Passenger rudder pedal retrofit?

[Bud K]

That link works. Looks like I may have to use a clamp on the cables like FlyBoy did since my cables are already routed.

Did you install footwells for the rear passenger? The -4 that I am looking at doesn't have them but I've seen RV-8 footwells installed in the -4.

[fixnflyguy]

The foot well mod on an RV takes one afternoon of simple fab. I built these (and a new floor section) for my buddy who's -4 didn't have footwells. The important part is making sure they don't interfere with the aileron pushtubes.

[andoman]

Originally Posted by Bud K

That link works. Looks like I may have to use a clamp on the cables like FlyBoy did since my cables are already routed.

Did you install footwells for the rear passenger? The -4 that I am looking at doesn't have them but I've seen RV-8 footwells installed in the -4.

I do not have foot wells but the angles supporting the bearing blocks are far enough forward so wells will fit aft of them should I decide to install them later.

I split the two nicopress sleeves with a dremmel and pried them open a tad to get them over the rudder cable. The cable to the pedals is 3/32”. I used tinned copper wire strands to take up the space between the 1/8 in. sleeve and the smaller dia. cable.
Clamps (a la Flyboys) would have been easier, but I had the sleeves and swaging tool handy.

[Roadjunkie1]

Originally Posted by Bud K

My main purpose for rear controls is for formation flying with an instructor in back.

You might want to consult with whomever you are thinking about taking formation instruction. They may not mind if there are no rudder pedals in the back seat, especially in an RV-4. Most of formation flying is done with the stick and throttle. Control harmony in the RV-4 is such that rudder input is sometimes minimal. Is rudder important in formation flying? Yes; but they may be comfortable with telling you what to do with the rudder pedals during your instruction. There also is no throttle control in the rear seat of a -4. I'm sure there are instructors that require a full set of dual controls. Not happening in the -4 without some moderate modifications.....

There are people who are avid formation pilots on this forum that could probably answer that question. Search "formation flying"; that should give you some references. And some really cool formation videos......

[andoman]

I concur.
I’m a former military and current RV formation instructor and believe all that’s needed in the back are stick and throttle.

Here’s a link to a video and photo of my rear seat throttle setup. Very simple.
https://photos.google.com/share/AF1Q...hpSFZCOWtqR0tn

Edit: it’s threaded rod sleeved in plastic.

[Pat Falley]

For formation training, back seater will need stick, throttle, and a radio transmit button.