second-guessing model choice

[prkaye]

Has anybody else here been through the (painful) experience of second-guessing their choice of which RV to build, after already well-committed? Don't get me wrong, I am sure I am going to love my -9A, and as a low-time pilot (~120 hrs private, ~20 hrs glider) it will be a great choice for me to do more training (IFR) in. But lately, I keep daydreaming about how cool a fastback super-8 would be. I used to dislike the look of taildraggers on the ground (somehow look "old fashioned" to me), but over the last year I've warmed up to them, and now prefer the look of a taildragger to a nosedragger). As for aerobatics, while I think my main mission will always be x-country to visit family and freinds scattered about the province, my next flight in a rental is going to be in the Grob 115C, and I've decided to do a bit of aerobatic training.
I guess I may eventually become a "repeat offender", but I wish I could stop daydreaming about a fastback super-8 for now and get back to daydreaming about my -9A!!! I need someone to talk some sense into me

[kentb]

The RV9A is a great plane to fly. I moved up from flying my C172 and what a difference. It is so responsive, yet stable. Slower at landing the all the other RVs.
Yes, it is not made for acro, but I don't do that. Yes it doesn't have 4 seats, but I don't have that many friends anyway.

Keep working at it. You won't be disappointed.

As you said, you can always build another plane after you get this one flying.

Kent

[vmirv8bldr]

I try to always stop shopping after I've bought something. No good can come of it. Technology advances, prices come down, etc, but when I make a purchse (build) decision, I make it with the best information I can possibly gather at the time.

Does this stop the second guessing? Nope, but it sure does help reduce it. I now mostly second guess the tandem vs side by side decision. So, that would be a 7 or an 8. Either way, I'm building an awesome airplane I am going to enjoy immensely.

[frankh]

On how far along you are you could always build it as an RV9...I.e a taildragger.

You really have boxed yourself into one end of the performance range...I.e you have the most efficient wing for cross country work...I.e you will go the furthest for the least amount of fuel. It will also be the best IFR platform as far as the 2 seaters go.

Nothing wrong with this little airplane. I would be tempted to put an IO360 with a FP metal prop on it...I.e FI for max fuel economy while running LOP. The 360 engine will be derated to roughly 160HP with the Sensinech prop but will be a bunch cheaper and one less knob to fiddle with...A welcome relief when flying IFR.

You also have side by side seating which for a newby IFR pilot is a big advantage...Nice to have your Wife hold the plate for you when things get VERY stressful.

The RV8 is amuch more single purpose machine...I.e goes fast, looks cool and is the best for aerobatics...I've had my IFR ticket for 8 months and I would definately not feel comfortable flying it in the soup...Not sure I'd be all that keep flying as saftey pilot form the back seat either..

The RV 7 is sort of the cross over model, i.e does not quite as well as the 9 wing for XC work, but is strong enough for acro but won't roll as fast as the RV 8.

if you can give up on the idea of acro then you will realise you have an excellent airplane there.

If anyone says it "Just a trainer" offer to race their 172 round the pattern...

Cheers

Frank

[Chappyd]

But not too seriously anyway. I would really love to have an -8. Real fighter style flying. My one and only RV ride was in an 8. I went with the 7 for practical reasons. I love to fly to far away places. My wife would not like being in back. I also like to be able to access the baggage area while in flight. I also love my pup, and she'll fit in the baggage area of the 7. There's no place for her in an 8.

It's ok, I can still play fighter in my -7 from time to time

Actually, my friend who has the -8 wishes he built a -7, lol.

[prkaye]

Intrigued by this IO360 idea. I was planning on an O-320 with a FP prop. Vans doesn't endorse anything above an O-320 for the -9A. What would I need to do differently for an IO360? Bigger/different engine mount? Cowl change? other changes?
What about getting it approved (in Canada)? Would the fact that the airframe is not endorsed for more than 160hp cause a problem here?

[SvingenB]

Originally Posted by vmirv8bldr

I try to always stop shopping after I've bought something. No good can come of it. Technology advances, prices come down, etc, but when I make a purchse (build) decision, I make it with the best information I can possibly gather at the time.

I did alot of research too, couldn't decide between RV-7, Sonex, CH-601, CH-701, RV-9; so I ended up with an RV-4 I have definitely stopped shopping, but if it was due to all the information gather up front, I'm not so sure. I think someone said that we investigate with our minds, but take decitions with hour hearts

If anything, the only other airplane I would like right now (while building maybe) is a single seat motorglider, a modernized version of the RF4D.

[Ron Lee]

Check the weight and balance, CG in various conditions and nose wheel weight. Don't be surprised if you have to add ballast in the rear and be a marginal two person aircraft.

[Sam Buchanan]

Nothing wrong with this little airplane. I would be tempted to put an IO360 with a FP metal prop on it...I.e FI for max fuel economy while running LOP. The 360 engine will be derated to roughly 160HP with the Sensinech prop but will be a bunch cheaper and one less knob to fiddle with...A welcome relief when flying IFR.

Originally Posted by prkaye

Intrigued by this IO360 idea. I was planning on an O-320 with a FP prop. Vans doesn't endorse anything above an O-320 for the -9A. What would I need to do differently for an IO360? Bigger/different engine mount? Cowl change? other changes?
What about getting it approved (in Canada)? Would the fact that the airframe is not endorsed for more than 160hp cause a problem here?

Sorry, I just don't understand the logic of the IO-360/FP recommendation, especially on a RV-9A.

Listen to Van when he puts a limit on the engine for his designs.....the man knows his airplanes. Also, I'm not sure what kind of fixed-pitch prop would work with the angle-valve IO-360. I don't know of any fixed props that have enough pitch to choke that monster down to 160hp......

If fuel injection is desired, then one of the injected 320's would be a nice engine.

[prkaye]

yeah, I will definately be sticking with the O320 or IO320... yet to research the fuel injection issue. Being a x-country machine, weight is a big consideration for me, and i'm trying to keep that under control.