Good morning from the Netherlands,
as a longer-time lurker and prospective first-time builder I would like to dip into the forum's expertise regarding the choice of aircraft to build; more specifically, I think I've narrowed it down to either an RV-3 or RV-8.
Mission requirements / wish list:
From what I've gathered, the RV-3 with an (I)O-320 would tick a lot of boxes, is economical to run (everything fun seems more expensive in Europe ...), and has phenomenal performance. On the other hand, the RV-8 is heavier but has higher usable load, cockpit is a bit roomier, an (I)O-360 seems also not such a gas-guzzler, and the fastback conversion looks striking.
From a time-to-fly point of view, and as a first-time builder, I assume that a QB RV-8 would bring me potentially faster in the air than the RV-3 (would use the QB wings for the RV-3); due to my tinkering with my late-70's and late-90's cars, I would not see the mechanical work as such as a big problem, but I already learned from working on the cars that experience (or lack thereof) is a major issue not to be underestimated.
Big questions from my side at this stage:
Cheers,
Sebastian
P.S. No PPL yet; had two introductory lessons on a C172 and was not really excited with the plane ...
as a longer-time lurker and prospective first-time builder I would like to dip into the forum's expertise regarding the choice of aircraft to build; more specifically, I think I've narrowed it down to either an RV-3 or RV-8.
Mission requirements / wish list:
- cross-country touring in central Europe;
- flying solo (not a requirement as such, but it's already hard to find people to go sailing with, and might be even more difficult with flying);
- VFR due to the legal situation prohibiting amateur-built AC flying IFR;
- pilot (200lb) + baggage for a fortnight's trip (~30lb);
- 3h+ flights possible between refueling would be nice;
- crossing the Alps without being forced through the valleys, VFR out of sight of surface to fly over the weather;
- sporty/performant aeroplane trumps creature comfort (I've had a motorcycle for six years as sole means of transportation and did not shy away driving 500 miles/day trips);
- CS/VP prop (lightweight WW or MT);
- aesthetics: prefer a tip-over canopy over a slider for better visibility, RV-8 would almost certainly include the showplanes fastback conversion.
From what I've gathered, the RV-3 with an (I)O-320 would tick a lot of boxes, is economical to run (everything fun seems more expensive in Europe ...), and has phenomenal performance. On the other hand, the RV-8 is heavier but has higher usable load, cockpit is a bit roomier, an (I)O-360 seems also not such a gas-guzzler, and the fastback conversion looks striking.
From a time-to-fly point of view, and as a first-time builder, I assume that a QB RV-8 would bring me potentially faster in the air than the RV-3 (would use the QB wings for the RV-3); due to my tinkering with my late-70's and late-90's cars, I would not see the mechanical work as such as a big problem, but I already learned from working on the cars that experience (or lack thereof) is a major issue not to be underestimated.
Big questions from my side at this stage:
- Is an RV-3 (with QB wings) suitable for an (average) first-time builder?
- Can I operate the RV-3 with the proposed pilot+baggage weight, fill up the tanks, and still operate within suitable CG/weight limits?
- Would flying the RV-8 almost exclusively solo be an issue regarding a more forward CG?
- If going for the RV-8, would making the back seat pan removable with the option of installing an auxiliary fuel tank be a daft idea?
Cheers,
Sebastian
P.S. No PPL yet; had two introductory lessons on a C172 and was not really excited with the plane ...