The rudder build went well. Solid blue paint from GLO Aircraft Paint (52F) closely matches the existing vinyl wrap (and gets us another year, when GLO will replace the vinyl wrap with basically the same aircraft scheme in paint).
Many thanks to all of you for responding to this thread. I've flown two flights/1.6 hours on the Phase I and have initial reports. Overall, going from the RV-7/9 rudder to the RV-8 rudder yields these results.
In all ground flight regimes and on the ground:
- I have slightly less yaw response for the same amount of rudder deflection, meaning I have to just press a little more pedal to get what I want.
- I have slightly less loading/resistance in the rudder (as if it was on power steering).
- I have FULL yaw authority from that rudder, meaning I can get everything I want, and still have more rudder available.
- Note: When I say slightly, I mean just barely noticeable.
The test cards, and results:
Sortie #1, 0.9 hours
- Low speed taxi: I have slightly less directional authority from the rudder. I had to tap a tad more brake for directional control and turns. This may be an issue if you use stock Matco or Cleveland brakes with the single puck...I have 2-puck Groove brakes, thankfully.
- Takeoff Rudder effectiveness: Excellent performance for P-factor, etc.
- Low speed trim and turns: Excellent performance, at all flap settings. I'm saving stalls for later.
- Max Demo XWind for takeoff and landing: Great day for it. I demonstrated 20.68 mph right-to-left crosswinds today, and had rudder to spare. KAFW Rwy 16R, winds 210/27.
Sortie #2, 0.7 hours
- Vx climb at takeoff: Excellent performance. She tracked straight and true.
- High speed/cruise trim and turns: Excellent performance
- Stability at VNE minus 1 knot: Excellent performance
- Slips at altitude and in pattern: Excellent performance, almost the same level of yaw authority as the 7 rudder. I needed just a smidge more top pedal, but I had plenty of rudder available to achieve my frontal drag goal in the base-to-final turn. These were accomplished in both directions.
So far I'm loving it. Big bad winds tomorrow, so I'll delay the 3rd hop until Friday. Sortie #3's card includes:
- Stalls: Clean, Flaps half, Flaps full
- Aerobatics
-- Aileron Rolls
-- Barrel Rolls
-- Horizontal 8s
-- Lazy 8s
-- Loops
-- Immelmanns
-- Split-S
- Spins
Will report results.