Why can't I decide!!!

cjensen · #1 05-30-2006, 09:43 AM

I'm driving myself nuts with this decision! I plan to order the fuse late this year, so I do have some time, but everyday that goes by is just that; another day gone by without a decision. I'm constantly thinking about it, and I really don't know what to do.

I'm gonna be based off of a paved airport (at least for the forseeable future), so the A makes sense. I plan to use grass strips, and someday find a piece of property to build on with a grass runway, so the TW would make sense then. I REALLY WANT a taildragger, but I am concerned with the fact that I have 2 hours of tailwheel time and 2 landings (one in a -7) which I did not find all that difficult, but it was nice and calm and whatever wind there was, was pretty much down the runway. I do like the looks of both airplanes, but I've always wanted a tailwheel airplane. I obviously would get an endorsement and transition training, but that just adds to the cost (I'm not made of money). Insurance is a factor, but according to those I've talked to, it's not a huge difference, and the second year premium would drop with additional time.

I've read ALL the related threads, so no need to post links to them. I hate to open this argument up again, but I'm agonizing over this...

I know it's up to me in the end...I need help.

pierre smith · #2 05-30-2006, 09:53 AM

Hey Chad, you already gave the answer dude!

"I REALLY WANT a taildragger"...............quote!

DeltaRomeo · #3 05-30-2006, 10:10 AM

LOL!

Chad, in the long run (in my opinion) it doesn't matter. They both fly fine and the sight picture from the seat is the same in both while flying.

It will come down to (again...in my opinon) what your ulimate mission winds up being down the road. Do you get a kick out of the 'perfect TW landing'? You might. Is taxi visibility very, very important to you? Will you ever aircraft camp in semi-remote backcountry strips? Etc..... Think long term (10+ years).

Some info about me before I flew my RV-6:
- I had zero TW time. I now have 600+ hrs - it wasn't that big a deal for me to learn. I find nailing a nice TW landing quite rewarding.
- I thought formation flying and acro were for CRAZY PEOPLE. I had no experience with either and now count them among my most enjoyable pasttimes.

Welcome to the affliction.

b,
d

SteveDear · #4 05-30-2006, 10:20 AM

Even though I have more time left to decide then you (finishing empenage), I still can't fully commit to the TW. Building the "A" seems to me to be the easy way out. If peace of mind makes you happy....build the "A". I don't think any of us would be dissappointed with an "A". But if you are like me, I would always wonder what if. I hope to start my wings by September and as of right now I'm 95%TW and 5% NW. We'll just have to wait and see. Besides, any extra training for a TW endorsement can only make you a safer pilot! Best of luck with your decision. Either way you'll still be flying and grinning!!

Mel · #5 05-30-2006, 10:27 AM

Pierre said it all; You WANT a taildragger. The tailwheel RVs are pussy cats compared to most taildraggers. There is nothing "macho" about flying a TW RV. (even thought we still try to keep that image) If you wanted a nose wheel, that's fine too. But with proper training, you too can MASTER THE MIGHTY TAILWHEEL!

Dgamble · #6 05-30-2006, 10:34 AM

You've got me beat, at least you know you want a -7. I'm still bouncing around between RV-10, F-1 Rocket, RV-8, or Radial Rocket.

Paul Tuttle · #7 05-30-2006, 10:55 AM

I as well only have a few tail wheel landings and never gave any consideration to getting an -8A. My RV friends in the area said If I can ride a bicycle I can fly a tail dragger. It sounds to me that you would look at your RV 7A when it finished and say , I wish I had of done that instead.

Paul Tuttle
RV 8 Fuselage

alpinelakespilot2000 · #8 05-30-2006, 10:59 AM

I went through the same agony last summer, Chad. No suggestions, except that you should be true to yourself (whatever that means!). I made my decision and, as tough as it was, I have not really thought much about it since. Others have pointed out why following your heart is not a bad thing in this case. I agree with all of the above. Good luck.

praterdj · #9 05-30-2006, 11:37 AM

I think you should use the scientific approach.....enie, miney, miney, mo!

A quarter works well for heads or tail also.

I know it's a big decision but I couldn't consider anything but a tail dragger. They are too much fun. Just my opinion.

Ironflight · #10 05-30-2006, 12:44 PM

Even though I am a data-driven engineer, I agree with everyone that says to go with your heart on this one. I built an -8 because in my personal opinion, I just think that an -8 looks better as a taildragger. I can fly either one, so that wasn't a driver. It just came down to my personal perception of "the perfect airplane" !

Paul