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  #1  
Old 01-26-2012, 09:12 AM
David Paule David Paule is offline
 
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Location: Boulder, CO
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Default 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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  #2  
Old 01-26-2012, 09:30 AM
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Mike S Mike S is offline
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Default

Pretty sure the cabin fuel is driven by the removable wings.
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  #3  
Old 01-26-2012, 09:33 AM
Bob Axsom Bob Axsom is offline
 
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Default 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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  #4  
Old 01-26-2012, 10:58 AM
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Gagarin737 Gagarin737 is offline
 
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Is the Skyview package already available for the RV3?....
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  #5  
Old 01-26-2012, 11:02 AM
diamond diamond is offline
 
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Location: Rochester, MN
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Bob Axsom View Post
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
I think that's a typo Bob. I'm pretty sure he meant RV-9
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  #6  
Old 01-26-2012, 11:29 AM
David Paule David Paule is offline
 
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Location: Boulder, CO
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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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  #7  
Old 01-26-2012, 11:35 AM
Bob Axsom Bob Axsom is offline
 
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Default OK - I Understand

OK I understand - Follow your heart David.

Bob Axsom
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  #8  
Old 01-26-2012, 12:09 PM
RatMan RatMan is offline
 
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Location: Southern Mississippi
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Quote:
Originally Posted by David Paule View Post
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
That must be one highly modified 180!
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  #9  
Old 01-26-2012, 12:18 PM
David Paule David Paule is offline
 
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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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  #10  
Old 01-26-2012, 03:27 PM
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rvbuilder2002 rvbuilder2002 is offline
 
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Hubbard Oregon
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Quote:
Originally Posted by David Paule View Post
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
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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