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Your advice, please, soon to take delivery of an RV 4.

rick57

rick57

Well Known Member
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I will soon take delivery of an RV4 in good shape. Pre-Buy mechanic and former four-owner suggested a tail beacon x and maybe an autopilot for long cross-country flights. I would appreciate your thoughts on whether to consider an AV 20 or 30 to go with the tail beacon X (no transponder now) or use phone app?
Second, please send your thoughts, recommendations, etc., on which autopilot will work best. For the first 20 hours, I won't be doing anything except getting competent and precise in flying it. And then I will make changes as needed and as affordable. I really appreciate any help you can provide.443DT panel.jpeg Rick
 
Very nice ! Similar panel to my RV-4..I put the Garmin G5 in a couple years ago and love it. With my steamers, I have dual basic stuff. I have a GDL82 ADSB out and Garmin 327 GTX X-ponder. I navigate via Nexus 7 tablet with AVARE maps, which are free and handle all my VFR needs. I carry an Android phone, and it also0 has AVARE on it. Simple USB 2 port charger keeps them both topped off. I don't have an autopilot, though for the long flight it would be nice. I do have electric aileron and elevator trim on the stick, so keeping strait and level is pretty easy...just not ready to go through the whole autopilot install because my normal mission doesn't need it.
 
Welcome to The Club! Best flying RV of the breed!

Here's my panel. If the Garmin had been available, I might have put that in. I replaced my (antiquated) electric T&B with an AV-30 and think it's the Cat's Meow! GPS is iFly 740 which is no longer available from iFly but can be found, but they also support programs on iPhone, pads etc. I wanted the smallest GPS and that fit the bill....and I've had it for years and use it in the Cub as well.

I've traveled much and have over 1100 hours without an autopilot. Have no plans or desire to put one in. I like to FLY!
 

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fixnflyguy said:
Very nice ! Similar panel to my RV-4..I put the Garmin G5 in a couple years ago and love it. With my steamers, I have dual basic stuff. I have a GDL82 ADSB out and Garmin 327 GTX X-ponder. I navigate via Nexus 7 tablet with AVARE maps, which are free and handle all my VFR needs. I carry an Android phone, and it also0 has AVARE on it. Simple USB 2 port charger keeps them both topped off. I don't have an autopilot, though for the long flight it would be nice. I do have electric aileron and elevator trim on the stick, so keeping strait and level is pretty easy...just not ready to go through the whole autopilot install because my normal mission doesn't need it.
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I installed a Garmin G5, gtx335, 8"Android tablet, Garmin Glo to put my plane on Avare's moving map. Might never install auto pilot
 
I'm happy with the AV30, but no experience using it to control the tailbeaconX and may be a bit of a challenge switching transponder codes in turbulence, given the small buttons? Suggest if you install the AV30 or 20, to install the temperature probe as well, as important V speeds to be respected are based on TAS and not indicated speeds. The AV30 was a fairly easy install with the temp probe installed on the inboard starboard wing inspection panel, well clear of the engine exhaust heat. You'll love the the RV4 and apparently handles almost a nice as the 3b... ; )
 
Richard RG said:
I'm happy with the AV30, but no experience using it to control the tailbeaconX and may be a bit of a challenge switching transponder codes in turbulence, given the small buttons? Suggest if you install the AV30 or 20, to install the temperature probe as well, as important V speeds to be respected are based on TAS and not indicated speeds. The AV30 was a fairly easy install with the temp probe installed on the inboard starboard wing inspection panel, well clear of the engine exhaust heat. You'll love the the RV4 and apparently handles almost a nice as the 3b... ; )
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What he said about the temp probe. True airspeed is vital on the RV-4.
 
Perhaps remove the TC and fit an AV-30, primarily for use in DI mode. TBX is a very easy to use full up transponder, I would install it inside the wing tip as it is very vulnerable at the base of the rudder. If it is broken it cannot be repaired and must be replaced.
As you have a G5 a pair of servos and a GMC 507 controller will give you an autopilot that performs very well but it is very much a nice to have. Depends on how you will operate the airplane.
 
It all depends on if you want to perform major surgery or not.
I started off with a TailBeacon for ADS-B. Works great. Then I purchased a TT AP & servos here on VAF. The plan was to install the AP head in the existing hole for the old Navaid wing leveler. I already had the AV-30.
However, this exercise turned into a complete panel makeover with Garmin components. The plane will be down for 2 months.
 
rick57 said:
I will soon take delivery of an RV4 in good shape. Pre-Buy mechanic and former four-owner suggested a tail beacon x and maybe an autopilot for long cross-country flights. I would appreciate your thoughts on whether to consider an AV 20 or 30 to go with the tail beacon X (no transponder now) or use phone app?
Second, please send your thoughts, recommendations, etc., on which autopilot will work best. For the first 20 hours, I won't be doing anything except getting competent and precise in flying it. And then I will make changes as needed and as affordable. I really appreciate any help you can provide.View attachment 78941 Rick
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You've got a perfectly capable flying airplane! :) You are going to have such a blast flying it, maybe wait until the blast buzz is off, before taking it out of circulation to work on it?
 
While getting instrument training in Huey's back in 1970, we were exposed to an expedited program since most of our flying would be VFR and low level. The joke was, we'd be getting a business size blue card with a hole in it. You held it up to the sky and if the colors matched you were good to go. That sums up our IFR training back then. So, no IFR nor auto pilot for this aviator, just hand flying the fighter the past 36 years and still loving it. I saved my IFR flying for Boeing aircraft well equipped to handle most weather conditions and a young crewmember to keep me honest.
 
Saber25 said:
While getting instrument training in Huey's back in 1970, we were exposed to an expedited program since most of our flying would be VFR and low level. The joke was, we'd be getting a business size blue card with a hole in it. You held it up to the sky and if the colors matched you were good to go. That sums up our IFR training back then. So, no IFR nor auto pilot for this aviator, just hand flying the fighter the past 36 years and still loving it. I saved my IFR flying for Boeing aircraft well equipped to handle most weather conditions and a young crewmember to keep me honest.
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RV4's are extremely fun, but trying to keep it straight and level while opening and refolding a WAC or sectional chart is a real challenge. Enjoy your new ride.
 
Norman CYYJ said:
RV4's are extremely fun, but trying to keep it straight and level while opening and refolding a WAC or sectional chart is a real challenge. Enjoy your new ride.
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:ROFLMAO: :ROFLMAO: :ROFLMAO: I, personally, do not find pushing a button on my GPS alters my straight-and-level flying at all! :ROFLMAO::D Let me think...................OH: you must be referring to those PAPER charts we used to carry around! ;) SuzieQ stayed pretty true even while unfolding those charts. That's what knees are for! :LOL:

On the serious side, RVs are quite sensitive to control stick inputs and that takes some getting used to at first compared to other aircraft. You will find that to be true on your familiarization flights in other RVs before you fly yours. I was always fascinated by how little back stick movement resulted in a serious and sudden rate-of-climb! But that is also one of the magic features of the harmonized controls of this design: the airplane quickly becomes a part of you and responds precisely to your control inputs! THINK about going over there and you are going over there! ☺️

Agreed: you will ENJOY your new ride! Did I mention the -4 is the best flying of the breed.............?
 
Norman CYYJ said:
RV4's are extremely fun, but trying to keep it straight and level while opening and refolding a WAC or sectional chart is a real challenge. Enjoy your new ride.
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Norman, I've been flying my -4 since 1989 so am familiar with its delightful flight characteristics. As to folding or unfolding sectionals, I've employed stick between the knees method for years now. This also allows for the occasional unusual attitude recovery procedure just to remain current. In fact, neither my Pitts S1S nor older Laser 200 have an autopilot. I suppose I just love dangerous living:)
 
Load your charts on an iPad mini running any of the many e-flight bag setups, and put that on a knee board. No folding required, and most of the time you probably won’t even need that.
Or you can make a bracket to put it in a convenient spot. This one is in a relatively shaded spot on my former RV4, and talks to my uAvionix echo.
 

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Saber25 said:
Norman, I've been flying my -4 since 1989 so am familiar with its delightful flight characteristics. As to folding or unfolding sectionals, I've employed stick between the knees method for years now. This also allows for the occasional unusual attitude recovery procedure just to remain current. In fact, neither my Pitts S1S nor older Laser 200 have an autopilot. I suppose I just love dangerous living:)
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I agree, especially in light turbulence staying current in unusual attitude recovery procedure is good and fun. A good electronic map takes all the fun out of it.
 
First of all , I hate folding charts so that disappeared years ago. Now on my third iPad mini with ForeFlight, panel mounted. I had no vacuum system so no artificial horizon and didn’t like that so installed a G5. Love it. Wife said we need an autopilot for cross country and the Garmin 507 is easily and cheaply wired to the G5. No brainer for me.
 
Pilot8 said:
You've got a perfectly capable flying airplane! :) You are going to have such a blast flying it, maybe wait until the blast buzz is off, before taking it out of circulation to work on it?
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Pilot8,
Flew my -4 for 8 years without an AP. Never felt the need for it.
-4 type training and aerobatic training- a double "yes do".
Daddyman
 
I can spend other peoples money real well, go for a 10" skyview with the dynon transponder and adsb box. I love mine.
 
Bought my -8 nearly five years ago with a simple analog panel and an iPad specifically so I could upgrade to a nice glass panel and AP of my choice & layout after I put a few dozen hours on it. I had a fund set aside too... Since then, I haven't changed a thing. Too much fun flying it and I'd rather look outside anyway! As others have said, fly it for a while and you may change your mind. 😁 Enjoy your new -4!
 
rick57 said:
I will soon take delivery of an RV4 in good shape. Pre-Buy mechanic and former four-owner suggested a tail beacon x and maybe an autopilot for long cross-country flights. I would appreciate your thoughts on whether to consider an AV 20 or 30 to go with the tail beacon X (no transponder now) or use phone app?
Second, please send your thoughts, recommendations, etc., on which autopilot will work best. For the first 20 hours, I won't be doing anything except getting competent and precise in flying it. And then I will make changes as needed and as affordable. I really appreciate any help you can provide.View attachment 78941 Rick
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I looked at this -4 not to long ago. I really enjoyed talking with the owner. Great guy. Enjoy your new -4. Ricky
 
I love my 2 AV30s in my RV9A. I installed the tailbeaconX recently and love it too. The transponder screen on the AV3 is easy to use and right there with everything else you do on the AV30. I also installed their magnetometer. What a difference1 Works like you always wanted a DG to work. I installed the Bendix xCruz autopilot a few months ago and fed it from a GNC250XL. Works perfect. Easy use and so smooth. You can also control it from the AV30 if you choose. Have fun in the 4! That's what I want for my next airplane.
 
As others have said, the RV4 is a wonderful flying airplane - for a couple of reasons. You are sitting on the centerline, and in most cases it is light. My second RV4 had an O-360 with a GA carbon fixed pitch prop. It weighed 980 pounds empty and had lots of power. After 50 years of flying professionally, everything think from Beech 18’s to Boeings, to most GA airplanes, to me the RV4, at least that last one, is the best flying airplane I have ever piloted. My current RV6 (built for my wife of 50 years, who wants to sit next to me), flys great too because I’ve kept it light, but I can’t help but think about that RV4. My suggestion, as others have said, don’t get carried away with advanced avionics. Wait to see what you really need, and try to keep it as light as possible. You just can’t beat that combination of light weight and an RV4. Wish I still had my last one.
 
Scott Hersha said:
As others have said, the RV4 is a wonderful flying airplane - for a couple of reasons. You are sitting on the centerline, and in most cases it is light. My second RV4 had an O-360 with a GA carbon fixed pitch prop. It weighed 980 pounds empty and had lots of power. After 50 years of flying professionally, everything think from Beech 18’s to Boeings, to most GA airplanes, to me the RV4, at least that last one, is the best flying airplane I have ever piloted. My current RV6 (built for my wife of 50 years, who wants to sit next to me), flys great too because I’ve kept it light, but I can’t help but think about that RV4. My suggestion, as others have said, don’t get carried away with advanced avionics. Wait to see what you really need, and try to keep it as light as possible. You just can’t beat that combination of light weight and an RV4. Wish I still had my last one.
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Scott, it is light at 926 lbs. For now I need to add a transponder and considering a GTX 335 or A GNX 375. I am updating the safety harnesses with 5 pt Crow and installing a titanium TW spring with Aero Garage fork And JD Air yoke. With that I will lose about 2 lbs off the back. And I will seek precision and proficiency in learning to fly it well and that will be fun!N443DT right side (2).jpeg My previous experience was with my C120 many years ago. It is not a hard plane to fly but is honest in its response. It will do exactly what you ask of it. So,be certain what you are asking is the right thing. Many thanks for the comment. It all helps.
 
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