OMG! My first flight in the RV-3B

[hydroguy2]

WooHoo! congrats to you and junior getting some quality bonding time

[David-aviator]

Congrats on flying and enjoying junior, it's a pleasure to read the flight report.

[N8RV]

... And, the -3B is cheaper to build and cheaper to fly! As it seems most RVs are flown solo the vast majority of the time, I have to wonder why the -3B isn’t the most popular model? ...


With the advent of the light sport category, and the possibility of the Class III medical requirement being lifted, it would seem a REALLY smart move for Van's to give some consideration to making the -3B kit more user friendly.

From the horror stories I've heard and read, building a -3B is NOT for the faint of heart. Obviously, only REAL RV-builders could ever actually assemble one. If they would re-tool the kit to current standards, with the match-hole technology and more pre-fab parts, I'd bet that the -3B's numbers would soar.

After a couple of years of flying Smokey, my lifelong pattern remains the same -- 95% of my flights are short and solo. My back seat is pretty much a waste of space. Were the kit not so daunting, I'd seriously consider selling Smokey and building a -3B in my pending semi-retirement.

Congrats, Louise, on your maiden voyage. Great report.

[GusBiz]

Originally Posted by Louise Hose;612392[I

..snip....But, the -3 surpassed them both…..no contest!

....It seems to climb like our neighbor’s F-1 Rocket....

....As Paul had briefed, the plane does NOT want to slow down....

The -3 exceeded just about every aspect of our other RVs for pure fun, local flying. It climbed better and has extraordinary visibility. The controls are lighter, throttle response quicker, and both feel more precise than either of the two other planes. Without question, the -3’s cockpit design and comfort blows them both away. It is pure joy to fly!

So would you say the -3B compares to a -4, o-320 or io-360?

Using your car anaology is it porsche vs a ....?

I personally can see why the -3 is great but not being able to take anyone with me, ever is a real turn off.

If Vans were to make the -3 and the -4 with the modern plans and match drilled its like the newer models then I think that market would re-invent itself overnight.

[rvmills]

Congrats Louise!!! Sounds like it was a pure blast!

Big grins reading your description of how it flies!

Big chuckles on the track-up thing!

Happy New Year!

Cheers,
Bob

[TS Flightlines]

With great delight I read your report on your first JR flight! I know that when you get more comfortable, you'll probably want to fly JR more than Mickey!
So-----are you and Paul going to buid ANOTHER 3B---a his and hers, or getting his and hers keys made??!!!!
Congrats to you both on an outstanding job!
Tom

[panhandler1956]

Awesome! Great job! MY -3B envy continues ! Some day....

Way to go!

[Jim Lewellyn]

Way to go Louise!

[KatieB]

Way to go Louise! Thanks for more inspiration to keep jigging, trimming & filing...

[Louise Hose]

Originally Posted by GusBiz

So would you say the -3B compares to a -4, o-320 or io-360?

I haven't piloted a -4 so I can't comment on performance differences. Having ridden in the back of one, however, I do think the -4 has slightly (and only slightly) better comfort for a passenger.