Vans RV8
Thread Starter
Joined: Apr 2002
Aviation Qualifications: ATCO
Posts: 680
Likes: 2
From: An Airport Near You
Vans RV8
Have any of you fine people imported, constructed and flown an RV8 (or any RV)? If so can I get in touch to ask a few questions about shipping, building etc etc please?
Many thanks!
Many thanks!
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 630
Likes: 2
From: UK
There's a couple of excellent places to try, both available through the (non-Vans Aircraft Inc) UK website:
http://www.rvuk.co.uk/
Namely the UK RV Sqn Yahoo Group and the new UK RV Forum.
Build an RV, fly an RV and you'll never want for any other toy!
http://www.rvuk.co.uk/
Namely the UK RV Sqn Yahoo Group and the new UK RV Forum.
Build an RV, fly an RV and you'll never want for any other toy!
Thread Starter
Joined: Apr 2002
Aviation Qualifications: ATCO
Posts: 680
Likes: 2
From: An Airport Near You
I used to have a share in an RV4 hence my addiction! Would love to have my own though! Seen that website thanks, thought I'd trawl around here too but will contact the RVUK chaps over the weekend.
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 1,214
Likes: 0
From: S Warwickshire
I have an RV-4 and am building an RV-8. They are a serious addiction, but no better way to fritter away the next generation's inheritance.
Feel free to fire away your Qs, either here or PM as you prefer.
Feel free to fire away your Qs, either here or PM as you prefer.
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 101
Likes: 8
From: Everywhere
Any opinions on a Rocket?
Hi there,
at the slight risk of thread creep, while we're at it is there any experience out there in F1/Harmon Rockets?
I've been RV dreaming for a long time and wonder what the general thoughts are on flying a Rocket as opposed to a stock RV. Budd Davisson gave his thoughts on a six cylinder vs four cylinder up front when he said:
There is absolutely no substitute for cubic inches. None. When it comes to all realms of performance, including going up, going fast, and running at low power settings, it's hard to beat having more engine than the airplane actually needs. Is this a subjective statement? Absolutely! Is it true? In this pilot's mind it is. That's why it's subjective.
When you can run at well over 200 mph while pulling barely 50% power at fuel burns approximating high-end four-cylinder numbers, think what you're doing for engine reliability. You have the power when you want it, which gives the option of not using it when its not needed, like in cruise. But, the cubic inches are always there and they always make themselves known in the form of increased performance.
I'd be greatful for people's opinions...again, sorry for the thread drift!!!
DA
at the slight risk of thread creep, while we're at it is there any experience out there in F1/Harmon Rockets?
I've been RV dreaming for a long time and wonder what the general thoughts are on flying a Rocket as opposed to a stock RV. Budd Davisson gave his thoughts on a six cylinder vs four cylinder up front when he said:
There is absolutely no substitute for cubic inches. None. When it comes to all realms of performance, including going up, going fast, and running at low power settings, it's hard to beat having more engine than the airplane actually needs. Is this a subjective statement? Absolutely! Is it true? In this pilot's mind it is. That's why it's subjective.
When you can run at well over 200 mph while pulling barely 50% power at fuel burns approximating high-end four-cylinder numbers, think what you're doing for engine reliability. You have the power when you want it, which gives the option of not using it when its not needed, like in cruise. But, the cubic inches are always there and they always make themselves known in the form of increased performance.
I'd be greatful for people's opinions...again, sorry for the thread drift!!!
DA
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 1,214
Likes: 0
From: S Warwickshire
There is a Harmon project going through approval in the UK (are you UK based - DA?), but I don't have any personal knowledge.
It depends what you're after. My 150HP RV-4 is not under-powered. Cruise at 130KIAS at 55% power setting, from which you can loop it without touching the throttle, climbs at 1400 ft/min gross or 2000 ft/min solo.
A lighter aeroplane will usually handle and fly better than a heavier one.
Pay your money and take your choice.
It depends what you're after. My 150HP RV-4 is not under-powered. Cruise at 130KIAS at 55% power setting, from which you can loop it without touching the throttle, climbs at 1400 ft/min gross or 2000 ft/min solo.
A lighter aeroplane will usually handle and fly better than a heavier one.
Pay your money and take your choice.
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 1,214
Likes: 0
From: S Warwickshire
Visitors are welcome, though after 10 minutes you'll likely be handed a rivetting dolly.
Currently just wings and empennage. I need to make a few adjustments to the workshop prior to the fuselage arriving (slow-build flat-pack variety).
Currently just wings and empennage. I need to make a few adjustments to the workshop prior to the fuselage arriving (slow-build flat-pack variety).
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 71
Likes: 0
From: UK
If it's any help here is my Vans RV7 build site/diary. www.go-7.co.uk
Go to the Diary pages to see the day by day progress or the construction section to see by topic - like Dynon D100, Engine monitor etc.
Regarding performance: My RV7 has a new Superior IO-360 with Hartzell c/s. The performance is fantastic. I am off the ground as I pass the numbers and 1'500ft by the end of Thruxtons runway. Was doing 200mph round the IOW the other weekend. Only have 18 hrs on it so far but have to say it was worth all the effort.
HEATH WARNING: Don't take a ride in an RV, as you will really really want one
Tim
Go to the Diary pages to see the day by day progress or the construction section to see by topic - like Dynon D100, Engine monitor etc.
Regarding performance: My RV7 has a new Superior IO-360 with Hartzell c/s. The performance is fantastic. I am off the ground as I pass the numbers and 1'500ft by the end of Thruxtons runway. Was doing 200mph round the IOW the other weekend. Only have 18 hrs on it so far but have to say it was worth all the effort.
HEATH WARNING: Don't take a ride in an RV, as you will really really want one
Tim
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 213
Likes: 0
From: Leicester
RTL that health warning is a bit late ive got over 20 free blissful hours in an rv6 I want an aerobatic rv either 4 or 8. Im only 17 but have a full license Its a night mare i should be thinking of uni AS and A/levels not when can I build an aircraft.
David
David
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 143
Likes: 0
From: East Sussex
Hey David, I cut my teeth on a Taylormono plane when I was 17(1987), did not get the RV Grin till 1999 ! We all have to start somewhere, mid you you can get a Luton Minor for £2500, cheap flying !! Details are in PFA Magazine.
Will.
Will.
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 432
Likes: 0
From: Great Southern Land
A Californian bloke called Dan Checkoway has a great site about the building, flying and maintaining of his RV-8:
Dan's RV Project
Dan's RV Project
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 421
Likes: 0
From: UK
Checkoway's is indeed an excellent site, but his is an RV-7 (side by side) not an RV-8 (tandem). In a similar vein is Richard Horan's UK RV-7 site here.
An excellent resource for all things Van's, with links to many different builders' sites, is Van's Air Force.
An excellent resource for all things Van's, with links to many different builders' sites, is Van's Air Force.
