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06-07-2020, 08:15 AM
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Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: Washington, Mo
Posts: 22
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Tailwheel endorsement and transition training in an RV-8
I just recently acquired an RV-8 and now need to decide how to best get my tailwheel endorsement and transition training. I live in St. Louis area and know of a good instructor for tailwheels but question if I should start with a plane such as a Decathlon or start by flying my RV-8 with an instructor? Should I find an instructor that is well versed in RV-8?s vs one who has flown Extra?s, Pitts and others? What has worked well for others?
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Barry Klussman
RV-10 Empennage Kit Builder
KFYG Missouri
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06-07-2020, 09:11 AM
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Join Date: Sep 2013
Location: Rancho San Lorenzo
Posts: 885
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If you can't find it locally, make an appointment with Bruce Bohannon down the coast from Houston. At Flyin' Tiger Field near Angleton. He can start you in a Cub and has a dual-control RV-8 for FAA-approved RV transition instruction. Maybe a few weekends or block off some time from work. I did Pitts transition training with him. Best instruction I have ever had. Excellent insightful briefing and debriefing. Bruce is as genuine as they come and he doesn't mince words or coddle you which means you don't waste any time on the ground or in the air.
Jim
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RV-8
(a few more airplanes too)
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06-07-2020, 04:47 PM
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Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: Lufkin Tx
Posts: 689
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Get your tailwheel endorsement in anything you like that?s local. I got mine in a cub and the next RV I flew was a -7. Any RV taildragger is very easy to handle, especially the 8. Lots of information on the subject here on VAF.
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Arlie Conner (A&P)
RV-4 (N124TT) Sold
RV-8 (N269CP) Sold
RV-4 (N684ML) completed 3-17-19
KOCH Nacogdoches
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06-07-2020, 05:23 PM
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Join Date: May 2014
Location: Friendswood TX
Posts: 218
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Another plug for Bruce, money well spent.
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Mark Andrew Tacquard
RV8 N189DK
RV10 in progress
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06-08-2020, 06:34 AM
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Join Date: Feb 2017
Location: Australia
Posts: 615
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Quote:
Originally Posted by acam37
Get your tailwheel endorsement in anything you like that?s local. I got mine in a cub and the next RV I flew was a -7. Any RV taildragger is very easy to handle, especially the 8. Lots of information on the subject here on VAF.
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I agree the 8 is very easy to handle. Oddly enough the proper Vans designs (conventional U/C) sometimes have a 'Boogyman' tag attached to it, wrongly so.
I'd never flown conventional U/C planes b4 but bought a good Citabria & did 120 hrs, then bought an 8, jumped in zero training and flew off into the sunset, never looked back, it's a pussycat, enjoy the ride😉👍 
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06-08-2020, 07:56 AM
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Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Olathe, KS
Posts: 397
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RV tailwheel models are very well behaved but not the best for an initial tailwheel endorsement (no brakes in the rear cockpit of the -8, and things do generally happen quicker - but I'm not saying it can't be done). I did the endorsement in a Decathlon, then went to the RV - just some mental adjustments to the excellent control response of the RV and it was straightforward.
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Brad Brensing
RV-10 Emp/Tailcone - Complete, QB Wings - Building, Fuse - Building
Never judge a man by his trim tabs.
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06-08-2020, 08:25 AM
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Join Date: Jan 2019
Location: Vaca Moo Airport - TA37 in East TEXAS
Posts: 1,331
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I used to own a Citabria but hadn't flown taildraggers for over 30 years, heck hadn't flown an airplane in 10 years since all I was flying was helicopters, but a couple of hours in the rear seat of my -8 and I was good to go.
I agree the -8 is a very docile taildragger. It's a tiger in the air but a pussycat on the ground.
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RV-8 N52VM: OnSpeed Gen2 AOA-3D, Dynon D-180, Autopilot, Titan 0-360A1A, Hartzell C/S, INS-429 IFR & GPS496, WingX & Stratux for backup & ADS-B IN. Enjoying life while building an airpark with FREE campsite for pilots www.facebook.com/VacaMooAirport/
Exempt by 3 out of the 10 ways but I still donated.
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06-10-2020, 08:09 PM
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Join Date: Oct 2017
Location: Green Cove Springs, FL
Posts: 106
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I wholeheartedly recommend Bruce Bohannon down in Angleton, TX. He's an excellent instructor..a legendary pilot with wealth of experience and ~33 world records to his name. Better to get ones transition training in the model RV you're planning to fly, imho. Especially if its your first RV. And Bruce is the only transition trainer to my knowledge doing transition training in a fully-dual RV-8. Money very well spent.
I still hear Bruce's voice over my shoulder on every landing..."Keep it straight!!". 
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Kind regards,
Tom
==================================
RV-8 N269CP
O-360-A1A w/Hartzell CS prop on 100LL
Slick-IC+PMag ignitions
Steam gauges
EI UBG-16, FP-5, & MUX-8A datalogger
Garmin Aera 660
TruTrak ADI Pilot II (GPS coupled)
Garmin GDL39 3D ADSB-In
uAvionix Tailbeacon ADSB-Out
Infinity grip w/Matronics trim speed control
Reiff preheater system
TCW oil cooler air damper w/servo drive
AntiSplat oil mist separator
Mountain High O2D1 O2 system
Location: Durango, CO (KDRO)
Last edited by Tom @ N269CP : 06-10-2020 at 08:12 PM.
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06-11-2020, 04:42 AM
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Join Date: Feb 2015
Location: Basel, Switzerland
Posts: 203
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I also recommend 100% Bruce Bohannon... Absoultely worth the money (even from overseas)...
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Yves - Basel, Switzerland
RV-8 #83458 HB-YUA
Donation 2019 done
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06-11-2020, 07:29 AM
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Join Date: Aug 2019
Location: Memphis
Posts: 8
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A trip to see Bruce will be the best money you've ever spent. Excellent instructor. Absolutely the way to go.
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