Do I want Steps? -14 taildragger

[Discus2b]

A 14 owner really needs to be proactive helping pax in and out. The tendency is to exit the wing facing rearward down the wing, instead of reversing the process of getting in. This maneuver on the steep slope performed by 80% of the population, or 99% of geezers (me) is ill advised. I always guide pax down the wing making sure that they connect with the step while holding on to the roll bar.
I am 6’3”, faster than a speeding bullet, rock climb Half Dome without stopping, run a 2 min mile, and make shrimp scampi from scratch and believe steps will save you from grief you cannot imagine.

R

Although, if you’re young, not having steps will require you to be way more physical helping the ladies onto and off of the wings. Oh, the possibilities.

[markelliott]

Thanks everyone - steps it is.

[Jimd]

Mark,

Wait, I haven't voted yet!

I have a 6 (taildragger) and I did NOT put them on. I ALWAYS park with the flaps down which makes it easier to get up and down. I thought the plane looked better without them, but would probably get used to them.

I cut escape slots in my slider tracks so for my inspection and bulk loading I remove the canopy with no tools, in this case, I think the step might be an obstruction?

Okay, I feel better now.

Jim

[Larco]

How much distance from the ground to the flap on the 14?

[Discus2b]

15? to flaps in down position, to make boarding easier.
14? to bottom of step.
18? reach over to anti-slip on wing, that is 6? higher.

I would equate it to skipping 2 steps , up or down, on a typical stairs without use of a step.

R

[gen1313]

I made the choice to install the step mounts with no real idea if I would install the steps or not. I'm so glad I did. I'm tall and hardly ever use them but my wife is not so tall and really needs them.
"Happy wife, happy life" overrode the couple of knots I have probably lost.

[edsong]

On both sides.

[Larco]

Originally Posted by Discus2b

15? to flaps in down position, to make boarding easier.
14? to bottom of step.
18? reach over to anti-slip on wing, that is 6? higher.

I would equate it to skipping 2 steps , up or down, on a typical stairs without use of a step.

R

Thanks for the info. Larry

[rvbuilder2002]

Originally Posted by Jimd

Mark,

Wait, I haven't voted yet!

I have a 6 (taildragger) and I did NOT put them on. I ALWAYS park with the flaps down which makes it easier to get up and down. I thought the plane looked better without them, but would probably get used to them.

I cut escape slots in my slider tracks so for my inspection and bulk loading I remove the canopy with no tools, in this case, I think the step might be an obstruction?

Okay, I feel better now.

Jim

The RV-14 is a bit bigger than the RV-7. The height difference to climb onto the wing is quite noticeable.

[DakotaHawk]

Part Number?

I've been looking in "The List" and the Vans online store and can't find the RV-14 step kit. I was able to find the RV-6,7 & 9 step kit, but I assume these are different parts.

Anyone know the part number for the -14 steps?