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  #1  
Old 08-01-2013, 10:27 AM
DaleB's Avatar
DaleB DaleB is offline
 
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: Omaha, NE (KMLE)
Posts: 2,247
Default Gone and done it - tailwheel commitment

I'm nearing the point when my wings will go into the storage unit and I'll start on the fuselage. After several months of debate, yesterday I called Van's and ordered the 7-specific parts for my fuselage. It's going to cost me, as the original owner of this kit ordered the fuse and finish kit for a 7A. That means I'll be replacing the engine mount, gear legs (I assume) and heaven only knows what else.

I have no tailwheel training, have never launched or landed with one. But hey, I've got a long time to get tailwheel and RV transition training. I just kept finding reasons to do it, and the only reason not to was a little extra cost. So, it's done. As I get stuff unpacked I'll post the 7A-specific parts for sale or swap here. If anyone wants to go the other direction (tailwheel to nosewheel) let me know, I'd love to work out a swap!
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Dale

Omaha, NE
RV-12 # 222 N980KM "Screamin' Canary" (bought flying)
Fisher Celebrity (under construction)
Previous RV-7 project (sold)
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  #2  
Old 08-01-2013, 10:28 AM
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Mel Mel is offline
 
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: Dallas area
Posts: 10,768
Default

You won't regret it!
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USAF Vet, High School E-LSA Project Mentor.
RV-6 Flying since 1993 (sold)
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  #3  
Old 08-01-2013, 10:33 AM
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tmbg tmbg is offline
 
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Atlanta, GA
Posts: 240
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How hard is it to replace the tail tiedown with a tailspring mount on an already-built fuselage?
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  #4  
Old 08-01-2013, 10:43 AM
compren compren is offline
 
Join Date: Mar 2005
Posts: 78
Question Well then...

Are you gonna change your signature...or are you really not sure still??
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  #5  
Old 08-01-2013, 10:49 AM
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DaleB DaleB is offline
 
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: Omaha, NE (KMLE)
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Quote:
Originally Posted by compren View Post
Are you gonna change your signature...or are you really not sure still??
Ha! I was actually looking for the "strikethrough" BBcode.
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Dale

Omaha, NE
RV-12 # 222 N980KM "Screamin' Canary" (bought flying)
Fisher Celebrity (under construction)
Previous RV-7 project (sold)
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  #6  
Old 08-01-2013, 10:51 AM
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N9331v N9331v is offline
 
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Hampshire, IL
Posts: 276
Default Same

Good it's not only me. I'm building a 7 also, I've never flown in a RV or any tail dragged, just my Mooney and sometimes the twin or the past 18 years. Should be fun to learn something new.
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  #7  
Old 08-01-2013, 11:02 AM
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Greg Arehart Greg Arehart is offline
 
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Delta, CO/Atlin, BC
Posts: 2,391
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Quote:
Originally Posted by tmbg View Post
How hard is it to replace the tail tiedown with a tailspring mount on an already-built fuselage?
Pretty easy, actually, unless it is a slowbuild and you have done the VS mod that saves a few ounces (then you have to mess with the VS spar). If it's a QB, then they don't shave that spar so the TW stuff is a drop-in (well, almost). I wrote up a short set of instructions, or at least what I did, in MSWord. It is brief, but should give you an idea of what is involved. If anyone wants a copy, email me.

Greg
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  #8  
Old 08-01-2013, 11:24 AM
fixnflyguy fixnflyguy is offline
 
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: Winston-Salem, N.C.
Posts: 1,213
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Dale,
When I started building my slooow build -4, I had no TW time either, and about half way through my build, I bought a 1/3 intrest in a Taylorcraft BC-12...in fact, I went from central NC to south Florida to pick it up sight-unseen. My good friend and TW instructor went with me, and my first "lesson" was 8 hrs. and 700 miles long..4 take-offs, and 4 landings (realy bad ones). I never looked back and logged almost 400 hrs in the T-crate while completing the -4..hence slooower build. The RV's are one of the best handling TW aircraft around, and I made my first flight in the -4 almost 3 years and 200 hrs. ago with no regrets..So start looking for a TW of some kind you can beg, borrow or steal (buy) and get started!
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  #9  
Old 08-01-2013, 11:57 AM
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Rhino889 Rhino889 is offline
 
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: Jupiter FL.
Posts: 451
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I have about 12,000 hrs. Flown everything on a GA ramp with the exception of most warbirds.

Yesterday I had a few extra minutes. Never left the pattern. With a tailwheel aircraft it's like golf, you can always do better personally. Simple TW touch n goes still make for a fun 30 minutes with me.

Love DragonTails!
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  #10  
Old 08-01-2013, 12:28 PM
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DaleB DaleB is offline
 
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: Omaha, NE (KMLE)
Posts: 2,247
Default

See, this is part of what convinced me. Tailwheel pilots LOVE taildraggers, and anyone I've ever talked to that flies a taildragger raves about it.

On the other hand, the best I've heard so far about tricycle gear on an RV is more along the lines of, "Well, they don't really flip over that often, just use the right technique".

Since I finally got the hang of actually using my feet when taking off and landing, I've gotten over my fear of tailwheels. I'm actively looking for a TW airplane around here I can use... already have an instructor.


Plus... you just can't argue the "cool factor" of a taildragger.
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Dale

Omaha, NE
RV-12 # 222 N980KM "Screamin' Canary" (bought flying)
Fisher Celebrity (under construction)
Previous RV-7 project (sold)
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