mattsrv7
Well Known Member
Here's an opinion question for folks that have a bit of time flying both the -4 and -7 primarily for acro.
I have a flying 150 hp fixed pitch RV-4 with manual flaps and trim. I really like the handling qualities, awesome visibility, simplicity, and aerobatic capabilities of the -4. The more I fly it, the more I like it. I'd originaly thought about it as something to fly until the -7 is done but I'm questioning that path.
I did transition training in an RV-7 and was surprised how well RV's glide vs. the Steen Skybolt biplane I had previously.. The few hours I have in a -7 were concentrated on takeoffs and landings and I didn't do any acro, so I don't have a great reference.
The one thing my -4 doesn't have is inverted fuel and oil. I miss the inverted systems I had on the Skybolt a bit and had plan to have them on the -7 I'm building. I regularly did outside acro in the Skybolt so I understand what trusting your seatbelt means. Adding these systems to this particular -4 would require enough rework of the fuel tank, sump, and firewall forward that it isn't worth considering unless pulling the engine for an overhaul.
I have an RV-7 quickbuild fuselage and completed tail in the garage with most of the things done needed to be ready for the finish kit. I'm at a point where I have to start adding the expensive bits to really move the project forward.
If a -7 is kept light and setup for aerobatics, can it be comparable to the light connected feel you get with a lighter -4? I'd been thinking of minimal equipment and a fixed pitch prop with a higher compression -320 (used) or -360 i (new)n the -7. It seems like most -7's have amazing panels but I'm viewing mine more as a Cap-10. I have no real resale value concern.
Anyone have any opinions who has a bit of time using both the -4 & -7 as an acro/ sport plane? Do you think I'd be happy with a -7 from what I describe above?
I have a flying 150 hp fixed pitch RV-4 with manual flaps and trim. I really like the handling qualities, awesome visibility, simplicity, and aerobatic capabilities of the -4. The more I fly it, the more I like it. I'd originaly thought about it as something to fly until the -7 is done but I'm questioning that path.
I did transition training in an RV-7 and was surprised how well RV's glide vs. the Steen Skybolt biplane I had previously.. The few hours I have in a -7 were concentrated on takeoffs and landings and I didn't do any acro, so I don't have a great reference.
The one thing my -4 doesn't have is inverted fuel and oil. I miss the inverted systems I had on the Skybolt a bit and had plan to have them on the -7 I'm building. I regularly did outside acro in the Skybolt so I understand what trusting your seatbelt means. Adding these systems to this particular -4 would require enough rework of the fuel tank, sump, and firewall forward that it isn't worth considering unless pulling the engine for an overhaul.
I have an RV-7 quickbuild fuselage and completed tail in the garage with most of the things done needed to be ready for the finish kit. I'm at a point where I have to start adding the expensive bits to really move the project forward.
If a -7 is kept light and setup for aerobatics, can it be comparable to the light connected feel you get with a lighter -4? I'd been thinking of minimal equipment and a fixed pitch prop with a higher compression -320 (used) or -360 i (new)n the -7. It seems like most -7's have amazing panels but I'm viewing mine more as a Cap-10. I have no real resale value concern.
Anyone have any opinions who has a bit of time using both the -4 & -7 as an acro/ sport plane? Do you think I'd be happy with a -7 from what I describe above?
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