RV-7a Tip up or Sliding canopy....

Alex44 · #1 12-10-2009, 02:35 PM

I understand the tip up provides better visibility...is it also the easier and least expensive route? Thanks for your replies.

Alex

TX7A · #2 12-10-2009, 02:39 PM

Check the "Never-Ending-Debate" section at bottom of VAF main.

Mel · #3 12-10-2009, 02:40 PM

I believe the cost is the same. Each canopy has it's difficult areas of construction. They are totally different areas of difficulties but approximately equal.
You should decide because of which you prefer. Those of us with tip-ups wouldn't trade. And those with sliders wouldn't either.

Alex44 · #4 12-10-2009, 02:52 PM

Thanks , I did just go and read through that thread. And....sorry for asking it again...seems to be a personal choice and many have their strong opinions. I will figure it out!

Alex

tomwebster · #5 12-10-2009, 09:49 PM

Also check out adding the tip up mod
to a slider canopy. I really like it.
Aircraft Extras sells two different models
and has an ad on this site.

http://www.aircraftextras.com

Tom

Ron Lee · #6 12-10-2009, 10:00 PM

The tip up owners often say it is personal preference. The slider folks (like me) just smile because we did it the correct way!

Alex44 · #7 12-10-2009, 10:35 PM

At this point I am leaning on slider, but really need to sit in both to see the diff.

sprucemoose · #8 12-11-2009, 01:41 AM

They key is- you really need to fly (or at least sit in) an example of each so that you'll have the necessary data to make a decision. Of course, included with each flight will be a dissertation on the benefits of that particular design, included at no charge.

qiutong · #9 12-12-2009, 03:40 PM

Alex,

I was leaning toward the slider, until I got my one and only ride in an RV-7. I flew Vans RV-7 at the factory, and it has the tip-up. I was impressed with the visibility, but had never sat in one with a slider to compare. After we landed, I asked to sit in their RV-9 that does have a slider, just to make the comparison and was shocked to see how much the slider's window frame blocked my view. I commented to Van's pilot (who shall remain nameless) that I really liked the visibility of the tip-up, but would miss the ventilation the slider would provide during taxi. He responded, that very little flight time is spent taxiing and much more would be spent in the air, looking around the windshield frame. He built and flies an RV-6 with the slider, and after having to do several repairs/upgrades behind his panel, that alone would make his next build a tip-up. I'm only building my wings, but at this point, I plan on building a tip-up airplane. Just my two cents. Good luck.

Brad

L.Adamson · #10 12-12-2009, 04:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by qiutong

Alex,

I was leaning toward the slider, until I got my one and only ride in an RV-7. I flew Vans RV-7 at the factory, and it has the tip-up. I was impressed with the visibility, but had never sat in one with a slider to compare. After we landed, I asked to sit in their RV-9 that does have a slider, just to make the comparison and was shocked to see how much the slider's window frame blocked my view. I commented to Van's pilot (who shall remain nameless) that I really liked the visibility of the tip-up, but would miss the ventilation the slider would provide during taxi. He responded, that very little flight time is spent taxiing and much more would be spent in the air, looking around the windshield frame. He built and flies an RV-6 with the slider, and after having to do several repairs/upgrades behind his panel, that alone would make his next build a tip-up. I'm only building my wings, but at this point, I plan on building a tip-up airplane. Just my two cents. Good luck.

And the usual rebuttal from guys like me who have been around RV's for some 15 years. We still prefer sliders! I have flown both. I flew Van's tip up at Oshkosh many years ago.............and immediately knew the slider was for me. I don't like being penned up in a sweating green house on hot summer days feeling claustrophobic and the immediate need to gasp for air. A slider can be quickly opened for a cool fresh breeze from the prop after landing, and stay open throughout the taxi & take off checks. Tip ups may be okay for the arctic & Alaska though!

As to that frame, I don't even notice...

L.Adamson --- RV6A