Prior flying life

[Gash]

Retired F-16. I've owned both RVs in question. I flew my RV-8 for about 850 hours before I sold it. I missed having an RV, so bought a RV-7 shortly afterwards. I now have about 150 hours on the -7. Here are my observations:

- Performance and handling is close. Don't let this be a deciding factor since it's pretty much a wash. Buy as much engine and prop as you can, then go have a blast. Properly equipped, they're both great performers.

- The -8 stick in the middle and throttle on the left side is superior. I've gotten used to flying with my left hand and working a vernier throttle in the right, but it's not ideal.

- Formation flying is easier in the -8 due to better visibility.

- Aerobatics are easier in the -8.

....and in my opinion, that's where the -8 advantages stop:

- The -7 has much more panel space, and I think you can get a superior panel design into the side-by-side cockpit with fewer compromises.

- Getting baggage in and out of the -7 is much simpler. I have the Supertracks canopy extension for my slider and I highly recommend it. It's also nice to be able to reach back to access baggage items during flight. In the -8, you're stuck with whatever you can stow up front with you.

- When flying solo, I really like being able to put things in the empty seat next to me.

- When flying with a passenger, the experience is much better for both of us in the -7. Better visibility for the passenger, much better heating, and easier to get in and out. My family really liked the -8 and had no complaints flying all across the country in it, but once we got the -7 everyone said they like it much better.

I hope this helps. The good news is that you can't really make a bad decision here. They're both great designs.

[TomVal]

Originally Posted by Intruder

I was Marine A-6 B/N who wanted A-6s, not F-4s, because I wanted to look out the front window. When it came to deciding between a 7 or 8, I thought about that regarding my wife. She said to get what you want as most of my flying would be without her. I ordered the 8A and two years later I finally got my demo ride at the factory. After we landed, the demo pilot took her up. I was praying she liked it as I had a lot of $$$ tied up in it at that point. The first thing she after landing was, "Hurry up and get it done". She liked having her own space, not bumping into me and having the higher canopy rails where she didn't feel like she might fall out a door like a in Cessna or Piper. Unfortunately she's had many medical issues since which have really slowed the build, but it will get done.

John,

Welcome to the forum. Sent you a PM.

[Capt]

Originally Posted by Gash

Retired F-16. I've owned both RVs in question. I flew my RV-8 for about 850 hours before I sold it. I missed having an RV, so bought a RV-7 shortly afterwards. I now have about 150 hours on the -7. Here are my observations:

- Performance and handling is close. Don't let this be a deciding factor since it's pretty much a wash. Buy as much engine and prop as you can, then go have a blast. Properly equipped, they're both great performers.

- The -8 stick in the middle and throttle on the left side is superior. I've gotten used to flying with my left hand and working a vernier throttle in the right, but it's not ideal.

- Formation flying is easier in the -8 due to better visibility.

- Aerobatics are easier in the -8.

....and in my opinion, that's where the -8 advantages stop:

- The -7 has much more panel space, and I think you can get a superior panel design into the side-by-side cockpit with fewer compromises.

- Getting baggage in and out of the -7 is much simpler. I have the Supertracks canopy extension for my slider and I highly recommend it. It's also nice to be able to reach back to access baggage items during flight. In the -8, you're stuck with whatever you can stow up front with you.

- When flying solo, I really like being able to put things in the empty seat next to me.

- When flying with a passenger, the experience is much better for both of us in the -7. Better visibility for the passenger, much better heating, and easier to get in and out. My family really liked the -8 and had no complaints flying all across the country in it, but once we got the -7 everyone said they like it much better.

I hope this helps. The good news is that you can't really make a bad decision here. They're both great designs.

That's a great feedback report. I agree with the luggage comparisn, the 7 is the winner there but in my mind that's where it ends
We are all very visual creatures, we often buy things purely for looks, I know I did to some degree and I got the added bonus of the 8 being superior in most areas over the 7

[DanH]

An lot of the decision depends on physical size.

Solo, small stature? RV-4

Mostly solo, tall? RV-8

Dual, small stature? RV-6 or 7

Dual, tall? RV-14

Some tall guys can't close the canopy on a 4, which is why there is an 8. Two six footers in a 6/7 is almost a clown car. It's why they designed the 14.

The "mostly solo" question requires a dose of reality. I know a lot of guys who factored in the wife's desires, and at almost 40 years married I'm certainly not knocking it...but a high percentage of those wives just don't go very often. All good partnerships include some mutual compromise.

[neck101]

TomVal...I did not get your PM

[gereed75]

Gash - fixed the right hand on the stick thing with a left hand throttle in my six using an 8 rear throttle kit. Works great and falls to hand like it was designed into the origin

Dan - I’m 6’4 and fixed the clown car feel with what is essentially an almost 14 mod, pushing the pedals forward to the max and cutting out shoulder room in the slider sill. Actual measurements give me a bit more room than a 7. Very comfy.

It is all good either way.

[smokyray]

Originally Posted by neck101

Quick question for the -8 community. Just curious how many of you flew, or are still flying, tactical aircraft (ie fighters or attack aircraft) in the military? Also, was this a determining factor in choosing the -8 over other models?

Former Phantom driver trying to decide on which model to build...

Thanks.

JR,
I started building my RV4 while flying Vipers at Misawa in the late 80’s. I chose the 4 not to be “fighter-like” but to be a 180mph Super Cub. There is no airplane on earth like the F16, so attempting to re-live the old days wasn’t my mission.

The 8 wasn’t an option until my Four was “well seasoned” after 10 years of flying, and when I test flew a friends new RV8 (one of the original serial numbers) I liked it but not nearly as nimble, light or sporty as the Four. On the plus side of the 8, for guys over 6’ the 8 cockpit is more roomy, forward baggage handy, spring steel gear a plus, big canopy excellent.
The RV4 was in my mind and still is the definitive Sport Plane.

However....
When I returned from Iraq in 2004 I purchased and rebuilt a Harmon Rocket 2 which I liked more than my Four and is far superior to the 8 in neatly every aspect except high ownership cost and limited factory support where the 8 and RV4 excel. If you’re not planning on building, the Four is the most bang for your buck. I stand by my earlier statement...hope that helps.

Stop by 52F sometime and visit DR, Randy and the gang for lunch....

V/R
Smokey

[N941WR]

Originally Posted by Gash

Retired F-16. I've owned both RVs in question...

- The -8 stick in the middle and throttle on the left side is superior. I've gotten used to flying with my left hand and working a vernier throttle in the right, but it's not ideal.
...
I hope this helps. The good news is that you can't really make a bad decision here. They're both great designs.

That Vernier throttle thing can be fixed with a simple panel upgrade.

I my case, I put a throttle quadrant in the center, which makes a much better experience when flying formation or acro. It also makes it easier to fly from the left seat.

This is an old picture of my panel, which has since been upgraded with a SkyView.

(Click to enlarge)