As I read the posts on the topic of 9 vs 7 it seems that many lower time pilots opt for the 9 since it better suits their skills.
That leads me to ask this. Is there a way to build the RV-7 to make it more suitable for a pilot with fewer hours? I am thinking about something like a lower HP engine perhaps or a mod to decrease the stall speed. I hestitate to say "dumb it down" but I think you see where I am going.
I for one, would like a plane that I could gain confidence and skills in and have its capability match what I want to do in the future. Some day I would love to be able to train for some mild mannered acrobatics but I certainly dont need that ability now but also wouldnt want to build a whole new plane to get that capability.
Thoughts?
Scott
RV-7 "Lite" ?
Before I started flying my RV-6, my experience in high performance airplanes was limited and what there was, was a long time ago. Most of my flying time was in low slow tail draggers. Citabrias, Cessna 140s, Luscombes, etc. I'm sure my RV-6 flys much like an RV-7. I wouldn't say it is a difficult airplane, but it is different than what I flew before. Safety in any airplane is a matter of familiarization and awareness.
Many people think tailwheel airplanes are difficult. I learned to fly in tailwheel airplanes, so to me, that's the way airplanes are. Before I flew my RV-6 home, my total RV stick time was about 30 minutes from the right seat on the demonstration ride. When I was nearing my home airport, I slowed it down and did some slow flight and a few stalls, and figured out what a comfortable approach speed should be, then landed. The first few weren't pretty, but they quickly got better. I have about 60 hours in it now and I'm still learning about it. I've kept waiting for it to do something bad, but it never has. It is a nice airplane.
If you want an RV-7, build one. Then gain experience flying it. You will like it.
Many people think tailwheel airplanes are difficult. I learned to fly in tailwheel airplanes, so to me, that's the way airplanes are. Before I flew my RV-6 home, my total RV stick time was about 30 minutes from the right seat on the demonstration ride. When I was nearing my home airport, I slowed it down and did some slow flight and a few stalls, and figured out what a comfortable approach speed should be, then landed. The first few weren't pretty, but they quickly got better. I have about 60 hours in it now and I'm still learning about it. I've kept waiting for it to do something bad, but it never has. It is a nice airplane.
If you want an RV-7, build one. Then gain experience flying it. You will like it.
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Guest
"Dumb it down"
Scott,
Build it as it was meant to be built ! My opinion is you'll regret it if you dont. I built an RV-4 and flew it for six hundred wonderful hours. I also built an RV-7 Which I now have Fifty one hours in. Smaller engine ? Not on your life !! At the beginning you can use partial power for take off and for getting the feel of the plane. Later your going to wish you had even "more" horse power.
All the best and good luck, Art Griffith
Build it as it was meant to be built ! My opinion is you'll regret it if you dont. I built an RV-4 and flew it for six hundred wonderful hours. I also built an RV-7 Which I now have Fifty one hours in. Smaller engine ? Not on your life !! At the beginning you can use partial power for take off and for getting the feel of the plane. Later your going to wish you had even "more" horse power.
All the best and good luck, Art Griffith