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01-26-2012, 09:12 AM
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Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: Boulder, CO
Posts: 4,435
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Why I Didn't Order an RV-12
After coming very close to ordering an RV-12 kit, I ordered an RV-3B kit instead.
There were three things that dissuaded me from the RV-12, which I regard as a delightful airplane with remarkably good visibility.
1. It's not a taildragger. That was the main show-stopper, and I gave some serious consideration to fixing that little problem, but ultimately decided that while it was doable I wanted to build rather than do more engineering. I retired to do other things.
2. The fuselage tank. Too bad there aren't optional wing tanks. Again, I didn't want to do the engineering that would let me build my own.
3. The lack of progress with the Skyview. I figured that this would be available by the time I was ready for it but there is still some considerable uncertainty right at the moment. From the builder comments about the D180, it seemed likely that there might be some initial issues with it and that the timing might put me into them.
One possibility that affected my decision is the hope that when I get the RV-3B done and flying, that perhaps the -12 or a follow-on Van's LSA will be a taildragger and have no cabin fuel. I don't care whether it's tandem or side by side. C'mon, Van's!
Dave
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01-26-2012, 09:30 AM
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Senior Curmudgeon
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Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Dayton Airpark, NV A34
Posts: 15,420
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Pretty sure the cabin fuel is driven by the removable wings.
__________________
Mike Starkey
VAF 909
Rv-10, N210LM.
Flying as of 12/4/2010
Phase 1 done, 2/4/2011 
Sold after 240+ wonderful hours of flight.
"Flying the airplane is more important than radioing your plight to a person on the ground incapable of understanding or doing anything about it."
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01-26-2012, 09:33 AM
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Join Date: Mar 2005
Posts: 5,685
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Interesting choice...
I can see why you chose not to build the RV-12 in your writeup but not why you selected the RV-3B. Just curious I guess.
Bob Axsom
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01-26-2012, 10:58 AM
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Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: Netherlands
Posts: 663
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Is the Skyview package already available for the RV3?....
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01-26-2012, 11:02 AM
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Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Rochester, MN
Posts: 710
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Bob Axsom
I can see why you chose not to build the RV-12 in your writeup but not why you selected the RV-3B. Just curious I guess.
Bob Axsom
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I think that's a typo Bob. I'm pretty sure he meant RV-9 
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01-26-2012, 11:29 AM
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Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: Boulder, CO
Posts: 4,435
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I chose the RV-3B because once I decided not to buy the RV-12, which was the only LSA kit on my list, I could get anything. I wasn't limited by the need for LSA.
My Cessna 180 has nearly the cruise and climb and take-off/landing performance of the other RVs, and of course has four seats. That gave me the option of selecting a single-seater for what is going to be a play airplane.
The single-seat RV-3B is an appealing project. Actually, it's a very exciting project. And from all I've heard, a great airplane to fly.
Dave
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01-26-2012, 11:35 AM
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Join Date: Mar 2005
Posts: 5,685
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OK - I Understand
OK I understand - Follow your heart David.
Bob Axsom
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01-26-2012, 12:09 PM
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Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Southern Mississippi
Posts: 495
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Quote:
Originally Posted by David Paule
My Cessna 180 has nearly the cruise and climb and take-off/landing performance of the other RVs, and of course has four seats.
Dave
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That must be one highly modified 180!
__________________
John Ratliff
N898R
RV-8
Saucier MS
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01-26-2012, 12:18 PM
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Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: Boulder, CO
Posts: 4,435
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Not so much. There's a lot of them that'll do it, especially the early ones. And most of the Cessna 185s will, too, with more load and a higher fuel burn.
Dave
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01-26-2012, 03:27 PM
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Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Hubbard Oregon
Posts: 9,035
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Quote:
Originally Posted by David Paule
Not so much. There's a lot of them that'll do it, especially the early ones. And most of the Cessna 185s will, too, with more load and a higher fuel burn.
Dave
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A lot of C-180's can cruise at close to 165-170 kts?
Maybe I need to take another look at C-180's
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