Passenger rudder pedal retrofit?

[Bud K]

I am thinking about buying a flying RV-4. The airplane is well equipped for my mission but it doesn't have any rudder pedals for the rear seat. I don't have the RV-4 plans (yet) so I don't have good visibility as to how they would have been installed when the airplane was built. Is there 'reasonable' way to retrofit this aircraft with rear seat rudder pedals?

[fixnflyguy]

There are elegant, and there are adequate. First, decide why you really need them. There is little room to work with, and the more complex set requires some under floor mods. The simple set screws to the floor pan and links into the rudder cables. Your plane and the way its finished out will be a factor. Make sure you have rear footwells regardless of pedals. I wont put them in mine and I k NJ ow some who have removed theirs because of interference with PAX.

[Bud K]

Thanks Bill. I searched this forum for this topic (No Joy) but just got better results with a Google Search. My main purpose for rear controls is for formation flying with an instructor in back. I don’t plan on having the rear passenger land from the back seat since I know that visibility will be an issue. Flyboy’s fold down pedals look interesting but I have to check on the manual flap lever interferences.

Just collecting thoughts and personal experiences.

[Stewbronco]

Sent you a PM

[Jvon811]

I have a set of the FlyBoy Accessories pedals in the backseat of my RV-4 with the manual flap lever. I haven't noticed any interference between the pedals folding and the flap lever.

[Bud K]

Originally Posted by Jvon811

I have a set of the FlyBoy Accessories pedals in the backseat of my RV-4 with the manual flap lever. I haven't noticed any interference between the pedals folding and the flap lever.

There was one review of Flyboy’s pedals on their website where the reviewer stated that they ‘did not suit the manual flap setup’ on his aircraft. Maybe his setup is unique.

[Jvon811]

I don't have any pictures handy to show, but they don't interfere with the manual flap handle. Of course, you decide exactly where the pedals get mounted. They don't come with plans or drawings or anything, just some prior planning made sure it was located where it wouldn't interfere.

Only interference is the Passengers foot when reaching for the flap handle. Lucky for me, my only passenger is typically my wife and I just ask her to pull her left leg back when I need flaps. FlyBoy pedals stay nicely tucked out of the way.

[andoman]

See my setup here: https://photos.app.goo.gl/VxQfWdu713vJTggA8 (Edited the link: hope it works now...)
I welded up some CRMO tubing for the pedals.
Added a 2x2 1/8 in. thick angle to the floor as a mount. (Had to add a second 1x1 1/8 angle underneath to get the required stiffness.)
UHMW bearing blocks.
Swaged a cable to the main rudder cable.
Folds down a la Flyboy. Gives full rudder travel. Removes quickly. Zip ties hold the cable to the main rudder cable out of the way when pedal is removed.
I’m not sure why your formation instructor needs rudder pedals. Stick and throttle will do the job.

*edit* I have electric flaps. My setup may be not be compatible with manual flaps.

[Bud K]

Andoman, the link doesn't work. Tried several devices.

[andoman]

Dang.
I’m somewhat of a Luddite...
Try this: https://photos.app.goo.gl/VxQfWdu713vJTggA8
If it works I’ll edit the link in my first post.