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  #1  
Old 02-28-2016, 05:32 PM
Jtowey Jtowey is offline
 
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: Sandwich, MA
Posts: 14
Default Empennage RV-7 vs. RV-9

Hi - Been lurking around for awhile, and getting closer to pulling trigger on a build.

Two questions that I'd hope the forum could help address:

1. Are the Empennage Kits for the RV7/A and RV9/A identical? Haven't decided whether I want to build 7 or 9. I would like to delay that decision till I've taken a ride in both - -but start the Empennage building if they were the same.

2. Can anyone provide general dimensions for the Empennage? Looking to build it in my basement -- but I'd need to get it out of a hatchway.

Thanks in advance for your thoughts!
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  #2  
Old 02-28-2016, 05:39 PM
Ed_Wischmeyer's Avatar
Ed_Wischmeyer Ed_Wischmeyer is offline
 
Join Date: May 2005
Location: Savannah, GA
Posts: 1,301
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No - the -9 has a bigger wing and needs a bigger horizontal tail. I think the verticals are the same size.

The two planes have the same fuselage, but are different. The -9/A is easier to fly and the factory folks consider it the best for cross country flights. The -7/A is aerobatic, more responsive/less stable, can take bigger engines, and is faster.

Get some rides if you can and make your choice!

Ed
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  #3  
Old 02-28-2016, 05:41 PM
GeraldC GeraldC is offline
 
Join Date: Sep 2013
Location: Buda, TX
Posts: 56
Default

The tail kits are very different for the two planes. The RV-7 has a smaller and tapered horizontal stabilizer. The RV-9 has a much larger and squared off horizontal stabilizer.

RV-7:


RV-9:


And welcome to VAF!
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  #4  
Old 02-28-2016, 07:11 PM
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flyboy1963 flyboy1963 is offline
 
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: Lake Country, B.C. Canada
Posts: 2,416
Default definitely need some rides!

one of many data points.

the fuselage of the 7 and 9 are the same DIMENSION, the 7 is beefed up internally to handle larger engines & aerobatic loads, ditto the tail group.

nothing wrong with buying a used tail of almost anything, learn how to rivet and fix rivets, then sell it if you change your mission target.

enjoy your new venture!!!

P.S. love my -9a, if you fly infrequently or aren't Joe test pilot, it's very forgiving. Also a good IFR platform they say, just don't go upside down, on purpose!
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  #5  
Old 02-28-2016, 08:13 PM
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Jesse Jesse is offline
 
Join Date: May 2005
Location: X35 - Ocala, FL
Posts: 3,679
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Quote:
Originally Posted by flyboy1963 View Post
...just don't go upside down, on purpose!
Well, at least don't stay upside down very long. I have it on good authority that the -9 does an excellent aileron roll. Even better than the -10. Loops nicely too. Again, all on good authority, but...um...not necessarily personal experience.

The -9 is an excellent stable plane for comfortable cross-country flying.
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  #6  
Old 02-29-2016, 06:30 PM
Jtowey Jtowey is offline
 
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: Sandwich, MA
Posts: 14
Default

Thanks to all for the welcome and the information!

This forum looks to be an absolutely AWESOME resource and that there is a lifetime of learning here!!

I plan to pull the trigger and start building in the fall, but meanwhile will be looking to try a couple out to decide 7 vs. 9 and learn all I can from this forum..

Thanks -- Jim
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  #7  
Old 03-26-2016, 10:17 PM
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Captain_John Captain_John is offline
 
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: KPYM
Posts: 2,686
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With an RV7 you will get waaay hotter chicks than in a 9!

CJ
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  #8  
Old 03-27-2016, 06:57 AM
YellowJacket RV9 YellowJacket RV9 is offline
 
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: Clearwater, FL KCLW
Posts: 1,281
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Captain_John View Post
With an RV7 you will get waaay hotter chicks than in a 9!

CJ
My wife begs to differ (and of course, I have to agree with her!)



Chris
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  #9  
Old 03-27-2016, 07:44 AM
BillL BillL is offline
 
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: Central IL
Posts: 5,516
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Ed_Wischmeyer View Post
No - the -9 has a bigger wing and needs a bigger horizontal tail. I think the verticals are the same size.

The two planes have the same fuselage, but are different. The -9/A is easier to fly and the factory folks consider it the best for cross country flights. The -7/A is aerobatic, more responsive/less stable, can take bigger engines, and is faster.

*Only below 10k, based on discussion with factory, the longer wing pays (literally) at altitude. *

Get some rides if you can and make your choice!

Ed
Definitely get some rides, and decide on your mission, then, look at the specs. I once thought the 9 to just be a cheaper version of the 7, but not so, it has the altitude cruise advantage over the 7.

I am building a 7, so take that with a grain . . .
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