Which RV is right for me?

mkjprice · #1 06-09-2011, 02:47 PM

I am a CFII with Multi-Commercial rating, and I don't want to have to go down the road of owning a certificated airplane. I am a big guy with big friends. I am approximately 260lbs and 6'4" tall. I really like the RV-8 but I have been reading and was wondering if my size would take me out of the forward CG limits of the airplane. I am planning on a 180hp with fixed pitch as there doesn't seem to be that big of an advantage for the extra cost. I am looking to order my kit in the early part of next year, and I am just trying to get educated which RV is the best for me. I know that the -3 and -4 are out of the picture and I am not really interested in LSA. Please give me your input.

Thanks,

Mike

kbehrent · #2 06-09-2011, 02:54 PM

A big guy with big friends may want to reconsider C/S prop for getting that extra HP on takeoff!

Mike S · #3 06-09-2011, 03:20 PM

Mike, welcome to VAF

The 10 will certainly work for you, but it is a station wagon, and not a sports car.

The 8 can be ordered with the tall pilot option, moves the front seat back a bit.

Also, if you are broad shouldered, the 8 can be equipped with the Show Planes canopy setup, this allows more shoulder room.

As to C/G, move the battery back. There are RV 8s with IO 540 engines in them. so it you can make one balance like that, a 4 banger is a snap.

Again, welcome.

L.Adamson · #4 06-09-2011, 03:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kbehrent

A big guy with big friends may want to reconsider C/S prop for getting that extra HP on takeoff!

Especially in the mountains of Utah.

In fact, the majority of RV's up our way, are C/S. I find it to be a real advantage for these higher altitudes.

L.Adamson --- RV6A/ Hartzell CS

Ron Lee · #5 06-09-2011, 03:31 PM

Find a copy of an RV 8 weight and balance program and play around with various weighting conditions to see how it works for you.

I would rather have a CS prop than a fancy glass panel.

Mel · #6 06-09-2011, 04:00 PM

The RV-8 will work great for you. Constant speed props are nice but certainly not necessary for any RV. I've flown my -6 out of Leadville, CO with a F/P wood prop when the DA was over 13,500' with no problems. Summertime!

mkjprice · #7 06-09-2011, 04:10 PM

Hey guys thanks for the feedback. I realize the power gain with a CS prop expecially at my altitude of 5022' at U14 (Nephi, UT). That is going to add about 15k to the cost of the airplane, and more maintenance right? Wouldn't it just be better to get a 200hp engine with a fixed prop and still be similar cost to a 180hp engine? I don't know which way to go.

As for the taller and wider pilot options --- about how much does that add to cost of the plane? I am trying to ballpark it, and I would like to come in around 75-85k ready to fly. I don't plan on an extravagent panel, as that can be upgraded at a later date. I also thought of upgrading to a C/S Prop later too.

How many RV's are ther in Utah, and is there anyone out there in Utah land that I could buy a ride in? There is a guy at my airport that is working on a -6 but I am not sure when that will be done.

4kilo · #8 06-09-2011, 04:10 PM

One further point, Mike. Both the pilot and the passenger in an RV-8 are behind the C.G. You can only move the C.G. too far forward with a very light pilot and no passenger.

Pat

jbagley · #9 06-09-2011, 04:10 PM

A lightweight wood or composite prop would help keep the CG aft a bit.

My RV6A has a wood prop with an O320 and i'm perfectly happy with the performance. Of course, my previous ride was a 100hp cub so it may just be a matter of perspective.

mkjprice · #10 06-09-2011, 04:14 PM

I like the idea of the 10 but I want to do some light aerobatics and from what I have read that is not recommended (or allowed) in the 10. Am I wrong on this?