.

I am retired, most interested in comfort, will be flying solo most of the time, and while I may do acro occasionally, I'm more interested in straight and level at this point in life (spent a ton of time inverted or going straight up in fighters and instructing). However, I also see that the -8QB costs the same as -14A slow build. Engine prices (200 hp vs 210 hp) are close to the same also.

So, did those of you who switched to the -14 do so because of the size, ease of build, or what?

Thanks, John

mturnerb 03-15-2019 02:49 PM

No experience in RV8/8A but to me the biggest/most obvious advantages of the 14/14A are: roominess, side-by-side seating (may not matter to you but most pax would rather sit beside pilot instead of behind), and ease of build (holes drilled to rivet size, limited fabrication of key structures, fewer weldments - especially canopy and gear, standardized wire harnesses, etc.) If you did QB 8/8A would eliminate most of the build-related differences. Many folks don't like the prefab/standard harnesses but I did so that's a builder's choice kind of decision. I guess panel size might be an advantage for 14 over 8 as well, depending on your needs for avionics.

Carl Froehlich 03-15-2019 02:59 PM

What I tell builders:
- Fly mostly by yourself, RV-8 with 180hp IO-360 and Hartzell BA prop. It does not get much better than that.
- Fly a lot with your wife, RV-14 with IO-390 and Hartzell BS prop. For most wives the novelty of the rear seat wears off fast.
- Want to be a hero with your wife, the RV-10 (it is not much more cost over the RV-14). My wife ended up in the back on long legs as she like the room to spread out and nap.

Carl

Danny King 03-15-2019 04:25 PM

RV-14 vs RV-8
 
Let me get this strait.... You're a former fighter pilot and you are thinking about building an RV-14 to fly solo most of the time instead of an RV-8? (Yes...you will fly solo 90% plus)

As Julia Roberts said in Pretty Woman: Big Mistake...Huge!

neck101 03-15-2019 04:37 PM

Danny....good point.

Brent 801 03-15-2019 05:13 PM

Guess I'm one of those guys who sold their RV-8 to build an RV-14A. Reasons were as follows:

1. Doing less acro now, and the 14 does that nearly as well.
2. Not trying to be a fighter pilot anymore.
3. A larger panel affords much better instumentation.
4. There is no practical way to get heat to the back seat on the RV-8. I had heated seats, but there is no way to get warm air back there. You have to work really hard to get rid of all the airleaks. Don't know about your companion, but mine does not do well when cold.
5. Needed another project to avoid watching tv all day.
6. Van's gives repeat offenders a 3% discount!!

Brent

Brent 801 03-15-2019 05:20 PM

The Thinking Man's RV-10
 
PS: Since you will rarely use the back seats, and have to pay insurance for the possibility of two more dirt baths, the 14 is the thinking man's RV-10.

Brent

neck101 03-15-2019 05:31 PM

Brent...couple of things...so how would you rate the newer build procedures of the -14 vs the -8 you built? And by "dirt baths", are you referring to ground loops?

TShort 03-15-2019 05:54 PM

By dirt bath he's referring to the insurance risk of 2 extra souls on board if you crash.

I have an older (before the fuse was pre-punched) -8 kit. Having looked at the instruction manual on the -10, it is a world of difference in terms of step-by-step instructions (as opposed to the -8 which has several pages of build manual and a ton of full sized plans). The -10 (and -14) have basically a complete start to finish manual.

kjowen 03-15-2019 06:04 PM

Personally, I never finished my -14.
I found a -10 that I couldn't pass up and bought in on the spot.
(then I had to go home and tell the wife, ugg!)
But, I digress.....
One thing I would add to the conversation is comfort in turbulence/flight.
I owned an -8, loved it, and actually building another right now.
However, it can be a hard ride in turbulence, probably due to wing loading (I really don't know what that means, but people I respect tell me that's what it is;)) The -14 as in the -10 is going to be heavier, so will probably give you a better ride.
Additionally, try taking your dog with you in an -8, it just seems that it would be much easier in a side by side.... and the selfies come out much better.


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