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  #11  
Old 01-25-2014, 03:57 AM
RV4ME RV4ME is offline
 
Join Date: Jan 2014
Location: Pittsburgh
Posts: 10
Default Thanks to All!

Thanks everyone for the great input. I do feel more confident now on purchasing/flying a -4 as a stepping stone to an -8. I look forward to many conversations. I recently sold my Grumman AA-1 and I am very excited about owning and flying an RV!

Thanks again...

Tony
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  #12  
Old 01-25-2014, 06:06 AM
WAM120RV WAM120RV is offline
 
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Coventry. England
Posts: 614
Default Stepping stone to an 8?

Tony

You seem to be a little confused..... the RV4 is all the aeroplane you will ever need..... unless you get too big fat that is...... then you can consider an 8.

Steve is now heading for cover........... only teasing you 8 guys!!
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Steve Arnold
England

In completion stage of Loehle P5151
Built and now Flying G.BVLR Vans RV4
Rebuilt G.BDBD Tailwind
Rebuilt G BVTN Kitfox
Built G CDCD RV9A with WAM120
Riveted wings on Glastar G.LEZZ Now (G. SKUA)
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  #13  
Old 01-25-2014, 07:39 AM
smokyray's Avatar
smokyray smokyray is offline
 
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: TX32
Posts: 1,891
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by WAM120RV View Post
Tony

You seem to be a little confused..... the RV4 is all the aeroplane you will ever need..... unless you get too big fat that is...... then you can consider an 8.
Well said!

V/R
Smokey
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  #14  
Old 01-25-2014, 08:07 AM
RV4ME RV4ME is offline
 
Join Date: Jan 2014
Location: Pittsburgh
Posts: 10
Default Thats a good one!

Thanks for the laugh Steve,

Nothing like a good chuckle 1st thing in the morning! I have to relay this statement to my -8 friends, which by the way admit to not fitting "well" in a -4 and said a -4 would be fit me perfectly.

On with the search!!

Regards,

Tony
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  #15  
Old 01-25-2014, 08:20 AM
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flytoday flytoday is offline
 
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: Houston, TX
Posts: 405
Default Rear seating limits?

I'll admit a bias to the 6/6A, but haven't some of the VAF posts referred to RV4 CG challenges depending on front/rear seat people weights? Is the RV4 more of a solo ship with limited pax capability?

Carl
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RV7A - purchased flying 05/2020
RV6A - purchased flying 07/2011
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  #16  
Old 01-25-2014, 12:17 PM
WAM120RV WAM120RV is offline
 
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Coventry. England
Posts: 614
Default Rear seat passenger

Hi

There are many threads on carrying weight challenged people in the 4 ( Hey, I was trying to be politically correct...... most unlike me!!), and some guys lift some fairly heavy passengers in their 4's.

On monday I did the final flight test on my 4 for the full UK permit to fly and took up a 200lb passenger as observer. I weigh 165 so the C of G was shifted about 2 inches back from where I normally fly but still well within limits. The shift and the weight were really noticable. With full tanks we were at gross which is 1550lb in the UK.

1. She accelerates much slower.
2. Much more of a push is needed to get the tail to raise.
3. 200 fpm slower climb. Normally get 1500 fpm at 120mph.
4. Cruise about 6 mph slower at 2400, normally get 175mph was struggling to make 169.
5. Much quicker in roll and less stick force required.
6. Pitch much more sensitive.
7. More likely to land tailwheel first but the mains just plonk on.
8. More care needed in the flare because of pitch sensitivity.


All of the above is to be expected so no surprises there, but the good thing about the 6 is because there is less movement in the c of g 2, 5,6,7 and 8 either do not apply or are no where near as noticable.

I absolutely love my 4 and never miss not having a passenger but for some reason when flying my 9 I felt I should always have a passenger.... strange but the 4 is more of a personal experience although you can carry a passenger. So, if someone were to offer me a swap with a very good six for my 4 what would I do.......... well I certainly would not pay extra money to get the 6...... but I guess it all depends on your mission.
__________________
http://www.aerobuilder.blogspot.com


Steve Arnold
England

In completion stage of Loehle P5151
Built and now Flying G.BVLR Vans RV4
Rebuilt G.BDBD Tailwind
Rebuilt G BVTN Kitfox
Built G CDCD RV9A with WAM120
Riveted wings on Glastar G.LEZZ Now (G. SKUA)
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  #17  
Old 01-25-2014, 04:57 PM
RV4ME RV4ME is offline
 
Join Date: Jan 2014
Location: Pittsburgh
Posts: 10
Default CG Limits

Hi Steve,

Once again thank you for the detail especially around the CG. I usually fly by myself but my wife does enjoy flying with me. She is 5'2 and 100lbs so I don't think this is too big of a deal. However, my pilot friends are somewhat heavier which does make me think a little deeper on whether it is important to carry others.

Tony
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  #18  
Old 01-26-2014, 03:05 AM
WAM120RV WAM120RV is offline
 
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Coventry. England
Posts: 614
Default Heavy friends

Hi

My wife is a similar weight as yours so no problem. Obviously the limit set on my rear seat with full tanks is 200lbs. So, its quite simple if your friends are heavier than this tell them if they want a ride..... loose some weight..... it will do their health good too assuming they are not 200 plus of solid muscle!!

My empty weight initially came in at 1011lbs, I have got that down to 1004lbs now and am in the process of making some carbon fibre wheel pants which should bring it down to about 1002....... so in the UK 548lbs useful load.

If you go for a four look for one 1000lbs or under and one that has been well thought out to bring the c of g forward to cope with passenger weight.

Of course if the pilot is heavier with a light passenger the c of g stays more forward. Fuel has virtually no effect on c of g in my aeroplane.

I think all RV's are great, I really like my friends 7 with a 180 engine in it but he is struggling to keep with my 4 with anything like the same fuel flow even though he has 20 more horses. Six's are great too!! There is though a different flying experience with a four and probably the 8 because of the tandem seating. You are right in the center of the roll axis and almost the c of g so when you manouvre you feel part of the machine. You feel like you are in your own fighter, no distractions from a copilot, or friend. Its just you and this fantastic aeroplane, its very difficult to explain but all the 4 and 8 pilots will know what I mean.

Anyway, I am off down the gym now to keep the weight off and build some more muscle!! I doubt you would regret a 4 and if you bought a 6 you would always hanker after a 4 for that center line seating position.
__________________
http://www.aerobuilder.blogspot.com


Steve Arnold
England

In completion stage of Loehle P5151
Built and now Flying G.BVLR Vans RV4
Rebuilt G.BDBD Tailwind
Rebuilt G BVTN Kitfox
Built G CDCD RV9A with WAM120
Riveted wings on Glastar G.LEZZ Now (G. SKUA)
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