PilotjohnS
Well Known Member
Vans problem
So this is Van's issue, if there is an issue. When it comes to flutter and adding rudder mass, I can see where this gets complicated real fast. I don't want to be a test pilot for someone else's TLAR (That Looks About Right) engineering. JMHO
Although the RV 7/7A/9/9A are as easy to fly as a Cessna 152 or 172, they are not the same; they are one level up from the trainer market and their limits must be respected. For example, I don't think anyone can ever exceed Vne in a 152, even point straight down at Max RPM. But Van's RV's, Piper's, Cirrius, and more advance Cessna's will.
When someone finds an RV accident where the operator did not exceed the recommended operating limitations, then I will get a little excited. YMMV
The Polen Special is derived form the Midget Mustang I which was designed by a Pier Engineer in the 40's. The Polen flew successfully for many years and then developed rudder flutter. The fix was a carbon fiber rudder.
Years ago I met a Harmon Rocket builder/pilot who bragged about flying at 300 indicated. It would seem that if the -7 does have a rudder problem the first thing to consider would be the construction and balance of the rocket rudder.
Again apples to oranges but since the starting point for the Harmon Rocket is RV4 parts, maybe John Harmon and other HR builders know things that would be applicable to the RV7.
So this is Van's issue, if there is an issue. When it comes to flutter and adding rudder mass, I can see where this gets complicated real fast. I don't want to be a test pilot for someone else's TLAR (That Looks About Right) engineering. JMHO
Although the RV 7/7A/9/9A are as easy to fly as a Cessna 152 or 172, they are not the same; they are one level up from the trainer market and their limits must be respected. For example, I don't think anyone can ever exceed Vne in a 152, even point straight down at Max RPM. But Van's RV's, Piper's, Cirrius, and more advance Cessna's will.
When someone finds an RV accident where the operator did not exceed the recommended operating limitations, then I will get a little excited. YMMV
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