Thoughts about the back seat....

[Chino Tom]

Just a couple of thoughts in the side-by side vrs tandem debate (more like discussion). Having completed my RV-8A in late November because of a increasing amount of distractions, the 40 hour test period (YO-360-A1A) finally was completed in early March. Only now are my wife and I beginning her new life sitting behind me. We had many years in our trusty RV-6 sitting next to each other. We had several discussions during the 4 years spent building the -8A about whether she would like looking at the back of my head. One of the reasons I (we?) chose the -8 was the increase in shoulder room for the occupants. We are of approximately equal size and weight (ok, she is taller than me…..) and there were times in the six we (me) wished it was a little bigger. This past weekend we took our first real trip, loaded up with a weekends worth of luggage, and headed for Las Vegas (Henderson) from Chino. Although it is only an hour away, this was a test and She loved it. The ability to squirm around without interfering with the pilot (me) was a big plus for her. There was the occasional smack to the back of the head just to remind me she was still there (yes I do talk to her, but she does nap and now I can’t see if her eyes are open with the little mirrors I’ve installed). But she was very happy with the comfort (Classic Aero seats) and the room. Overall looks like we have another winner….. I really like this airplane. And without wanting to start or continue any past debates, after 800+ hours in the RV-6, I am very happy with my choice to build an -8A.
Although your mileage may vary………

[L.Adamson]

But................I make my wife watch for other airplanes and nearby terrain, while I take pics....

Sitting behind me just wouldn't work!

L.Adamson --- RV6A

[RV8iator]

My wife flies from the back seat while I take photo's. She's got her own Avmap IV gps to keep an eye on me and terrain, and she can still smack me in the back of the head, which makes her feel good..

[Louise Hose]

Originally Posted by L.Adamson

But................I make my wife watch for other airplanes and nearby terrain, while I take pics....

L.Adamson --- RV6A

Paul "makes" me sit in the back of his -8 as safety pilot for his IFR currency. I really do NOT like that position for that job. The back of the -8 is great for napping or knitting or reading a book. It is no (long-term) place for a pilot or anyone interested in the flight itself. But, we've solved that problem. If you really need more shoulder room, take his-and-her planes!

[mannanj]

I was single when I chose to build my RV-8. It was nearly finished when I met my wife, so she had no choice in the decision.

In the nearly 300 hours since first flight, she has flown with me more than half those hours. She did the upholstry and made a booster cushion for the back seat so that she could have better visibility.

We've flown coast to coast twice and regularly calls out traffic that I miss. She has her own gps mounted on the back of my seat to help with navigation and entertain herself.

She doesn't mind being a back seater and the extra room does come in handy. While I haven't been slapped on the back of the head yet, I can understand that possibility!

For you guys trying to decide between the 7 or the 8, discuss your desire with your wife and explain why the feeling of being in a fighter, sitting on the centerline is so important to you. I think most women think that side by side is important, but if they understand your desires, thay might see that flying back seat is really no big deal. A little give and take can go a long way on making this decision.

If your wife is on the fence, e-mail me for Becky's phone #; talk to her for a real world experience.

[L.Adamson]

Originally Posted by Louise Hose

The back of the -8 is great for napping or knitting or reading a book. It is no (long-term) place for a pilot or anyone interested in the flight itself.

That's the bottom line in our case. We have some of the best scenery in the world around here. Places such as Lake Powell, Grand Canyon, Monument Valley, the Tetons, etc................and my wife likes to see it the same time I do.

But, on the other hand, I wouldn't mind an 8 or Rocket for some of that tandem seating "fighter" appeal.

L.Adamson --- RV6A

[Mel]

Originally Posted by Louise Hose

Paul "makes" me sit in the back of his -8 as safety pilot for his IFR currency. I really do NOT like that position for that job. The back of the -8 is great for napping or knitting or reading a book. It is no (long-term) place for a pilot or anyone interested in the flight itself. But, we've solved that problem. If you really need more shoulder room, take his-and-her planes!

Louise, Do you mean to tell me that you STILL haven't gotten a checkout in the "Front Office" of the -8?
Paul, you should be ashamed!

[scard]

Originally Posted by Mel

Louise, Do you mean to tell me that you STILL haven't gotten a checkout in the "Front Office" of the -8?
Paul, you should be ashamed!

No kidding! We're planning on the "light twin" for many of the same reasons, but if I can convince Tanya (I usually do), she WILL get checked out in the front seat of the newest toy. Sssshhhh... We haven't actually had that conversation yet. We do best (I'm happiest) when we're perfect equals. I've already been transitioned to full time in the right seat of the -9A . Ok, let the VAF marriage counseling begin.

[lluciani]

It's weird but both of my daughters fall asleep almost immediately when riding in the back of my RV8. You'd think they would be excited or terrified or something other than sleepy. At first I thought is was because of my super smooth flying skills but then I realized it was the comfy seat combined with me blabbing about the scenery ("Look there's Waller... and that must be Hempstead! ... Zzzzzzz").

[f1rocket]

Tom,

I'll add a "ditto" to your comments. My wife did not enjoy the RV-6 as much as she does the Rocket. She much prefers the tandem seating over side-by-side, although my flying buddies don't. That's probably because I didn't install a stick back there.