Max weight pax RV4

[phi75]

What is the max pax weight safe for rear place on the RV4
200 pouds?
Tanks haft
No baggage
Thanks
And 80 mph on approach it is anough with that configuration?

[Jvon811]

Reference your own W&B for your aircraft, first of all. C/S and IO-360 on the nose will make it fly different than my wood prop and O-320...

That being said... I have done that exact load out in my airplane and it's, well... Noticable... It's at the aft limit if not just outside.

And Yes, I always use 80mph-ish because of my love of wheel landings and short gear. Even with a 200 Pounder in the backseat.

[phi75]

Have 0320
And wood prop

[Infidel]

As noted, make sure you have a good solid W&B completed on your plane. If 200 lb passenger weight is acceptable, start off preferably with someone or something lighter. As a suggestion, don't go less than 1/2 tanks of fuel with a heavy passenger.

[phi75]

Ok thanks
2 weeks ago I do a flight with 115 lbs rear pax we lbs baggage?s full fuel ans was ok
But never try with more .

[fixnflyguy]

200 max in my -4 ,and as others have said, I don't like heavy backseater with less than half fuel. The difference between a 115 and 200 lb will feel significant. Be aware, your pitch control will be extremely sensitive and it may challenge your landing/flare. I'm used to it now, and its no "bad" issue, just something to be prepared for. I have backseater 99% of my flights, so flying solo almost feels odd.

[Dean Pichon]

I have a -4 with an IO-360 and CS prop. 200lb is my personal limit for a passenger.

[AX-O]

do you have a weight and balance?

Currently my -4 has a Catto prop and a IOX-340. I won't go past 180 lbs in my rear seat. Much above that and the aircraft is not enjoyable to fly. It becomes pitch sensative. You have to push forward on the approach to land, it becomes difficult to capture desired Gs without over shooting, approach speed goes up to do a wheel landing and so on.

When I put the 15lbs crush plate on, things become better but I still keep my 180 limit.

[Jvon811]

Originally Posted by AX-O

Much above that and the aircraft is not enjoyable to fly. It becomes pitch sensative.

100% agree. I jokingly tell everyone that my RV-4 is my little 1.5 seater...

I went for a ride in my own airplane (no throttle or rudder pedals in the back) with a friend who's looking to buy a -4. He was 240 pounds (solid muscle...) in the front and I was in the back at 200-ish and half tanks. It was "sporting" to say the least. Not something to make a habit of. Did a few rolls, but that was it. I just told him to make sure to keep it coordinated.

[mbuehler]

Like other noted, check W/B first. To get used to heavier passengers, I borrowed several bags of cement and would make a flight - go into the pattern for a bit, then land and throw another in. Worked it up to 180lbs. Very noticeable change in elevator forces required, but nothing bad if you are expecting it.

Biggest tendency was to overdo the round-out / flair or leap off the runway at takeoff due to light pitch inputs being all that is needed.