Today's Message Index:
----------------------
1. 10:42 AM - rollover bar (Frazier, Vincent A)
2. 10:57 AM - Re: rollover bar (Lee Taylor)
Message 1
| NEXT | Skip to NEXT Message |
| LIST | Reply to LIST Regarding this Message |
| SENDER | Reply to SENDER Regarding this Message |
|
--> Rocket-List message posted by: "Frazier, Vincent A" <VFrazier@usi.edu>
I comment on this EVERY time this topic comes up. The stock RV-4 type rollbar
saved a local pilot that I know very well several years ago. The off airport
landing and flipover were minor, but you should see how much room there ISN'T
when these things are upside down, even WITH a rollbar. I saw it all with my
own eyes. Trust me.... you won't live long in that position without a rollbar.
In my not very humble opinion, if you build a Rocket without a genuine rollbar
protecting your soft pumpkin head then you're asking for real trouble. Just picture
your family at your funeral explaining that the airplane had minimal damage
because your head absorbed the impact after a minor flipover.
BTW, the RV-4 mentioned at the beginning of this post was repaired and flying again
in just a few weeks.
Vince
SNIP
Time: 11:34:26 AM PST US
Subject: Rocket-List: Roll Over Structure
From: Gary Graham <beeb@teleport.com>
--> Rocket-List message posted by: Gary Graham <beeb@teleport.com>
I have been thinking about the recent death of a fellow RVer and friend.
It was reported that his neck was broken when his RV-4 fast back, ended up
on its back in an off airport landing. I thought I remembered a custom bar
(looking like the one in the RV-8) that was used in place of the "tower"
roll over structure that Van's designed for the RV-4. Looking through my
photos confirmed this.
I remember that when the RV-4 and Rocket II, were what 2 place guys were
building. There were many changes to the roll over structure showing up a
flyins. At the time, I liked the looks of the curved top bar from the
"Bakersfield Bunch". Going for function I ended up with the stock structure
with a slightly increased surface area at the top.
Now, every time I see a Rocket II or similar tandem seating airplane with a
tipover canopy, I picture it upside down resting on whatever, and
wondering if 200 pounds hanging in the straps has head room.
Please don't get me wrong here. This is not a critical comment on any
design or builder. I just wonder if my friend would have had a better
chance if he had not replaced the full height roll over structure. Food for
thought.
Gary, RV-4 FB SNIP
Message 2
| INDEX | Back to Main INDEX |
| PREVIOUS | Skip to PREVIOUS Message |
| NEXT | Skip to NEXT Message |
| LIST | Reply to LIST Regarding this Message |
| SENDER | Reply to SENDER Regarding this Message |
|
--> Rocket-List message posted by: "Lee Taylor" <leetay@idcomm.com>
Good comment, Vince. I am reminded of whats-his-name, the ex-Eagles
Aerobatic Team member, flying his Sea Fury, which flipped over on soft
ground after a landing problem. He wasn't injured--airplane barely
damaged,---died from suffocation caused by the extreme compressed neck
position before they could get him out. Had removed his rollover bar.
Lee Taylor
-----Original Message-----
From: owner-rocket-list-server@matronics.com
[mailto:owner-rocket-list-server@matronics.com] On Behalf Of Frazier,
Vincent A
Subject: Rocket-List: rollover bar
--> Rocket-List message posted by: "Frazier, Vincent A"
<VFrazier@usi.edu>
I comment on this EVERY time this topic comes up. The stock RV-4 type
rollbar saved a local pilot that I know very well several years ago.
The off airport landing and flipover were minor, but you should see how
much room there ISN'T when these things are upside down, even WITH a
rollbar. I saw it all with my own eyes. Trust me.... you won't live
long in that position without a rollbar.
In my not very humble opinion, if you build a Rocket without a genuine
rollbar protecting your soft pumpkin head then you're asking for real
trouble. Just picture your family at your funeral explaining that the
airplane had minimal damage because your head absorbed the impact after
a minor flipover.
BTW, the RV-4 mentioned at the beginning of this post was repaired and
flying again in just a few weeks.
Vince
SNIP
Time: 11:34:26 AM PST US
Subject: Rocket-List: Roll Over Structure
From: Gary Graham <beeb@teleport.com>
--> Rocket-List message posted by: Gary Graham <beeb@teleport.com>
I have been thinking about the recent death of a fellow RVer and
friend.
It was reported that his neck was broken when his RV-4 fast back, ended
up
on its back in an off airport landing. I thought I remembered a custom
bar
(looking like the one in the RV-8) that was used in place of the "tower"
roll over structure that Van's designed for the RV-4. Looking through
my
photos confirmed this.
I remember that when the RV-4 and Rocket II, were what 2 place guys
were
building. There were many changes to the roll over structure showing up
a
flyins. At the time, I liked the looks of the curved top bar from the
"Bakersfield Bunch". Going for function I ended up with the stock
structure
with a slightly increased surface area at the top.
Now, every time I see a Rocket II or similar tandem seating airplane
with a
tipover canopy, I picture it upside down resting on whatever, and
wondering if 200 pounds hanging in the straps has head room.
Please don't get me wrong here. This is not a critical comment on any
design or builder. I just wonder if my friend would have had a better
chance if he had not replaced the full height roll over structure. Food
for
thought.
Gary, RV-4 FB SNIP
Other Matronics Email List Services
These Email List Services are sponsored solely by Matronics and through the generous Contributions of its members.
-- Please support this service by making your Contribution today! --
|