Question about preparing the Maiden?

AirbusPilot · #1 02-08-2010, 03:07 PM

Hi Folk,

I am almost ready to maiden my 8, two weeks ago I flew with Alex in his 7 and I feel confortable flying the plane and doing 3 point landing. The thing is that I am a little bit worry about 7 and 8 CG location for 3 point landing.

Here is my 8 configuration:

IO-360-M1B and CS Hartzell Prop
Oddysay 680 and whelen strobe box at the back

Empty weight is 1110 Lbs. and Empty CG is at forward limit 15% MAC
Pilot weight (Me) is 155 Lbs and I will load with half tanks 20 gallons that is 120 Lbs.

My question is how much weight do I have to add to rear baggage aerea to have enought elevator control to flare and land my 8 safetely doing a 3 point landing like I did with the 7.

Waiting for your advices

pierre smith · #2 02-08-2010, 03:14 PM

With you at 155 lbs, I don't think you'll need weight back there. I'm 190 and fly my buddy's -4 with no weight in the back and can easily 3 point....these airplanes have a lot of control authority. If you'd feel better, try 50 lbs and see how it feels.

Best,

ps Did you overcome all the airport problems you had earlier? I remember you having grief with the authorities a while back.

AirbusPilot · #3 02-08-2010, 04:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pierre smith

With you at 155 lbs, I don't think you'll need weight back there. I'm 190 and fly my buddy's -4 with no weight in the back and can easily 3 point....these airplanes have a lot of control authority. If you'd feel better, try 50 lbs and see how it feels.

Best,

ps Did you overcome all the airport problems you had earlier? I remember you having grief with the authorities a while back.

Hi Piere,

Thanks for the answer, Yes I ended up moving by ground my plane to another airport, but Chilean FAA help me to, they got me a special track and personnel for free (Thank to my Lawyer).

Cheers,

Fernando

Ironflight · #4 02-08-2010, 04:28 PM

I agree with Pierre Fernando - the CG should be just fine solo - you'll have plenty of margin. You'll probably eventually like it with a case o foil in the back to make pitch a little lighter, but either way it is completely flyable.

Paul

Low Pass · #5 02-08-2010, 04:51 PM

Be very careful getting slow and low in the 3 point attitude. I made a 3 pt on my first landing. I ran out of elevator and lift at about 2-3' agl and bounced *real* high.

Just remember that the -8 likes to wheel land. You can 3-pt it, but it's not real comfortable, IMO. Just be careful (low speed and low alt) until you get the picture and learn to manage the energy.

Mine's got a 160 hp and CS prop. Battery on the firewall. No ballast in the back and had ~1/2 tanks for that first flight if I recall - but that was some 1180 hrs ago.

Paul's recommendation of adding a case of oil is a good suggestion.

Scott Hersha · #6 02-08-2010, 04:54 PM

I agree with the group. Don't worry about your CG, it's fine. You might want to consider a wheel landing on your first few in the RV-8. They are a little easier/more forgiving, and more tollerant of CG location. I had an RV-6 and it landed better in a 3-point than my RV-8 does. The RV-8 gear is much stiffer. I usually land 3-point in my -8 now for less tire wear, but the wheel landing is easier and a greaser every time is almost guaranteed. Congratualtions on your impending first flight. Have fun!!!

Scott
RV-8 FB

Pat Stewart · #7 02-08-2010, 05:04 PM

I agree that the CG is fine however a little weight in the back such as a case of oil makes this airplane much easier to land well. The 8 is not great in the 3 point anyway so I would put some weight in the back. Wheel landing this airplane is how I believe you should land this airplane most of the time (unless short field). You need this skill for cross winds as well.

Pat Stewart
(2) 8's
J3Cub
RV10 building

Doug Knab · #8 02-08-2010, 08:57 PM

Hi Airbus, I have found that the best way to 3 point the RV-8 solo, is to fly final at 65kts with about 25% power. This will give you a slight decent in a 3 point attitude. Fly it to touch down and pull the power off. If you try to do a power off 3 point landing, it is difficult to get the tail down. Since you most likely will not feel comfortable flying this slow on your first flight, I would suggest that you do a wheel landing. Wheel landing are very easy in the RV-8. Good Luck

AirbusPilot · #9 02-09-2010, 03:35 AM

My big problem is that I have never land a plane on wheels, I have just performed 3 point landing on Cessna 180, PA-18, Aeronca Champion and RV-7, 20 hours total time. None of the Intructor that I flew with wanted to teach to land on wheels, they said you are OK to fly the plane doing 3 point landing, after a few hours you are going to start landing on wheells by your own. So I need to land my 8 at least for the first hours on 3 point.

Please advise Maiden is coming soon

tinman · #10 02-09-2010, 05:29 AM

Don't try to wheel land it without having mastered the art with an instructor. You have to do things while wheel landing that are contrary to what you have been doing...if you fail to get it right, you can make a spectacle of yourself as you bounce down the runway in ever increasing leaps...

When you wheel land, you must slightly push the stick forward at the moment of contact. If you fail to do this, you are almost sure to bounce back into the air because your tail will drop and your AOA will increase. Most people are afraid to push the stick fearing a prop strike.

If you apply brakes while up on the mains, you must remember to slightly pull the stick aft to null out the nose bob which will occur while braking.

Having said all this, I find the wheel landings to be much easier than 3 pointers in the -8, and I am a low-hour rookie pilot.