[Jtowey]

Hi - Been lurking around for awhile, and getting closer to pulling trigger on a build.

Two questions that I'd hope the forum could help address:

1. Are the Empennage Kits for the RV7/A and RV9/A identical? Haven't decided whether I want to build 7 or 9. I would like to delay that decision till I've taken a ride in both - -but start the Empennage building if they were the same.

2. Can anyone provide general dimensions for the Empennage? Looking to build it in my basement -- but I'd need to get it out of a hatchway.

Thanks in advance for your thoughts!

 

[Ed_Wischmeyer]

No - the -9 has a bigger wing and needs a bigger horizontal tail. I think the verticals are the same size.

The two planes have the same fuselage, but are different. The -9/A is easier to fly and the factory folks consider it the best for cross country flights. The -7/A is aerobatic, more responsive/less stable, can take bigger engines, and is faster.

Get some rides if you can and make your choice!

Ed

 

[GeraldC]

The tail kits are very different for the two planes. The RV-7 has a smaller and tapered horizontal stabilizer. The RV-9 has a much larger and squared off horizontal stabilizer.

RV-7:

RV-9:

And welcome to VAF!

 

[flyboy1963]

definitely need some rides!

one of many data points.

the fuselage of the 7 and 9 are the same DIMENSION, the 7 is beefed up internally to handle larger engines & aerobatic loads, ditto the tail group.

nothing wrong with buying a used tail of almost anything, learn how to rivet and fix rivets, then sell it if you change your mission target.

enjoy your new venture!!!

P.S. love my -9a, if you fly infrequently or aren't Joe test pilot, it's very forgiving. Also a good IFR platform they say, just don't go upside down, on purpose!

 

[Jesse]

...just don't go upside down, on purpose!

Well, at least don't stay upside down very long. I have it on good authority that the -9 does an excellent aileron roll. Even better than the -10. Loops nicely too. Again, all on good authority, but...um...not necessarily personal experience.

The -9 is an excellent stable plane for comfortable cross-country flying.

 

[Jtowey]

Thanks to all for the welcome and the information!

This forum looks to be an absolutely AWESOME resource and that there is a lifetime of learning here!!

I plan to pull the trigger and start building in the fall, but meanwhile will be looking to try a couple out to decide 7 vs. 9 and learn all I can from this forum..

Thanks -- Jim

 

[Captain_John]

With an RV7 you will get waaay hotter chicks than in a 9!

CJ

 

[YellowJacket RV9]

With an RV7 you will get waaay hotter chicks than in a 9!

CJ

My wife begs to differ (and of course, I have to agree with her!)



Chris

 

[BillL]

No - the -9 has a bigger wing and needs a bigger horizontal tail. I think the verticals are the same size.

The two planes have the same fuselage, but are different. The -9/A is easier to fly and the factory folks consider it the best for cross country flights. The -7/A is aerobatic, more responsive/less stable, can take bigger engines, and is faster.

*Only below 10k, based on discussion with factory, the longer wing pays (literally) at altitude. *

Get some rides if you can and make your choice!

Ed

Definitely get some rides, and decide on your mission, then, look at the specs. I once thought the 9 to just be a cheaper version of the 7, but not so, it has the altitude cruise advantage over the 7.

I am building a 7, so take that with a grain . . .