How can you tell the difference between a -6 and -7?

gib · #1 08-17-2011, 02:47 PM

Being the new guy and just starting on the RV adventure my question is: "How can you tell different between an -6 empennage and a -7 empennage?" Thanks

BTW this best forum I have been on ever.

704CH · #2 08-17-2011, 02:57 PM

Its all in the Rudder..

Most RV-7s have the rudder where the counterbalance overhangs the Vertical Stabilizer. This is the Same as the RV-9

I think only the very first few -7's had the same rudder as the 6. Which doesn't have a overhanging counterbalance.

Thx

bkilby · #3 08-17-2011, 03:01 PM

http://www.vansairforce.com/communit...2&postcount=22

Mel · #4 08-17-2011, 03:08 PM

Early -6 rudder had no counterbalance.
Very late -6 has the -8 rudder with small counterbalance.
Very early -7 had the -8 rudder as well.
Later -7 has the -9 rudder with the large counterbalance.
Wingtips also vary, but so many have been changed that you can't go by that.

If you are in the cockpit, look at wing attach bolts. RV-6 has bolts all the way across.
RV-7 has just a few on each side.

flion · #5 08-17-2011, 06:26 PM

If you have only the empennage (in other words, you are buying parts or some such) then you should look at the plans. If the empennage does not have a plans set to go with it, do not buy it. If you are trying to tell RVs apart from the tail, the above will give you a fair guess but the surest way is to look under the horizontal stabilizer. There you should find a data plate with the model number. Even the guys who build a "John Doe 6A" rarely change the number designation; they just preface it with something other than RV or Van's.

gib · #6 08-17-2011, 09:15 PM

Thanks everybody, that helps alot.

RV7Aflyer · #7 08-17-2011, 10:07 PM

is that the RV7 is faster.

Just kidding....

gasman · #8 08-17-2011, 10:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gib

"How can you tell different between an -6 and a -7 " Thanks

The person that bought the used 6 has a LOT more money in his pocket!!...........

Snowflake · #9 08-17-2011, 11:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RV7Aflyer

is that the RV7 is faster.

Just kidding....

I hope so... I understand that with the same engine and prop the -6 will outrun the -7 by a few mph.

sailvi767 · #10 08-18-2011, 05:22 AM

I believe the 6 is faster also. I know the builder of my aircraft looked for a RV6 kit in 2004 even though they had not been sold by vans for years. He intended to use the aircraft in Sportsman racing so was not interested in a seven.

George