I have been on the fence about buying an RV for a couple of years, and the time has finally come. After three trips to OSH, countless hours of lurking upon this forum, and numerous build log observations; I have realized that I am not endowed with time or space or motivation to build. I am left with the decision of what to buy. I have decided on these necessities: O(or IO)-360 and a constant speed prop. I would like a -7 or a -7a, due to child and spousal maintenance being best served by non-tandem seating. That being said, the real question is -7 or -7A?
I fly out of Laramie, WY at 7200 feet. We frequently (by which I mean pretty much any time past 6am) have high density altitudes and a high probability of strong, gusty winds. I have a fair number of flight hours (3500 ish), but not a lot of tailwheel time (I just got my endorsement from Greg Koontz- in conjunction with basic aerobatic training). Part of me thinks the location and my experience favor a -7A, and part of me thinks "just get a taildragger and commence to learning."
So, my questions to the good and qualified folks here on the VAF forums: What are your experiences with flying your tailwheel RV's? Have you ever felt limited? Have you ever wished for the crosswind capabilities of a tricycle gear?
I fly out of Laramie, WY at 7200 feet. We frequently (by which I mean pretty much any time past 6am) have high density altitudes and a high probability of strong, gusty winds. I have a fair number of flight hours (3500 ish), but not a lot of tailwheel time (I just got my endorsement from Greg Koontz- in conjunction with basic aerobatic training). Part of me thinks the location and my experience favor a -7A, and part of me thinks "just get a taildragger and commence to learning."
So, my questions to the good and qualified folks here on the VAF forums: What are your experiences with flying your tailwheel RV's? Have you ever felt limited? Have you ever wished for the crosswind capabilities of a tricycle gear?
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