Take me for a ride in a RV-7, Please! (Gilbert AZ)

[RV7AJeremy]

I am traveling back home next week to Arizona (Gilbert/Chandler area). I am finishing up my wings and getting ready to order the fuse and I still have not decided to build a tail dragger or a tri!! My question is would any one be willing to take me for a ride who is in the Gilbert/Chandler/Mesa area? I would love to get a ride in both. Lunch and gas is obviously on me!!! I have been in a -6 briefly and flew in a 9 at OSH last year but have never been in a -7. Cant wait to get back to AZ for a bit of leave.

Thanks for considering.

[bret]

Hey! Me TOO! looking for a ride-fuel donation. I am on the same fence, wings done and have to decide on the fuse kit, never did a tail dragger but I like the look and slight increase in performance. So if I may, is the tail wheel endorsement a big deal or not.....

[SilverEagle2]

I am needing to make the decision as well at some point.

Many wiser before me have told me to get a quote on insuring a Dragon Tail over a Trike and then ask how many hours it takes to make the premiums closer.

You may find that the cost to insure and required experience may make the decision for you. I plan to have my IR done to cut some of the costs to offset the Dragon as I get closer to give me more options...but time will tell.

Good luck on your decision making.

[yakdriver]

Man up men, build a tailwheel.

[Ron Lee]

Originally Posted by yakdriver

Man up men, build a tailwheel.

Or look inward and determine if your manhood is defined by the placement of the third wheel.

[bret]

Originally Posted by yakdriver

Man up men, build a tailwheel.

Sooooo...are you saying an F18 Hornet is a chick plane?

Just kidding, decisions decisions...

[RV7Guy]

Hey Jeremy,

I'll give you a ride in my 7. I'm at Stellar airpark in Chandler. The only problem, I go back to work tomorrow through Thursday. I can take you next Friday.

Call me next week and we'll work out the details. 480-204-0662

[yakdriver]

Originally Posted by Ron Lee

Or look inward and determine if your manhood is defined by the placement of the third wheel.

Hey, I just turned 60 so I'll take any enhancement I can get!

[Ron Lee]

Jeremy, can you explain why you are concerned about the taildragger? Are you checked out in taildraggers?

I learned to fly in a Cessna 140 and had issues but have flown several other taildraggers. I have never flown a RV taildragger yet hear that they may be easier than some taildraggers.

[RV7AJeremy]

Originally Posted by Ron Lee

Jeremy, can you explain why you are concerned about the taildragger? Are you checked out in taildraggers?

I learned to fly in a Cessna 140 and had issues but have flown several other taildraggers. I have never flown a RV taildragger yet hear that they may be easier than some taildraggers.

Here is my background:
I have never flown a tail dragger!!!!! I am currently an Evaluator qualified T-6 pilot (the new one) I have over 3000 hours, almost all military, 1500 in a C-17 and another 1000 in a T-6. The T-6 has a 96? 4 blade prop attached to a 1100 HP PT-6a turbo prop engine, it is a torque monster and we are constantly on the rudders so I am confident in my ability to use my feet while flying.

Here are my thoughts on the +?s and negatives.

Tail dragger +?s
Better performance
I think the tail dragger, IMHO looks better.
Slightly less construction costs
I would be more confident in its ability to operate on something other than concrete.
Also, I have to admit, the design of the nose wheel concerns me. I know a lot has to do with pilot technique, but I believe that if it can happen to them then it can happen to me.

A model +?s
ALL of my experience is in Tri?s, would make for easier transition.
The positive dynamic stability appeals to me
Lower insurance? Anyone know if insurance companies will looks at all experience or will they focus on tail wheel time?

Thanks to everyone for helping me make my decision. All thoughts are welcome.