RV-3, RV-4, RV-9 as LSA?

[13brv3]

Hi Tony,

Looks great. Did you get tired of polishing aluminum

Rusty

[Paul Thomas]

Couldn't you set your own max power spec when you mount even a factory engine to an airplane YOU manufactured?

[Tony Spicer]

Originally Posted by 13brv3

Hi Tony,

Looks great. Did you get tired of polishing aluminum

Rusty

Heck no. Fuel caps and canopy handle will be polished.

Tony

[Phyrcooler]

Originally Posted by Tony Spicer

Two years ago when I was starting my RV-3, I wondered if it would be possible for it to be LSA compliant. So I asked EAA. Their response from November 2005 follows:

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"Since you are the builder of the aircraft you determine the gross weight, etc. and if operating as a sport pilot, you are responsible for flying only aircraft which qualify as an LSA.

...SNIP...

Practical considerations are that the burden of proof will be on you to establish that an RV-3 meets the definition. A knowledgeable FAA Inspector who "knows" that an RV-3 doesn't fit LSA will violate you first and then let you prove that it is in compliance. If the FAA has nothing else to go on, they will no doubt revert to the engine manufacturer's documentation, which will have a specific maximum continuous power rating (which definitely won't be 55% power!). For example, Lycoming calls out a maximum continuous rated power and RPM for the O-320-A2B of 150 hp and 2700 rpm. It would be pretty tough to convince an FAA inspector that the Lycoming engine in your homebuilt (even if it's modified in some way) has a substantially different maximum continuous power rating than what's on the TC. Van's probably will give you no support since they do not view it as LSA eligible.

Also, I would guess that you could also run into some insurance problems as they will use readily available reference material to determine what they will insure for sport pilot operations."

Tony Spicer (just the messenger)

I don't know if you could climb-prop even a O-320 for less than 120 kts., but maybe a smaller engine - ie: O-235/O-290... something that would give you a excellent climb... and remain under the max LSA cruise? (plus you'd shave a couple more LSA sensitive pounds)

DJ

[spitfire55]

What motor mount do you use when using a 0200 on a RV-3? Does a standard conical mount work?
Bill

[spitfire55]

Any body know What motor mount to use when using a 0200 on a RV-3,will a standard conical work or will you have to build a custom mount?
Bill

[AndrewBS]

Thought I'd take up the RV-3/4 LSA discussion...sure it can be done, to get a 'real' RV LSA (i.e., one with a tailwheel)

1. J-3 style cowl
2. No wheel pants or gear leg fairings
3. Round-head rivets on skin
4. Open cockpit for RV-3 or single-place -4

That should keep the top speed at around 135 with an 0-290 or 0-235. It should sound familiar, too...that was the configuration of the original T-18!

Now that I threw down the gauntlet I guess I gotta build one...

Any thoughts?

[Geico266]

Stall speed on the -4 is 54 MPH. It's gonna be tough to over come that.

[AndrewBS]

For the 4, build very light, and use VG's. It'll probably be a single-place airplane, though I would love to be proven wrong.

[Kevin Horton]

Originally Posted by Geico266

Stall speed on the -4 is 54 MPH. It's gonna be tough to over come that.

It's even worse that that. Van's quoted stall speeds are with full flap. The LSA required stall speed is with flaps up.