Van's Air Force
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Sizing for a 3A
- Thread starter Maxrate
- Start date
David Paule
Well Known Member
I think Van is about that tall...
Dave
Dave
RV 3 fit
I have along body short legs,
My body size is equivalent of 6’ 4”
My flying pal is the opposite long legs and short body.
Only difference in fit is the amount of seat padding we use.
Hope this answers your question
Only problem with buying an RV 3 to build time on it will spoil him for all future aircraft as hardly anything compares to the handling of the RV 3
In my opinion buy it and enjoy
Rob
RV 3 G-BVDC
I have along body short legs,
My body size is equivalent of 6’ 4”
My flying pal is the opposite long legs and short body.
Only difference in fit is the amount of seat padding we use.
Hope this answers your question
Only problem with buying an RV 3 to build time on it will spoil him for all future aircraft as hardly anything compares to the handling of the RV 3
In my opinion buy it and enjoy
Rob
RV 3 G-BVDC
oaklandaviator
Well Known Member
3A (Aerobatic)
If it truly is an “A” then it has had the spar mods done and is back to being aerobatic. The “B” has a completely different wing and doesn’t require as much research to be sure you know what you’re getting. Nothing wrong with the “A” but you need to really understand what that particular airplane has for wings. If it hasn’t had the mods then it’s a straight 3 and is limited to 4.4 G, must have a placard prohibiting aerobatics, and must have a G meter so you can ensure you don’t get too rambunctious.
Just research what you’re getting so you know in advance. Multiple rivit sizes and patterns used on the spar, glued or unglued skins, and fuel tank locations. First mod involved the rear spar attach and inner rib stiffening; second one was for stiffeners on the main spar webs between ribs to prevent bowing.
If it truly is an “A” then it has had the spar mods done and is back to being aerobatic. The “B” has a completely different wing and doesn’t require as much research to be sure you know what you’re getting. Nothing wrong with the “A” but you need to really understand what that particular airplane has for wings. If it hasn’t had the mods then it’s a straight 3 and is limited to 4.4 G, must have a placard prohibiting aerobatics, and must have a G meter so you can ensure you don’t get too rambunctious.
Just research what you’re getting so you know in advance. Multiple rivit sizes and patterns used on the spar, glued or unglued skins, and fuel tank locations. First mod involved the rear spar attach and inner rib stiffening; second one was for stiffeners on the main spar webs between ribs to prevent bowing.
FireMedic_2009
Well Known Member
Sizing for RV3
I’m 5’5”, I have absolutely no problem fitting in a 3 . . . . or in anything else
I’m 5’5”, I have absolutely no problem fitting in a 3 . . . . or in anything else
RV8JD
Well Known Member
Randy Lervold's RV-3 website has great info on the different RV-3 wing types (and their limitations) and the CN-1 & CN-2 wing mods, including Van's original letters to builders:
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The above info is only partially correct. The modification that changed the rear spar attached point and strengthened the inboard root rib is what makes an RV-3 be referred to as an RV-3A. There was no model designation for change notice 1 and change notice 2, so just because a particular airplane is referred to as an RV-3A doesn’t mean that these have been incorporated.
I bought my 3A from a person who's 6'4" or so, he's got long legs and moved the rudder pedals to the furthest forward position. Which he described as a very not fun job in a completed plane but possible.
I'm 6'2" and have short legs (32 inseam) , my head comes pretty close to the canopy. My plan is to modify the seat a little to be a bit more reclined to get my head lower.
I'm 6'2" and have short legs (32 inseam) , my head comes pretty close to the canopy. My plan is to modify the seat a little to be a bit more reclined to get my head lower.
Ed_Wischmeyer
Well Known Member
Don't be afraid to look at an RV-4. Purchase price difference might not be that much, depending...
RV-3 sizing
Greetings:
I'm 6'3" and 190lbs, and I fit just fine. The thing to remember is this; you don't sit in the-3, you strap on the -3. This aircraft literally becomes part of you. It is very responsive and light to the touch, I fly with just my thumb and first finger on the stick. I do take offs and landings with full grip. And I feel that it is the easiest to land. I transitioned in the -6, flying from the right side, and did ok. When I got in the -3, best landing I ever made,
of course after that it changed, I primarily do 3 point because that's what I am most comfortable with, there are others who only do wheelies. Point being this, do what fits you.
Just buy it, you won't regret it
Greetings:
I'm 6'3" and 190lbs, and I fit just fine. The thing to remember is this; you don't sit in the-3, you strap on the -3. This aircraft literally becomes part of you. It is very responsive and light to the touch, I fly with just my thumb and first finger on the stick. I do take offs and landings with full grip. And I feel that it is the easiest to land. I transitioned in the -6, flying from the right side, and did ok. When I got in the -3, best landing I ever made,
of course after that it changed, I primarily do 3 point because that's what I am most comfortable with, there are others who only do wheelies. Point being this, do what fits you.Just buy it, you won't regret it
Head and leg room in the front pit of an RV-4 is significantly more cramped than the RV-3 though.
