RV8JD
Well Known Member
Thanks for the reminder Carl, I was aware of this but was previously less concerned with it, until this thread & learning of the possible -9 rudder's narrow margin for error with respect to -7's Vne. I suppose if I do decide to keep my -9 rudder on my -7 then probably should consider having an EFIS -and with a good audible alert.
I wonder if anybody knows of Van's position on this issue yet?
My instinct is to stick with what they provide, but if the -8 rudder on a -7 was at least an option that they endorsed then I'd be more likely to consider it.
Thanks again, and I REALLY appreciate all the input this thread is drawing, yay for VAF!
You're quite welcome. As been noted, the very early RV-7s had the RV-8 rudder. Van's SB 02-6-1 (https://www.vansaircraft.com/service-information-and-revisions/sb-2-6-1/) addresses the change to the -9/-7 rudder. Reading it carefully will show that the -8 rudder and the -9/-7 rudder shipped with kits after 5/20/2002 are acceptable to Van's. There is no urging to early RV-7 kit owners with the -8 rudders to retrofit the -9/-7 rudder, i.e., Van's states in the SB that any owner could request the -9/-7 rudder if desired. Also note the comments by Van's in the SB regarding spin recovery characteristics of the RV-7 with either rudder installed. Both are acceptable.
Regarding modern EFIS capabilities: The ability to set Vne in terms of TAS is quite helpful and assists in the safe operation of the airplane now that Vne is in terms of TAS for RV's. In addition to showing TAS below the IAS tape, it dynamically adjusts the Vne (Redline) on the IAS tape as a function of Altitude and OAT.
In the screenshot below from the SkyView Touch in my RV-8, at 9,800' with an OAT of 36 Deg F, Vne = ~196 MPH IAS as indicated by the Redline on the speed tape. Also, note that Vne (230 MPH TAS) and Vno (193 MPH IAS) are within 3 MPH. At slightly above this altitude (~10,000'), Vne will be lower than Vno.
Here is a screenshot I took at 16,120' MSL and an OAT of 25 Deg F. Note that Vne at that altitude and OAT is only approximately 175 MPH IAS. I am descending at 49% power at only 600 FPM, and I’m close to Vne; so it’s easy to overspeed in the descent from higher altitudes in an RV if one is not careful. Note also that there is no Yellow band since Vno is higher the Vne.
And they are colorful to look at!
Last edited: