Why can't I decide!!!

[ArVeeNiner]

I too couldn't decide which way to go. I have over 600 hours and all but about 130 of them have been in a TW (Aeronca Sedan). I fully intended to build the TW and I even got a ride in Van's -9. But, the guys at Van's talked me out of the -9 and into the -9A. Ken told me that if he could do it over again, he'd build an A. It also was pointed out that the -9A could get it's tail down lower during flair making touch down very slow. I've always told myself that if faced with a difficult decision when choosing options, I would go with the safer choice. To me, landing slower is safer. Here is why I went with the -9A:

1-Visibility is slightly better (but not that bad in the 9).

2-I like the fact that you land slower.

3-I reasoned that I will grow old with this airplane and my landing skills might deteriorate. The -9A I assume is slightly easier to land for an old guy.

4-I like how tall the tail is on the ground. I think it stands proud and looks pretty cool. By the same token, the TW looks sexy as heck!

Even after making my decision, I'm still kind of torn and there are a couple of things that I DID NOT think about such as:

1-I didn't know about the folding nosewheels when I made my decision. Even though it looks like Van's may have solved the problem with the redesigned nosewheel, why take the chance?

2-You can actually steer the TW using your rudder pedals. In the nosewheel version, you steer with brakes. You lose a brake, you lose your steering. Not so with a TW. The rudder is connected to the TW so you could still steer without brakes.

3-The TW is very easy to get off the ground if you have to work on it. Just lift the tail and put it on a short stool. I'm not sure how you do the same with the nosewheel.

The bottom line though, I know, once I get flying, it's not going to make a bit of difference. I'm going to love my airplane!!!

Pick one and go for it!

Kelly Johnson
-9A finishing

[N941WR]

This is such a personal decision. As I've said before, build the plane you want, not the plane others want you to build!

I elected to build a -9 because I wanted the low landing and high cruise speeds it provides, even with a small engine. Heck, using a small engine gave me a high useful load.

The TW vs NW choice was simple, I never even considered a NW.

While it is true the NW -9 may be able to land slower, the TW -9 still lands very slowly.

Probably the biggest issue with the -9, either TW or NW, is with that wonderful wing, it is very possible to be rolling out and find yourself flying again when you get hit with a gust of wind.

[whifof100ll]

I've had the good fortune to log over 100 hours in a tailwheel RV-7 over the last 18 months. It is a fantanstic crosswind airplane. I'm every bit as confident landing the RV-7 in a strong crosswind as I am my nosewheel Cessna Cardinal (also a great crosswind bird), and I've logged over 1100 hours in the Cardinal. I've never flown one, but I expect that the 7A is a great crosswind bird as well. RV's handle so well that they quickly build your confidence.

I also don't think taxi visibility is an issue at all if you use the correct seat height for you.

Seems like you might be sorry if you build the nosewheel bird as it is not really what you want. I do not think there is even a slim chance you will be sorry you built a taildragger after you fly it for a few hours.

Good luck with your choice, and remember that it's great to have one.

[BlackRV7]

Hey Chad, now that I "are a" tailwheel pilot as I have the endorsement and no scratches on my 7.......yet,........phist...let me let you in on a secret....all that talk of "us" tailwheel pilots being far superior airmen than nosedraggers is only spoken when nosedraggers are around.....get my drift It's far too difficult for the "average" pilot to ever achieve. remember that and speak it often

With that said, there is nothing better than taxing her up to the hangar door, locking that right brake and swinging her around while pulling the mixture, so the engine quits as you push yourself up on the seat back of your slider taildragger........oh, that's a totally new thread...slider...

[cjensen]

I can't wait!! Although...my tip up won't allow getting up on the seat as I shut 'er down...

What are you still doing awake at this late hour!? Planning a fly in, I hope!

[frankh]

The reason I went with a 7a is that I had visions of shooting a nasty crosswing instrument approach down to mins after a 10 hour cross country and being half beaten to death before I loaded the approach..

Ok how many times has that happened?...NONE! and if it was likely to I might be spending a night in the hotel anyway..

Frank

[Martin Sutter]

So far I have over 2400hrs in tail wheel RV6's and about 300hrs in tricycle RV's (mostly 7A, some 6A, 8A and RV10). I have found the TW RV's to be very competent crosswind airplanes with proper pilot technique. The highest crosswind I ever tackled in my 7A was at St. George Utha, 28 gusting to 35 mph at 80 degrees to the runway. I did not think it would work but decided to give it a try and was pleasantly surprised when it resulted in a decent landing. I have landed at that airport several times in my RV6 when the winds were about 5mph less and that was manageable too.

There are two things I dislike about the taildragger, the reduced visibility on the ground and the harsh ride the small tail wheel provides on rough pavement and large concrete expansion joints. The main draw back of the tri-gear is the nose wheel's vulnerability to rough ground.

Overall I am a fan of both configurations and am glad I have been able to enjoy them both.

Martin Sutter
building and flying RV's since 1988

[n5lp]

Originally Posted by Martin Sutter

...There are two things I dislike about the taildragger, the reduced visibility on the ground and the harsh ride the small tail wheel provides on rough pavement and large concrete expansion joints...

Yes, where I notice it is with those little taxiway reflectors. Have to taxi off center.

[doug_rv7]

Thanks for the feedback.

Great website DR.


Doug
RV-7
Wings

[smokyray]

Taxiway reflectors? You guys obviously fly off pavement WAY too much... Having flown both configurations, I'll stick with the ORIGINAL RV configuration, the TD for my rough strip, too many fireant mounds!

Rob Ray
Old School RV4 builder
HR2