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Passenger Space /Foot Wells

E

ECAM

Member
Hello ,

I am building a RV14, but very frustrated with Vans parts issues. My engine is scheduled for late 2027… So I have now made the decision to purchase an older RV for local flying, and the odd VFR trip.

My question for RV 4 owners
My wife and I are both 135 lbs , I am 5’ 6 ( pilot ) , my wife is taller at 5’9. She has long legs. I have lots of back seat time in the RV 4 , but have not been able to get my wife flying. We looked at a RV 4 yesterday , she sat in the back and felt her legs might be uncomfortable on a 1-2 hour trip. The foot wells look like they would help. Looking for real world experience, pictures of a taller person and their feet in the RV4 foot wells would be helpful. For me , no problems , it is snug but legs are ok with out foot wells. We both love the look and size of the RV 4 and are trying to keep the cost under control, as my 14 build budget is already stretched.

Thanks,
Phil Jarrett
Rockwood, Ontario


Sent from my iPad
 
Having flown in the back seat of an RV-4 without footwells, and the back seat of an -8 (similar floor geometry) with footwells, I’d say that you can;t go wrong with putting them in - much extra comfort, and pretty cheap to do.

And raising the back seat even an inch or so makes a difference in passenger comfort as well - as long as they don’t bump their head on the canopy.
 
Ironflight said:
Having flown in the back seat of an RV-4 without footwells, and the back seat of an -8 (similar floor geometry) with footwells, I’d say that you can;t go wrong with putting them in - much extra comfort, and pretty cheap to do.

And raising the back seat even an inch or so makes a difference in passenger comfort as well - as long as they don’t bump their head on the canopy.
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Thank you Paul ,
We are two 59 year olds that need a airplane today , my daily driver is a 787, great fun but the RV 4 will be way more fun.
Phil
 
I have a -4 without wells and a Rocket with.
The footwells are very nice.
However, the ability of the rear seater to extend the legs forward and rest the calves on the spar make cross country flying not as uncomfortable as one would imagine. I find that this stretching is required even with footwells.
If you find the right -4 and it doesn’t have footwells, don’t shy away.
Good luck!
 
ECAM said:
Hello ,

I am building a RV14, but very frustrated with Vans parts issues. My engine is scheduled for late 2027… So I have now made the decision to purchase an older RV for local flying, and the odd VFR trip.

My question for RV 4 owners
My wife and I are both 135 lbs , I am 5’ 6 ( pilot ) , my wife is taller at 5’9. She has long legs. I have lots of back seat time in the RV 4 , but have not been able to get my wife flying. We looked at a RV 4 yesterday , she sat in the back and felt her legs might be uncomfortable on a 1-2 hour trip. The foot wells look like they would help. Looking for real world experience, pictures of a taller person and their feet in the RV4 foot wells would be helpful. For me , no problems , it is snug but legs are ok with out foot wells. We both love the look and size of the RV 4 and are trying to keep the cost under control, as my 14 build budget is already stretched.

Thanks,
Phil Jarrett
Rockwood, Ontario


Sent from my iPad
Click to expand...
Hey, Phill: I'm 5'10" and shrinking..... 😄 and tip the scales variably around 180 pounds. The first RV-4 I flew in the back seat of, I really can't remember if it had foot wells or not as I was SO EXCITED to be up in, what I didn't know at the time, was to be my future aircraft project. I was subsequently in one with foot wells and decided that SuzieQ needed them. My PIB at the time was pretty long-legged as well and her comfort was important. She liked the back seat, especially since it made quick work of trips to Texas to see her family. Our longest trip was to Sedona, AZ (amazing trip!!) and she was perfectly comfortable. (My trips to OSH were all solo.) It is true you can stretch your legs out and put them over the spars, but the foot wells are well worth having. Don't have to have your knees up by your ears......🤣🤣 But do not pass up a -4 without them!

I have recently been sitting in the back seat of SuzieQ making changes to how to store things for the back-seater among other changes (stick boot) and find it quite comfortable. I did not put in extra metal sidewalls for holding things as I found it narrowed an already narrow place to be. Stick-on cloth/leather holders are smaller and take care of the various things that might need to go in there, like cell phones etc.

The look (best-looking) and size of the -4 are only some of what might get you addicted to that model! It has been said it is the best-flying of the breed (hats off to -3 drivers!) and I guarantee it will prolong getting your -14 done! ;) 🤣🤣 The front office of the -4 is a perfect fit for me. I find there is 'too much room' in the front seat of the -8. And the rudder pedals are too close together! SuzieQ is a perfect fit for me. You will find that to be the case as well with your 5'6" frame. Does it sound like I like the -4? That would be a correct assumption!

Good luck with your search! It will be a GREAT break from your -87! You are right: WAY more fun, just in a different way!
 
I have a -4, I built. I'm 6"1" and my wife is 5'11". I built footwells in mine and she is perfectly comfortable. I have built footwells for 2 other RV-4s and it's a simple weekend job.
 

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Yep, footwells all the way. Much more comfortable for the back seater. I have had two 4's. The first one I bought without footwells and installed them later. The second I built with them. I built them in my 8 as well. As mentioned above, not a big deal to install after the fact. The 4 is a great fun airplane!
 
Here is a shot of mine in my RV-4. Lowers your foot a good 3-4 inches, but mor importantly, your foot rests at the comfort angle rather than ankle bent forward on the flat floor
 

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ECAM said:
Hello ,

I am building a RV14, but very frustrated with Vans parts issues. My engine is scheduled for late 2027… So I have now made the decision to purchase an older RV for local flying, and the odd VFR trip.

My question for RV 4 owners
My wife and I are both 135 lbs , I am 5’ 6 ( pilot ) , my wife is taller at 5’9. She has long legs. I have lots of back seat time in the RV 4 , but have not been able to get my wife flying. We looked at a RV 4 yesterday , she sat in the back and felt her legs might be uncomfortable on a 1-2 hour trip. The foot wells look like they would help. Looking for real world experience, pictures of a taller person and their feet in the RV4 foot wells would be helpful. For me , no problems , it is snug but legs are ok with out foot wells. We both love the look and size of the RV 4 and are trying to keep the cost under control, as my 14 build budget is already stretched.

Thanks,
Phil Jarrett
Rockwood, Ontario


Sent from my iPad
Click to expand...
I'm 6'4 220 lb. I've never flown in the rear of a 4 without foot wells. However, I have flown in the rear of an RV-4 with foot wells and have found it to be reasonably comfortable.
 
ECAM said:
It happened … it’s my wife’s fault.
View attachment 74668
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YES!! That's a COOL-LOOKING ride! That is the long-legged version! Looks pretty racy! Now we need to see other pictures including the Front Office! Hats off to your Aircraft Purchasing Advisor (wife)!:love: Keep us in the loop!

Oh, yeah: Welcome to The Club! You've been bit! Now you're screwed.......... 🤣 🤣
 
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Thank you thank you for all the “justifying “ of why I needed a RV4, I see my RV 14 build is already being ignored. I have lots of time since the engine is not here until December 2027.

Here are a few pictures, I am off to Lisbon tonight, work is getting in the way.

As soon as I have some time , I will tidy up the office a bit, Wig wag lights and AV 30 and tail beacon x , is an absolute must for me. I need ADSB in and out. Looking at the foot wells kit , not sure what vans has in stock . Are the 8 and 4 similar foot well kits.
The a/c has TT 30 hrs , just recently signed of.
 

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ECAM said:
Thank you thank you for all the “justifying “ of why I needed a RV4, I see my RV 14 build is already being ignored. I have lots of time since the engine is not here until December 2027.

Here are a few pictures, I am off to Lisbon tonight, work is getting in the way.

As soon as I have some time , I will tidy up the office a bit, Wig wag lights and AV 30 and tail beacon x , is an absolute must for me. I need ADSB in and out. Looking at the foot wells kit , not sure what vans has in stock . Are the 8 and 4 similar foot well kits.
The a/c has TT 30 hrs , just recently signed of.
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See the pic I posted above..I made that footwell assembly in one afternoon for a friends. I made the entire assembly because his existing flat floor was not in great shape. The wells them selves are 3 pieces each, 2 sides and a V shaped footwell. Make patterns from card board and be sure they will clear the pushrods to the ailerons. The existing floor stiffeners can be modified, or made new. I used .032" for all the pieces.
 
ECAM said:
Thank you thank you for all the “justifying “ of why I needed a RV4, I see my RV 14 build is already being ignored. I have lots of time since the engine is not here until December 2027.

Here are a few pictures, I am off to Lisbon tonight, work is getting in the way.

As soon as I have some time , I will tidy up the office a bit, Wig wag lights and AV 30 and tail beacon x , is an absolute must for me. I need ADSB in and out. Looking at the foot wells kit , not sure what vans has in stock . Are the 8 and 4 similar foot well kits.
The a/c has TT 30 hrs , just recently signed of.
Click to expand...
What RV-14?? 😂 🤣 😂 🤣30 hours TT?? Wow! When was it finished? When was the last time it was flown? Time to put some AIR under those wings!!

Yes: that panel needs some work. AV-30 is the BOMB!! The yellow tie-down cord for the canopy HAS to go! I put some pictures in of my setup. Search for other ideas on this forum. Yeah: work interferes with life.............;)

Let the ADVENTURE begin.........!!😊😊😊
 

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Check with Vince at Team Rocket for footwells if Van’s doesn’t have them - or just check with Vince anyway!
 
These are the profile dimensions that I used to build mine.
 

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My steam gauge panel is similar and gets the job done, however, I had a compass mounted where yours is and it was kind of useless since I always have a GPS tablet or 2 with me. I put a G5 in that spot, and like other compact displays, it has a whole lot of info. The EXP version is around $1300, and it was money well spent.
 

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ECAM said:
Thank you thank you for all the “justifying “ of why I needed a RV4, I see my RV 14 build is already being ignored. I have lots of time since the engine is not here until December 2027.

Here are a few pictures, I am off to Lisbon tonight, work is getting in the way.

As soon as I have some time , I will tidy up the office a bit, Wig wag lights and AV 30 and tail beacon x , is an absolute must for me. I need ADSB in and out. Looking at the foot wells kit , not sure what vans has in stock . Are the 8 and 4 similar foot well kits.
The a/c has TT 30 hrs , just recently signed of.
Click to expand...
Can you explain your canopy “hold open” arm as shown in the pic?

Thank you - HFS
 
I have been working in silence since purchasing the RV 4. It has been hangared at a grass strip. The weather was not great but good enough to have a colleague , who also flys the 787 and has a RV 4 move it to its new home. Took the wheel pants off for the move, after a day of waiting for the snow to stop we moved. I have been very active at my local airport, flying the super decathlon, have done 10 hours of tail wheel training and will now wait for a perfect day to go for my first flight.
Here are a few pictures.
You can also see , I have installed the nav light lenses and put nut plates on the wing tips . The tips will come off again to finish the job, put them on to move it.
 

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fixnflyguy said:
Looks great! If you haven't flown a -4, they are a piece of cake in every aspect, and honest as can be. your biggest learning curve will be slowing down (compared to the Decathalon). Have fun!
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Agreed. Did the first flight in mine, had about 1000 Citabria time and transition was easy, you just move a lot faster when the throttle is forward
 
The 4 is a great bird....lots of fun to fly! I have 500 hrs between 2 of them. Had no RV time and only 30 hrs TW split between a Supercub and Citabria when I picked up my first one in Medicine Hat. As has been said, it is an easy transition from the Citabria to the 4. Are you based at ZBA? There are a few RV's based there and about a dozen at NC3 where I am. Sold my second 4 to an 87 driver in Quebec. He loves it! Enjoy!
 
Jvon811 said:
Airplane parts on the kitchen counter, I love it... Can't say it hasn't happened at my house, but I know the side eye look that I get when I do it, haha.
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My wife is the driving force behind the 4 while we buck in the basement …LOL
RV 14 bucking has slowed down a bit
 
Jvon811 said:
Airplane parts on the kitchen counter, I love it... Can't say it hasn't happened at my house, but I know the side eye look that I get when I do it, haha.
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Ah, but remember who said "just buy it"! His Aircraft Advisor is showing up in some of the posted photos as well.

Yeah, the -14 will take a back seat but you have a GREAT airplane to fly in the meantime! Wouldn't surprise me if, after finishing the -14, you keep BOTH aircraft as their missions are somewhat different.

Here are before and after views of my 'round-dial' panel that I really like! I dumped my electric T&B for the AV-30. Highly recommended!
 

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Like Roadjunkie1 above you can do a lot with an RV-4 panel. Here’s my before and after but sadly I sold it to get an -8. Was it a good trade- who knows but they’re both great planes. I love my -8 but IMO the -4 was the best flying model. To each his own…..

I don't have pictures but I did install footwells and it made a big difference according to my back seaters.
 

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I'm 5'9" and a buck 85. I have several flights in the back of RV-4s and -8s. The pax foot-wells are appreciated as are clean side panels without charts and water bottles competing for foot space.
 
olyolson said:
Like Roadjunkie1 above you can do a lot with an RV-4 panel. Here’s my before and after but sadly I sold it to get an -8. Was it a good trade- who knows but they’re both great planes. I love my -8 but IMO the -4 was the best flying model. To each his own…..

I don't have pictures but I did install footwells and it made a big difference according to my back seaters.
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Nice looking panel
 
With very little modification you can use the RV-8 footwell on your -4. That is what i did with mine.
 
ECAM said:
Hello ,

I am building a RV14, but very frustrated with Vans parts issues. My engine is scheduled for late 2027… So I have now made the decision to purchase an older RV for local flying, and the odd VFR trip.

My question for RV 4 owners
My wife and I are both 135 lbs , I am 5’ 6 ( pilot ) , my wife is taller at 5’9. She has long legs. I have lots of back seat time in the RV 4 , but have not been able to get my wife flying. We looked at a RV 4 yesterday , she sat in the back and felt her legs might be uncomfortable on a 1-2 hour trip. The foot wells look like they would help. Looking for real world experience, pictures of a taller person and their feet in the RV4 foot wells would be helpful. For me , no problems , it is snug but legs are ok with out foot wells. We both love the look and size of the RV 4 and are trying to keep the cost under control, as my 14 build budget is already stretched.

Thanks,
Phil Jarrett
Rockwood, Ontario


Sent from my iPad
Click to expand...
 
My $.02 ...

Footwells are a great benefit, no doubt about it, but ...

there are times when they just get in the way. Their location (at least in my HR II) are right where I like to put my right foot (right side) when entering the cockpit, and the "cutout" for the wells makes finding a "purchase" for my shoes more difficult - now my feet kind of "scuff" along the sides of the cockpit and seat cushion frame. When exiting, my left foot wants to go right where the left footwell is - another distraction.

What I did was make footwells for both conditions by making covers (including carpet) for them when they are not needed. Most people when looking at the interior of my airplane don't even know I have footwells.

Just a thought for a solution without compromise ...

HFS
 

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I flew the Rocket for a while with no footwells. That is to say the GIB placed their feet directly on the inside of the belly skin. After my wife’s feet literally froze to the floor on a trip from Sedona a few years ago I built a set of foot boxes made out of 1/4 foam board from recycled office wall calendars. A couple layers of glass and an added flange at the top. Added carpet and now I have light weight, well insulated footwells and my wife’s feet stay comfy.

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