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09-08-2012, 11:24 PM
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Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: Bolingbrook,IL
Posts: 17
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Considering building an RV-8
I am first time builder considering an RV8. I am looking for an aircraft that is both capable of local sport flying as well as the occasional cross country trip. I would primarily be flying solo. Any thoughts? Is there a better project to build for my first airplane?
Thanks,
Tony
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09-09-2012, 04:24 AM
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Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: Verona, Italy
Posts: 59
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F1 Rocket? 
__________________
Ettore ”Hector“ Bellini
B737NG Senior First Officer
RV-8 planned, to become real sooner or later.
Verona, northern Italy.
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09-09-2012, 04:39 AM
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Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: Gilbert, AZ
Posts: 1,628
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Welcome
Quote:
Originally Posted by AlphaSierra85
I am first time builder considering an RV8. I am looking for an aircraft that is both capable of local sport flying as well as the occasional cross country trip. I would primarily be flying solo. Any thoughts? Is there a better project to build for my first airplane?
Thanks,
Tony
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Tony,
Welcome to VAF! I'm sure you will get many opinions in response to your question. All of the Van's aircraft are wonderful airplanes and can be built by anyone with a modicum of skill. It is a learning process and you will build upon your skills as you go. Which model to build depends on your mission. The -9, -10 and -12 are not aerobatic. The -3 has only one seat. The -4 and -6 are a bit more difficult to build as they do not incorporate the matched hole technology of the later models, however there are some great deals to be had on used -4's and -6's if you want to go that route. The choice of side-by-side or tandem seating is a hot topic. If you travel with a significant other, a side-by-side -6 or -7 may be preferred unless you are on the large side as the shoulder room gets a bit tight. (That's where the -14 comes in; lots of shoulder room.) If you plan on doing a lot of formation and/or aerobatics the -4 or the -8 may suit you better. The centerline seating and unrestricted view make them well-suited.
After hearing all the opinions, make your own decision.
Now, do you want to hear about conventional gear versus tailwheel; constant speed versus fixed pitch,etc? Stay tuned... 
__________________
Ron Schreck
IAC National Judge
RV-8, "Miss Izzy", 2250 Hours - Sold
VAF 2021 Donor
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09-09-2012, 04:59 AM
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Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Louisville, Ga
Posts: 7,840
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Yep
Smokey gave you good advice, as an -8 owner.
The beauty of the -8 is also its 200 MPH cruise capabilities and more room for the Bubba sized guys.
...oh, and a big welcome to VAF!
__________________
Pierre Smith
RV-10, 510 TT
RV6A (Sojourner) 180 HP, Catto 3 Bl (502Hrs), gone...and already missed
Air Tractor AT 502B PT 6-15 Sold
Air Tractor 402 PT-6-20 Sold
EAA Flight Advisor/CFI/Tech Counselor
Louisville, Ga
It's never skill or craftsmanship that completes airplanes, it's the will to do so,
Patrick Kenny, EAA 275132
Dues gladly paid!
Last edited by pierre smith : 09-09-2012 at 04:59 AM.
Reason: sp
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09-09-2012, 06:51 AM
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Join Date: May 2012
Location: Bealeton Virginia
Posts: 557
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Welcome to VAF
Tony....Welcome to VAF!
My love affair has been going on with the RV-8 for 16 years....although I have only recently become an actual builder! My reasons for the -8 were: afraid I would be lacking shoulder room in side by side (big shoulders from body building of course ). I figger that I can remove the stick in the back when my wife and I travel and she will have all the room in the world to read or ????
It really is a personal choice.....best wishes!
YOL BOLSON!!!
__________________
Bob "Skyking" Corriveau
"PRINCE TRAPPED IN A PILOT'S BODY"
Yes I paid my =VAF= membership dues!
RV-8 QB Reserved N212KB
ATP
CFI/CFII/MEI
Build Site: http://www.mykitlog.com/skykingbob/
"Nothing worthwhile has ever been accomplished without inspiration, determination, and perspiration!"
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09-09-2012, 08:40 AM
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Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: Anchorage, Alaska
Posts: 457
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Good choice
Welcome to the group...I am building an 8...first one...won't be the last...
__________________
Burke Wick
Flying RV 8
Anchorage, Alaska
VAF Dues Paid for 2020
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09-09-2012, 09:06 AM
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Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: Charlotte NC
Posts: 1,166
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Ettore
F1 Rocket? 
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What is the status of the F1 rocket kits? I know the website is still up and it appears the kits are for sale however my understanding is the factory is shut down. Does anyone have a update?
George
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09-09-2012, 08:32 PM
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Super Moderator
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Join Date: Oct 2005
Posts: 752
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Quote:
Originally Posted by AlphaSierra85
I am first time builder considering an RV8. I am looking for an aircraft that is both capable of local sport flying as well as the occasional cross country trip. I would primarily be flying solo. Any thoughts? Is there a better project to build for my first airplane?
Thanks,
Tony
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Tony:
Your situation sounds very much like mine when deciding what to build. I chose the -8 because I usually travel solo, wanted a good local VFR sport plane, a taildragger plus some cross-country and sport aerobatic capabilities. I could talk for hours about the -8 (most -8 people can), but I'll cut to the chase -- this is an ideal airplane for what you want to do.
It's a great pattern airplane as it flies slow very well.
It's a great taildragger because it has excellent forward over the nose visibility even when taxiing (no S turning required) and has a large rudder to help give you precise control on takeoffs and landings. It's a well mannered taildragger.
Sport aerobatics are a pleasure due to the well harmonized controls.
And it's a great cross-country airplane because it's speed enables you to go so many places quickly (and back home again the same day if need be). My trip from Dallas (52F) to Oshkosh each year (775 nm) is less than five flight hours. The -8's two baggage areas offer plenty of space for the solo traveler and enough for two if you plan accordingly.
One caveat, I've found I underestimated my use of the plane for cross-country. I've done much more than I thought I would and if I had it to do over, I would have equipped the -8 for IFR right out of the gate.
As you can tell, I'm a fan of the RV-8. Based on the needs you stated in your post, i think it would be a great choice for you.
Chris
__________________
Chris Pratt (2020 VAF DUES PAID)
RV-8 Flying, 850+hours
N898DK
Lycoming O-360-A1A, Hartzell CS
52F (Northwest Regional, Aero Valley, Whatever, TX)
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09-09-2012, 09:26 PM
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Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: Mojave
Posts: 4,652
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Tony,
It's hard to go wrong with a -8, but I'd suggest you get some time in one to see if it suits you. I fly one quite often and have a bunch of long cross countries in it as well as plenty of local goofing off - and I can say that I once was seroiusly considering one, but it's probably out of the running now. Don't get me wrong, it is a very good airplane - but some things rub me the wrong way. The bottom line is that nobody on the internet can tell you one way or the other - get some seat time and go from there.
__________________
WARNING! Incorrect design and/or fabrication of aircraft and/or components may result in injury or death. Information presented in this post is based on my own experience - Reader has sole responsibility for determining accuracy or suitability for use.
Michael Robinson
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Harmon Rocket II -SDS EFI
RV-8 - SDS CPI
1940 Taylorcraft BL-65
1984 L39C
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09-10-2012, 04:46 AM
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Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: Buderim, Queensland Australia
Posts: 153
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Quote:
Originally Posted by ronschreck
Tony,
Welcome to VAF! I'm sure you will get many opinions in response to your question. All of the Van's aircraft are wonderful airplanes and can be built by anyone with a modicum of skill. It is a learning process and you will build upon your skills as you go. Which model to build depends on your mission. The -9, -10 and -12 are not aerobatic. The -3 has only one seat. The -4 and -6 are a bit more difficult to build as they do not incorporate the matched hole technology of the later models, however there are some great deals to be had on used -4's and -6's if you want to go that route. The choice of side-by-side or tandem seating is a hot topic. If you travel with a significant other, a side-by-side -6 or -7 may be preferred unless you are on the large side as the shoulder room gets a bit tight. (That's where the -14 comes in; lots of shoulder room.) If you plan on doing a lot of formation and/or aerobatics the -4 or the -8 may suit you better. The centerline seating and unrestricted view make them well-suited.
After hearing all the opinions, make your own decision.
Now, do you want to hear about conventional gear versus tailwheel; constant speed versus fixed pitch,etc? Stay tuned... 
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All sound advice but are Tail Dragger & Conventional not one & the same or did I miss the joke?
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