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07-22-2015, 06:34 AM
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Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: Chicago
Posts: 19
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RV-8 pilot demands
I know this is a difficult question to answer but what level of piloting skills are required to build an RV-8? I guess in comparison to a 6 or some other known reference point? I am a low time pilot with only experience in Cessnas and recently a Cub. But I love the tandem seating and military paint schemes. Should someone like me be a passive fan due to inexperience or can someone handle the RV-8 with a little training. I guess the best thing to do would be to fly one. I would need to find someone in the Chicago area.
Any insight would be appreciated.
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07-22-2015, 06:57 AM
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Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Granbury Texas
Posts: 1,136
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No piloting skills required however just good common sense is all you need to build. Vans kits are outstanding and lead you through the process. The only real requirement is the need to stick with it.
__________________
Built, RV 8, RV8A, RV 10, RV12, Purchased RV7A
Restored J3Cub and PA28R180
Pecan Plantation
Eagles Nest Mentor
EAA Tech Counselor
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07-22-2015, 06:58 AM
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Join Date: May 2014
Location: KBVY Massachusetts
Posts: 1,100
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Your post is a little unclear:
Are you asking about skills to build one?
Or are you asking about pilot skills to fly one?
If the latter, low time isn't necessarily a problem if it's the right time. Meaning taildragger experience. Unless you are thinking of an RV-8A in which case modern trainers set you up pretty well.
But another aspect to consider is that the RV-8/A is aerobatic. If you want to do some aerobatics then you'll probably want to get a good bit of instruction.
__________________
Flying RV-8 N880BC
2019 Dues - happily paid.
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07-22-2015, 07:03 AM
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Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: St Louis, MO
Posts: 957
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RV-8 Flying
Alan,
A little unsure what you are asking- is it pilot skills to fly one or building skills to build one?
If it is the former- I think you will find the RV-8 (don't discount an RV-4) is exceedingly easy to fly. It really does become an extension of yourself as opposed to you flying a Spam Can production high wing (I say that with all due respect to the high wingers out there). Each of the RV tailwheel airplanes has it's own little quirks depending on it's personality. The RV-8 flies well and lands straightforward as long as you have the proper transition training in an RV-8.
I have flown the -3, -4, -6, -7 & -8 (all TW) and they are RVs after all and are a hoot to fly. I am a little partial to the -4 but the -8 does offer more room and baggage options.
You definitely need to find a couple RVs near you and bribe the owners with lunch. Any time you say the word "free" around a pilot you are gauranteed to get a response. Now if you throw in some "free adult beverages" after flying you will have then lined up to take you.
Good luck,
Oly
__________________
RV-8, Flying
Previous airplanes: Corby Starlet, Citabria, Cessna 140, Vari-Viggen, RV-3, RV-4
RV grin every flight
"Sure is nice to have smart friends"
2018 dues paid
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07-22-2015, 01:52 PM
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Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: Chicago
Posts: 19
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Thanks guys, I meant pilot skills. Sorry for the less than clear post. I built a Zenith STOL CH-701 from plans so my confidence in the build is not a concern of mine. BUT no more scratch building,,,,, no way. That was 2000+ hours. Wouldn't trade it for anything,,, wouldn't do it again.
The 701 has very light controls. I found if fun. You need it to do something and it does it, now. But never feels unstable. I just figured an RV-8 as "High performance". I wouldn't want to be a pilot that gets involved in something he has no business flying just because he wants it so badly. That "It will be ok" wishful thinking can get you killed. I personaly wouldn't like that and the experimental community doesn't need the bad press.
I have less than 200 hours TT!!! There,,,I said it. That being said I have the proper safety conscience mindset. Always did. And I believe a good sense of my limitations. And I understand HOW planes fly, I don't just follow a set of rules.
I would love to pay for all the fuel, lunch, anything else for some time in an 8. There is no other way to make the decision. I never moooch and am very grateful. I assume I can go to Vans for a short flight but that is a long way from Chicago for a short intro flight.
But as a side note to the main topic: How long to build from a quickbuild kit? Real cost?
Hopefully that clears up my original question so any advice is greatly appreciated.
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07-22-2015, 02:14 PM
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Join Date: Apr 2013
Location: Sausalito, CA
Posts: 325
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I was learning to fly high performance Mooneys back in the 1980's when I had about 100 hours TT, and I knowing what I know now I think I could have easily handled an 8 at that time if I had the tailwheel experience.
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Joe Zuffoletto
RV-8 (flying)
Fullerton, CA (KFUL)
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07-22-2015, 02:19 PM
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Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: Marietta, GA
Posts: 150
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Respect the -8 IMHO and you will absolutely fall in love.
Alan,
I purchased my -8 with about 200 hours under my belt too and NO tailwheel time/endorsement. I could't even fly in home (thanks to Dan H).
It sat in my hangar 60 days while I got my tail wheel endorsement from a buddy of mine in this -6 and Widget in his -8.
IMHO, the -6 was harder to wheel land than ever my -8 because of the springy gear. I've never had any problem with full stall's either like some have indicated here, although I much more prefer wheel landing the -8 because I like to hear the greasing of my tires 
You do wear the -8, and that's something that once you get used to, nothing beats it! It's the closest think I have found to strapping wings on my hips and a rocket to my ***, well you get the point.
I would not worry about the 180 HP or the CS prop either, the -8 is well suited with this set up.
I would say as with any tailwheel, keep your feet awake. You will learn what the rudder is all about. I almost always land with a side slip and my home airport always has a cross wind of 45 to 90 degrees, but once you learn directional control, the -8 has no problem.
I say go for it.... there is risk in anything, but as long as you respect the airplane and your limitations, there is very little substitute for the feeling of a tandem tail dragger 
__________________
Ken Owen
Marietta, GA
RV-10, N471BG
RV- 8, N297DW, (sold)
RV- 8, Build in progress
VAF 2020 Donation
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07-22-2015, 02:47 PM
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Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: WV22
Posts: 849
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Seeing that you've only flown high-wings, stand by. You're gonna love the visibility and everything else inherent to an RV.
__________________
RV-4 0320\D3G 160, Whirlwind 200GA 70".
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07-22-2015, 08:31 PM
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Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: Chicago
Posts: 19
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This is great info, I appreciate it. I guess I just assumed it would be too hot for the average pilot. Sounds like If you approach it correctly it can be done.
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07-22-2015, 08:46 PM
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Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: Big Sandy, WY
Posts: 2,567
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Deity status not needed. A monkey can fly an 8. Don't know if they can land one though. Proper nomex might help.
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Actual repeat offender.
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