Manual flaps?

jcaplins · #1 02-08-2012, 03:08 PM

This may seem like a silly question, but...

Are manual flaps an option on the -7?
And if not, why not?

Why I ask...
I would prefer manual flaps.
I wasn't paying too much attention when i ordered the kit, but since i didn't specifically ask for it, i assumed it would come with manual flaps. When i received the kit, there was the bag for the electric flaps. Looked back at the order form and there is no selection for either.

Thanks,

swordtail · #2 02-08-2012, 03:49 PM

Mine are manual on my 6A, but I don't find much need for flaps. I find them more of a pain than a help for most of my flying. I usually fly 15-20 hours a month. just my 2 cents worth.
S

flytoboat · #3 02-08-2012, 04:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jcaplins

This may seem like a silly question, but...

Are manual flaps an option on the -7?
And if not, why not?

Why I ask...
I would prefer manual flaps.
I wasn't paying too much attention when i ordered the kit, but since i didn't specifically ask for it, i assumed it would come with manual flaps. When i received the kit, there was the bag for the electric flaps. Looked back at the order form and there is no selection for either.

Thanks,

Check Chad's website. Pretty sure he installed manual flaps.
http://www.chadandbrittne.com/full_construction_log.htm

pierre smith · #4 02-09-2012, 05:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by swordtail

Mine are manual on my 6A, but I don't find much need for flaps. I find them more of a pain than a help for most of my flying. I usually fly 15-20 hours a month. just my 2 cents worth.
S

Go in to a 1500' strip and you'll quickly realize just how useful and important they are!...if you don't run off the far end. Why do you think Van put them on? Next time you fly, try landing AND stopping, in under 800'....we do it all the time, with full flaps.

Best,

NickAir · #5 02-10-2012, 05:20 AM

Agree with Pierre, flaps are a good thing. Great for short fields.

Slipping is fine for loosing alt on no flap winged aircraft, although does not shorten your landing like flaps will.

Manual flaps are great. I have electric flaps and have had two flap failures. Manual flaps are simple and always work, although take up room in the cockpit and take some muscle to operate. I would be ok with manual flaps. In 20 years I will want electric flaps.

Best benefit on manual flaps, to me, is ability to retract flaps instantly upon touchdown in windy conditions. Safer when gusty in remote airstrips.

Sig600 · #6 02-10-2012, 05:30 AM

I want a manual flap setup like Chads too. Motor is just something else to break, plus sometimes I want full flaps NOW not a few seconds from now, or vice versa.

If anyone cracks the code on this, I'll sell you a completed/built flap motor housing assembly for an RV-7 (or trade it to you for your manual 6/6A setup).

jcaplins · #7 02-10-2012, 05:35 AM

Thanks for the replies. Looks as if it would be fairly simple to go manual instead of electric.

I'm still curious as to why it's not a standard option considering the many reports of failed flap motors (although not my reason for not wanting electric).
Not enough demand? perhaps a call to Vans is the only sure way to know.

Thanks,

L.Adamson · #8 02-10-2012, 07:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jcaplins

Thanks for the replies. Looks as if it would be fairly simple to go manual instead of electric.

I'm still curious as to why it's not a standard option considering the many reports of failed flap motors (although not my reason for not wanting electric).
Not enough demand? perhaps a call to Vans is the only sure way to know.

Thanks,

Because it s.u.c.k.s.............placing your hand between the seats to pull the handle, especially with passengers. It's not like a forward mounted Johnson bar on a Piper Cherokee. I liked my setup, which consisted of the flap switch right above the throttle. Flaps, trim (a hat switch if desired) could all be controlled with my hand remaining on the throttle.

Yes, there is that "quick" flap advantage of the pull bar, but overall, I've much preferred the electric version by an enormous margin. And.... a few others will disagree.

Besides, the failed flap motor scenario is over rated. It's not a standard phenomenon.

Snowflake · #9 02-10-2012, 07:37 AM

Being able to raise them instantly is one of the great benefits, in my book. Lowering them only seems to take effort when you try to apply too much, too soon. Applied in stages as you slow down, no effort required.

Sig600 · #10 02-10-2012, 08:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by L.Adamson

Because it s.u.c.k.s.............placing your hand between the seats to pull the handle, especially with passengers. It's not like a forward mounted Johnson bar on a Piper Cherokee. I liked my setup, which consisted of the flap switch right above the throttle. Flaps, trim (a hat switch if desired) could all be controlled with my hand remaining on the throttle.

Yes, there is that "quick" flap advantage of the pull bar, but overall, I've much preferred the electric version by an enormous margin. And.... a few others will disagree.

Besides, the failed flap motor scenario is over rated. It's not a standard phenomenon.

I'm thinking more in terms of cost and PITA factor... no flap landing is not a big deal.