When did you decide?

[ryanturner]

I have decided to build an RV-7 or RV-7A and am having trouble deciding which to get. I would like to get some feedback on when other builders made the decision. It looks like I don?t have to decide where to put the third wheel until I order the fuselage kit. Did you know when you started your project or did you wait until you were forced to make a decision?

[Mike S]

Ryan, welcome to VAF.

I did not get a chance to make that decision, the 10 is has a training wheel only.

The 8 will not.

As to when I made that decision, well-------I started flying a taildragger in 87.

Good to have you aboard.

[mike109g6]

I would suspect that it has more to do with your flying abilities. If, you have a TW endorsement and are use to TW go for it. If you do not have any TW exterience then you will need TW training and endorsement-extra $$$. Personally I love the looks of TW planes. But, I have not TW experience, hard to find training in my area, most TW trainers have 200# max rear seat requirements-I weigh 250#, and since every major air force, and aircraft manufacturer in world have converted to NG since WWII I decided to stay with NG aircraft.
Mike H 9A/8A

[kentb]

Originally Posted by ryanturner

I have decided to build an RV-7 or RV-7A and am having trouble deciding which to get. I would like to get some feedback on when other builders made the decision. It looks like I don?t have to decide where to put the third wheel until I order the fuselage kit. Did you know when you started your project or did you wait until you were forced to make a decision?

When I started my 9 the A model was the only one offered. Before it was time to order the fuse. the 9 tail wheel model was flying and I though for quite awhile about weather to switch.

I had a tail wheel endorsement and some 20 hours of experience, so I didn't thing going without rubber on the nose would be a problem. The plane at rest looks a little more classic, cool.....

But I ended up going with the nose wheel for the following reasons.
1. Insurance would be a little cheaper.
2. I think resale value will be a little more (of course build cost are a little more.) And the market for resale would be greater (not everyone has a tail wheel endorsement).
3. I think that my PAX would not like being tilted back while on the ground and I want her to fly with me as much as possible.

Good luck with your decision, remember there is not wrong decision when it come to flying an RV.


Kent

[JHines]

I decided before I ordered the empennage.

[N941WR]

I decided the day Van's announced a tail dragger version of the -9.

Learning to fly a plane with conventional gear isn't difficult, just 10 more hours of instruction and who can't use that?

[jdmunzell]

When did I decide? I think when I was about five years old....

...tailwheel that is....

[Chino Tom]

As you stated, you must decide before you order the fuselage kit. Both the -7 and 7A fly the same except for the first and last 15 seconds of every flight.
RV's are relatively easy to take off and land as taildraggers go. If you don't have any TW experience, it is wonderful to learn and be proficient at a new skill. And your feet will never be lazy again. If you really want a -7 go for it!

[John Clark]

1965, when I trained in a Cessna 140.

John Clark
RV8 N18U "Sunshine"
KSBA

[8CW]

80% of my time is tailwheel time. I've never considered doing an "A".