RV-14 vs RV-8

[neck101]

Thanks DeeCee, and I agree. BTW, I've got a buddy of mine piloting a Delta flight to Zurich tonight.

[bmarvel]

I put 1700 hours on our -8A QB we built in 16 months from crate to first flight back in 2002. It was my first homebuilt and I loved it. In fact, I planned to die of old age owning that airplane. But my wife did not care for the back seat because of two specific problems -- no instruments and poor heat. The latter was tolerable when we lived in So Cal but the move to Colorado 13 years ago changed that. When she actually asked me to build a -14A and agreed to help like she did on the -8A, I jumped at the opportunity.

The -14A slow build took two years and four months from first crate to first flight in 2016. I would have bought the QB version had it been available but this was back in 2014 and it wasn't an option. My guess is it saves a year and based on my -8A QB I found the workmanship to be excellent.

Building the -14A with the newer style plans was a joy. I could not believe how quickly it went together with all of the matched hole construction. The -8A did not have that and most of the underlying structure had to be matched drilled to the pre-punched skins. Building the -14A was easier all around compared to the -8A.

With nearly 400 hours on the -14A now, I'm glad I made the move to it. The airplane is just as fast and economical as was the -8A, has more baggage room, is larger and more stable in flight. And needless to say, I can pack a lot of usable instruments in the panel. The heating system is much improved over what we had in the -8A, but that said, it is marginal out here at altitude in winter. At 14,000 feet with the resulting low engine power output it can still get uncomfortably cool unless the sun is out.

Those are my reasons in making the move from tandem to side by side. Best of luck making your decision!

[neck101]

Thanks Bill, that is exactly the type of information I was looking for. I'm going with the -14A. Especially with the improved construction techniques and build instructions, I'll do the slow build version so I can apply the savings to avionics.

[Bavafa]

I went from a beautiful and capable 7A to a 14A and have been enjoying every bit of it, even more than the 7A. I just flew some practice instrument approach and even though I was rather rusty with flying approaches, it was so much less stressful/handful than the 7A. The pilot workout is far less in a 14 than 7 and I am faster and more room, what not to like. I guess the extra 1.5G of fuel burn

[Brent 801]

Originally Posted by neck101

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?

No comparison. The instructions for the -14 are infinely better than those of the -8. Many parts are included in the kit that had to be fabricated for the -8. Better materials included inthe the kit (i.e. Andair fuel selector) vs. the -8.

The -8 is still a great airplane and a great kit. The -14 is a better kit, and better fits my mission now.

Brent

[Robin8er]

I have an 8 and ill tell you just about everyone I know that has a 7, 10 or 14 says something to the effect of "I wish I had built an 8, but my wife..."

[Pilot135pd]

Originally Posted by Robin8er

I have an 8 and ill tell you just about everyone I know that has a 7, 10 or 14 says something to the effect of "I wish I had built an 8, but my wife..."

Everybody I have met who has an RV says the same thing..."I wish I had an 8, but my wife...". In fact thanks to that sentiment I have my RV-8 and the seller texted me 2 days ago telling me he misses the -8 ! His wife made him build a -7 and sell the -8.

So 2 things to consider, which one is going to be around longer and which one is going to give you the most joy until then

[Mel]

Originally Posted by Pilot135pd

Everybody I have met who has an RV says the same thing..."I wish I had an 8, but my wife...". In fact thanks to that sentiment I have my RV-8 and the seller texted me 2 days ago telling me he misses the -8 ! His wife made him build a -7 and sell the -8.

You guys obviously haven't met a lot of RV owners. Yes, the RV-8 is a popular airplane, but not "Everybody" wants one. I know many, many RV owners that do not want an RV-8!

[Pilot135pd]

Originally Posted by Mel

You guys obviously haven't met a lot of RV owners. Yes, the RV-8 is a popular airplane, but not "Everybody" wants one. I know many, many RV owners that do not want an RV-8!

Then you agree with me. I clearly said everybody "I MET". That's why I just didn't say everybody.

[Johnnybgoode]

You won't part with it.

Originally Posted by FlyArmy

Could always buy a flying RV3 or RV4 while you build an RV14. Have something to use for ?fun? flying (form/aero), then when you get your XC machine built, figure out if you want to part with it or keep it as the fun side chick.