Coming up on a possible need for an XC machine and RV8A looks to be what I've settled on (good for mission of usually 600 or fewer miles, solo, with an electric scooter and a bag or two). I'm not a builder (finished a Zenith build and it made me well aware that I'm really meticulous on wiring and rigging up some very nice systems (wifi preheat system, for example), but I'm really slow and not the best at craftsmanship on the airframe parts, let alone fiberglass! Plus, I just do not have the time to build right now).
I'm sort of settled on an IO-360 but happy to have a Superior, Lycoming, etc, and need to learn about versions (eg different bottom cowl shapes depending on engine configuration).
Will need hard IFR capabilities with synthetic vision, WAAS and GPS-simulated precision approaches, in sometimes very low vis at night.
Nose wheel is strongly desired for insurance, as well as for my own weaknesses as a pilot (I've hit the nose gear more than once, in more than one type of plane...one from trying to learn to land a Zenith with big tires, where my first landing bounced me onto my nose wheel and another where I hadn't realized my landing light had gone out on a night landing in a Cirrus and hit nose-wheel first. Both pilot errors, which I'd like to think I'd avoid in the future, but for me, nose wheel is less expensive for insurance and I don't mind being seen as "less sporty". I really like the added error cushion).
Anyone who could mentor a search, or participate actively in a search would be very helpful and I'd like to talk with someone who's been active in the community and knows the RV8 community well. Also someone to hash through some details that every type of airplane has, which are "things to check and important pitfalls to know about", and maybe look over logs and such with me.
I figure it's better to really start asking for help within the community, learn everything I can, and network to find a really good, suited airplane...rather than go out as a "shopper" without having done the research.
Any input regarding what to look for, from everyone here, is much appreciated!
I'm sort of settled on an IO-360 but happy to have a Superior, Lycoming, etc, and need to learn about versions (eg different bottom cowl shapes depending on engine configuration).
Will need hard IFR capabilities with synthetic vision, WAAS and GPS-simulated precision approaches, in sometimes very low vis at night.
Nose wheel is strongly desired for insurance, as well as for my own weaknesses as a pilot (I've hit the nose gear more than once, in more than one type of plane...one from trying to learn to land a Zenith with big tires, where my first landing bounced me onto my nose wheel and another where I hadn't realized my landing light had gone out on a night landing in a Cirrus and hit nose-wheel first. Both pilot errors, which I'd like to think I'd avoid in the future, but for me, nose wheel is less expensive for insurance and I don't mind being seen as "less sporty". I really like the added error cushion).
Anyone who could mentor a search, or participate actively in a search would be very helpful and I'd like to talk with someone who's been active in the community and knows the RV8 community well. Also someone to hash through some details that every type of airplane has, which are "things to check and important pitfalls to know about", and maybe look over logs and such with me.
I figure it's better to really start asking for help within the community, learn everything I can, and network to find a really good, suited airplane...rather than go out as a "shopper" without having done the research.
Any input regarding what to look for, from everyone here, is much appreciated!
Last edited:
