---------------------------------------------------------- Rocket-List Digest Archive --- Total Messages Posted Mon 08/04/03: 2 ---------------------------------------------------------- Today's Message Index: ---------------------- 1. 10:42 AM - rollover bar (Frazier, Vincent A) 2. 10:57 AM - Re: rollover bar (Lee Taylor) ________________________________ Message 1 _____________________________________ Time: 10:42:26 AM PST US Subject: Rocket-List: rollover bar From: "Frazier, Vincent A" --> Rocket-List message posted by: "Frazier, Vincent A" 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 --> Rocket-List message posted by: Gary Graham 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 _____________________________________ Time: 10:57:11 AM PST US From: "Lee Taylor" Subject: RE: Rocket-List: rollover bar --> Rocket-List message posted by: "Lee Taylor" 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" 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 --> Rocket-List message posted by: Gary Graham 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