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  #1  
Old 07-10-2013, 01:00 PM
MikeyDale's Avatar
MikeyDale MikeyDale is offline
 
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: Garden City Texas
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Default Steps on a taildragger?

I am converting a 7a to a 7. The project had steps installed. I am wondering if they will be useful and worth the extra weight or should I take them off. I have not had the opportunity to be around RVs enough to know or have an opinion. Also not sure if ground clearance would be an issue. Can anyone advise?
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RV 7 FLYING SINCE 4/2015!
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  #2  
Old 07-10-2013, 01:25 PM
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DougJ DougJ is offline
 
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Location: Prather, CA
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When I was shopping I saw several -6's and -7's with steps. The owners reported no issues having the steps on the taildragger.
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  #3  
Old 07-10-2013, 02:23 PM
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My wife and I are short and old. My wing get a little higher each year.
The steps really help.

I did not use Van's steps. I built my own out of 4130 streamline tubing. They come straight out in line with the dihedral just aft of the flaps. With the flaps up, they are approximately 1/4" aft of the trailing edge. With the flaps down, they work beautifully.
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EAA Flight Advisor/Tech Counselor, Friend of the RV-1
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RV-6 Flying since 1993 (sold)
<rvmel(at)icloud.com>
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  #4  
Old 07-10-2013, 02:37 PM
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DougJ DougJ is offline
 
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Mel View Post
~I built my own out of 4130 streamline tubing. They come straight out in line with the dihedral just aft of the flaps. With the flaps up, they are approximately 1/4" aft of the trailing edge. With the flaps down, they work beautifully.
Interesting, I was considering shortening the standard steps if I ended up buying an airplane with them, you certainly don't need the full length step.
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  #5  
Old 07-10-2013, 03:18 PM
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Mel Mel is offline
 
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The big advantage to mine is that the are one piece straight 4130 tubing with no weld joints to crack.
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Mel Asberry, DAR since the last century.
EAA Flight Advisor/Tech Counselor, Friend of the RV-1
Recipient of Tony Bingelis Award and Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award
USAF Vet, High School E-LSA Project Mentor.
RV-6 Flying since 1993 (sold)
<rvmel(at)icloud.com>
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  #6  
Old 07-10-2013, 03:21 PM
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gnuse gnuse is offline
 
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Location: Georgia / 0GE5 / KSSI
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Mel,
Have you got pictures?
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  #7  
Old 07-10-2013, 03:25 PM
49clipper 49clipper is offline
 
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Location: Belleville
Posts: 306
Default Steps

I have often contemplated putting steps on my -6 due to short legs. If in the building stage, I would do it.
Jim
RV-6
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  #8  
Old 07-10-2013, 03:36 PM
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Mel Mel is offline
 
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Quote:
Originally Posted by gnuse View Post
Mel,
Have you got pictures?
I do have some pictures. They are not very good and I don't do pictures on the forum, but if you will give me your email, I will send them.
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Mel Asberry, DAR since the last century.
EAA Flight Advisor/Tech Counselor, Friend of the RV-1
Recipient of Tony Bingelis Award and Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award
USAF Vet, High School E-LSA Project Mentor.
RV-6 Flying since 1993 (sold)
<rvmel(at)icloud.com>
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  #9  
Old 07-10-2013, 04:55 PM
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roadrunner20 roadrunner20 is offline
 
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Location: Bay Pines, FL (based @ KCLW)
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I converted a 7A to 7.
I never installed them on the A model and it was a big step. I don't think you'll have an issue with stepping up on the TW model.
Remember that the steps are aft of the CG and could be an issue if you decide on a Catto or other lightweight FP prop.
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  #10  
Old 07-10-2013, 05:24 PM
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MikeyDale MikeyDale is offline
 
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I think I will leave them on until I get ready to paint. Planning now to go with CS prop but if I change my mind, I can pull them off if I go with the Catto. I was just curious if anyone had them on a 7 or 6.
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