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  #1  
Old 05-21-2014, 01:21 PM
Mike H Mike H is offline
 
Join Date: May 2014
Location: Savannah
Posts: 806
Default New guy with RV-14 questions

New guy here, have some questions regarding the -14.

I am an A&P, I/A, Private Pilot and have helped build a -7 and been around several other models, but just recently started to consider building a -14. I have not payed much attention to the development to the -14 over the years, but after seeing it at SNF the last few years and doing some research it looks like it may be the perfect next plane for me.

I have very little tail wheel time and if I build the -14 it will most likely be the A model. My biggest concearn is the durability of the landing gear, especially the nose gear. I would like to fly the airplane off of some local turf runways, some of which are not perfectly smooth and which I would not feel comfortable flying the other A models from, however it is not an issue with a C-172 or PA-28.

I know there is currently only one -14A flying, but given that the airplane appears to have the -10 nose and main gear what is the general consensus of operating this airplane off of other than perfect turf runways?

Thanks.
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  #2  
Old 05-21-2014, 01:31 PM
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GLPalinkas GLPalinkas is offline
 
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Venice, Fl
Posts: 1,020
Default Welcome

Welcome to the good ship VAF.

I'm sure someone will chime in with some help but my opinion is by the time you have built the -14 you would be proficient in tail wheel operations after some training. Again, just my opinion but you will have a more versatile aircraft for your intended grass strip uses.

Of course I'm a little prejudice when it comes to tail draggers.
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  #3  
Old 05-21-2014, 01:37 PM
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pierre smith pierre smith is offline
 
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Louisville, Ga
Posts: 7,840
Default

Mike, my -10 has the same basic nose gear with rubber donuts for suspension and works very well on turf. I land on grass often and it's failure mode is up, toward the engine. Several forced landings on here over the years and none folded under like the two seat, -6's and -7's.

A friend of mine is building one here (2J3) and the wings are done in Sandersville, Ga (O9J).

Best,
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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,
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  #4  
Old 05-21-2014, 03:21 PM
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rmartingt rmartingt is offline
 
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Savannah, GA
Posts: 1,029
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Mike H View Post
I have very little tail wheel time and if I build the -14 it will most likely be the A model.
I think you'd be just fine with a tailwheel. I had very little time in anything when I did my tailwheel transition in an RV-6, and I didn't have any trouble. The RVs are very docile.

Also, I noticed you're in Savannah. Nice to see someone else down here!
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  #5  
Old 05-21-2014, 05:04 PM
Mike H Mike H is offline
 
Join Date: May 2014
Location: Savannah
Posts: 806
Default

Thanks for the welcome! Pierre, that is good information regarding the -10 landing gear durability. Even though I fully intend to become tail wheel proficient and will have use of a -7 when it is done in the next year or so, I was also considering the -14A model for the added cross wind ability while traveling where there may not be an option of multiple runways. Does this sound logical?

Now I need to sell my Rans and order my kit. I am based at LHW. Most Saturdays I am either working on something that flies or flying the Rans or something else. We almost always fire up the grill and make lunch so if any of you are in the area stop by and grab a burger or a brat.
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  #6  
Old 05-22-2014, 05:04 AM
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pierre smith pierre smith is offline
 
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Louisville, Ga
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Mike, I'll be in Beaufort, S.C. from Saturday 'til Monday if you'd like to see my -10, just PM me your cell #. Mine's 478 494 3seven fife7.

Best,
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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!
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  #7  
Old 05-22-2014, 06:45 AM
Mike H Mike H is offline
 
Join Date: May 2014
Location: Savannah
Posts: 806
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Pierre, I would love to see the -10 sometime, but I have to do an annual inspection on a PA-28 Saturday, and I am not sure what Sunday is looking like right now. If you feel like making the short hop over from Frogmore International for luch on Saturady give me a call and I will make sure we throw on some extra grub. My cell # is 912 four eight four seven four three one.
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  #8  
Old 05-22-2014, 07:00 PM
60av8tor 60av8tor is offline
 
Join Date: May 2012
Location: Harrisburg, Pa
Posts: 759
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Good to see you on here, Mike. Scott told me you had the -14 fever!

Pierre - Ray flew your plane down in February with your step son to finish up some items on my CI - what great service! I had just started my -10 and yours was the first -10 I had even seen up close and personal. Really enjoyed checking out your plane - thank you. I was shocked over the room in the cabin. I immediately knew I had chosen the right plane. Headed up to Ray's tomorrow AM.
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  #9  
Old 05-23-2014, 05:29 AM
pierre smith's Avatar
pierre smith pierre smith is offline
 
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Louisville, Ga
Posts: 7,840
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Jon, you'd better call him first...I believe he'll be out of town.

Best,
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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!
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  #10  
Old 05-23-2014, 05:30 AM
Mike H Mike H is offline
 
Join Date: May 2014
Location: Savannah
Posts: 806
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Jon....I gots the fever really bad!....can't stop thinking about it....and my wallet started making moaning sounds!
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