---------------------------------------------------------- RV3-List Digest Archive --- Total Messages Posted Wed 01/28/04: 13 ---------------------------------------------------------- Today's Message Index: ---------------------- 1. 06:22 AM - RV3B new project (Fred Bauer Jr) 2. 07:37 AM - Re: RV3B new project (C. Rabaut) 3. 09:48 AM - Re: RV3B new project (Denis Walsh) 4. 09:48 AM - Re: RV3B new project (LessDragProd@aol.com) 5. 12:32 PM - Re: RV3B new project (Leesafur@aol.com) 6. 01:36 PM - Re: RV3B new project (Johnny Johnson) 7. 01:42 PM - RV3B new project (Fred Bauer Jr) 8. 01:54 PM - Re: RV3B new project (Fred Bauer Jr) 9. 01:58 PM - RV3B new project (Fred Bauer Jr) 10. 02:03 PM - RV3 Digitrac/Altrac (Fred Bauer Jr) 11. 02:14 PM - Re: RV3B new project (Fred Bauer Jr) 12. 03:26 PM - Re: RV3 Digitrac/Altrac (Leesafur@aol.com) 13. 06:05 PM - flying friends (Fred Bauer Jr) ________________________________ Message 1 _____________________________________ Time: 06:22:23 AM PST US From: "Fred Bauer Jr" Subject: RV3-List: RV3B new project --> RV3-List message posted by: "Fred Bauer Jr" Hi RV3ers, I am currently building an RV3, this is the 5th aircraft I will have built. I have the tail kit completed and the fuselage is out of the jig and on the landing gear. We ordered the new wings with the "Quick Build" option. We ordered the wings April 2003 and have not received delivery of them yet, we expect them within the next 30 days. This is the second RV we have built, we built an RV4 [serial #37]. Now to my questions. We would like to get input from previous RV3 builders so we can try to incorporate changes or fixes to the aircraft as we build, we know how valuable it is to get others experiences before we make the same mistakes as the builders before us. 1] does the RV3 have a tendency to have a forward or aft CG when built according to plans? 2] we will be purchasing a new Sensenich metal propeller for our aircraft, what is a good propeller length and pitch for an RV3 with a 160 HP Lycoming? 3] we are installing a DIGITRAC and ALTRAC autopilot into our aircraft, does anyone have any experiences with that? 4] we were NOT sent the new wheel pants, should we get the new wheel pants and install them rather than the old style wheel pants? 5] should we adjust our horizontal tail incidence differently than the plans show? to keep the trim tab in the center under normal cruise conditions 6] should the vertical tail have any offset put in? to eliminate the rudder trim tab 7] should we use a 4 pipe exhaust system or the crossover system? cowl rubbing on the pipes, or performance enhancement I am sure we will be thinking of more to ask and we would appreciate any and all input, but we want information only from RV3 builders, we don't want to hear what someone thinks, we want to know what someone knows. Thanks, In the true spirit of homebuilding we will keep everyone up to date on the project and we will report what we learn. Regards, Fred Bauer Jr N313RV ________________________________ Message 2 _____________________________________ Time: 07:37:35 AM PST US From: "C. Rabaut" Subject: Re: RV3-List: RV3B new project --> RV3-List message posted by: "C. Rabaut" Fred, What did the "Quick build" wing kit cost you, and did Vans tell you when it was "originally" supposed to be shipped? 10 months sounds a bit extended. I'm considering this option. Thanks, Chuck Do Not Archive ----- Original Message ----- From: Fred Bauer Jr Subject: RV3-List: RV3B new project > --> RV3-List message posted by: "Fred Bauer Jr" > > Hi RV3ers, > I am currently building an RV3, this is the 5th aircraft I will have built. > I have the tail kit completed and the fuselage is out of the jig and on the landing gear. We ordered the new wings with the "Quick Build" option. We ordered the wings April 2003 and have not received delivery of them yet, we expect them within the next 30 days. > This is the second RV we have built, we built an RV4 [serial #37]. > Now to my questions. > We would like to get input from previous RV3 builders so we can try to incorporate changes or fixes to the aircraft as we build, we know how valuable it is to get others experiences before we make the same mistakes as the builders before us. > 1] does the RV3 have a tendency to have a forward or aft CG when built according to plans? > 2] we will be purchasing a new Sensenich metal propeller for our aircraft, what is a good propeller length and pitch for > an RV3 with a 160 HP Lycoming? > 3] we are installing a DIGITRAC and ALTRAC autopilot into our aircraft, does anyone have any experiences with that? > 4] we were NOT sent the new wheel pants, should we get the new wheel pants and install them rather than the old style wheel > pants? > 5] should we adjust our horizontal tail incidence differently than the plans show? to keep the trim tab in the center under normal > cruise conditions > 6] should the vertical tail have any offset put in? to eliminate the rudder trim tab > 7] should we use a 4 pipe exhaust system or the crossover system? cowl rubbing on the pipes, or performance enhancement > > I am sure we will be thinking of more to ask and we would appreciate any and all input, but we want information only from RV3 > builders, we don't want to hear what someone thinks, we want to know what someone knows. > Thanks, > In the true spirit of homebuilding we will keep everyone up to date on the project and we will report what we learn. > Regards, > Fred Bauer Jr N313RV > > ________________________________ Message 3 _____________________________________ Time: 09:48:31 AM PST US Subject: Re: RV3-List: RV3B new project From: Denis Walsh --> RV3-List message posted by: Denis Walsh Yes, I think a lot of us are interested in the "real availability" of the quick build wings. I am thinking if it takes that long, I can build them myself, and save some dough! By the way I just checked Van's site for the new prices and they are showing $2500 Additonal for the quick build wings plus of course an additional packing and crating charge. > From: "C. Rabaut" > Reply-To: rv3-list@matronics.com > Date: Wed, 28 Jan 2004 07:39:55 -0600 > To: > Subject: Re: RV3-List: RV3B new project > > --> RV3-List message posted by: "C. Rabaut" > > Fred, > > What did the "Quick build" wing kit cost you, and did Vans tell you when > it was "originally" supposed to be shipped? 10 months sounds a bit > extended. I'm considering this option. Thanks, > > Chuck > > Do Not Archive > ----- Original Message ----- > From: Fred Bauer Jr > To: > Subject: RV3-List: RV3B new project > > >> --> RV3-List message posted by: "Fred Bauer Jr" >> >> Hi RV3ers, >> I am currently building an RV3, this is the 5th aircraft I will have > built. >> I have the tail kit completed and the fuselage is out of the jig and on > the landing gear. We ordered the new wings with the "Quick Build" option. We > ordered the wings April 2003 and have not received delivery of them yet, we > expect them within the next 30 days. >> This is the second RV we have built, we built an RV4 [serial #37]. >> Now to my questions. >> We would like to get input from previous RV3 builders so we can try to > incorporate changes or fixes to the aircraft as we build, we know how > valuable it is to get others experiences before we make the same mistakes as > the builders before us. >> 1] does the RV3 have a tendency to have a forward or aft CG when built > according to plans? >> 2] we will be purchasing a new Sensenich metal propeller for our > aircraft, what is a good propeller length and pitch for >> an RV3 with a 160 HP Lycoming? >> 3] we are installing a DIGITRAC and ALTRAC autopilot into our > aircraft, does anyone have any experiences with that? >> 4] we were NOT sent the new wheel pants, should we get the new wheel > pants and install them rather than the old style wheel >> pants? >> 5] should we adjust our horizontal tail incidence differently than the > plans show? to keep the trim tab in the center under normal >> cruise conditions >> 6] should the vertical tail have any offset put in? to eliminate the > rudder trim tab >> 7] should we use a 4 pipe exhaust system or the crossover system? cowl > rubbing on the pipes, or performance enhancement >> >> I am sure we will be thinking of more to ask and we would appreciate any > and all input, but we want information only from RV3 >> builders, we don't want to hear what someone thinks, we want to know what > someone knows. >> Thanks, >> In the true spirit of homebuilding we will keep everyone up to date on the > project and we will report what we learn. >> Regards, >> Fred Bauer Jr N313RV >> >> > > > > > > ________________________________ Message 4 _____________________________________ Time: 09:48:31 AM PST US From: LessDragProd@aol.com Subject: Re: RV3-List: RV3B new project --> RV3-List message posted by: LessDragProd@aol.com In a message dated 01/28/2004 6:22:48 AM Pacific Standard Time, fredbauerjr@cox.net writes: We would like to get input from previous RV3 builders so we can try to incorporate changes or fixes to the aircraft as we build, we know how valuable it is to get others experiences before we make the same mistakes as the builders before us. 1] does the RV3 have a tendency to have a forward or aft CG when built according to plans? The RV-3 empty CG is determined by the engine/prop installation. Light engine/prop aft CG, Heavy prop/engine very forward CG. With an empty weight around 775 pounds, a little difference up front makes a big difference in empty CG position. Use the battery position for adjustment. Light engine/prop; battery between the rudder pedals. Heavy prop/engine; battery in the baggage compartment. 2] we will be purchasing a new Sensenich metal propeller for our aircraft, what is a good propeller length and pitch for an RV3 with a 160 HP Lycoming? Don't know about this. Just that the Sensenich prop provides great cruise efficiency compared to some fixed pitch wood props. You might consider a 2 blade CS MT Propeller. Same basic weight as the Sensenich installation. There is an electric CS propeller, if you 160 hp engine isn't setup for a hydraulic governor. 2 blade electric CS propeller - 72" diameter - Electric CS governor included MTV-17-C/183-59 Price = $7,325.00 3] we are installing a DIGITRAC and ALTRAC autopilot into our aircraft, does anyone have any experiences with that? Don McMullin has a similar autopilot setup in his RV-6A. It seems to work very well. I believe he had recently converted from the Navaid to the TRUTRAC. The ALTRAC was really nice. 4] we were NOT sent the new wheel pants, should we get the new wheel pants and install them rather than the old style wheel pants? Yes. If you are talking about getting the two piece wheel pants. 5] should we adjust our horizontal tail incidence differently than the plans show? to keep the trim tab in the center under normal cruise conditions Normally, you'll need to fly the RV-3 to see where you're at. Cruise speed and CG position both affect the tail incidence. 6] should the vertical tail have any offset put in? to eliminate the rudder trim tab After trying a number of different propellers (not to mention engines), the rudder trim tab required varies with the propeller being used. The trim tab is much easier to change than the rudder offset. 7] should we use a 4 pipe exhaust system or the crossover system? cowl rubbing on the pipes, or performance enhancement I've used both. Unfortunately on different engine installations on my RV-3. I have no real data here. (Stuff Cut) Regards, Fred Bauer Jr N313RV Jim Ayers RV-3 sn50 N47RV LOM M332A engine 3 blade MT electric CS propeller (38 pounds installed.) (Warnke fixed pitch wood prop weighed 25 pounds installed. Including the weight of the prop extension, crush plate, prop bolts and spinner.) ________________________________ Message 5 _____________________________________ Time: 12:32:18 PM PST US From: Leesafur@aol.com Subject: Re: RV3-List: RV3B new project --> RV3-List message posted by: Leesafur@aol.com In a message dated 1/28/2004 8:22:48 AM Central Standard Time, fredbauerjr@cox.net writes: we are installing a DIGITRAC and ALTRAC autopilot into our aircraft, does anyone have any experiences with that? I haven't got that far on my wings yet but if you look at your plans you'll notice that the new wings use the same bellcrank as the RV-9. I plan on useing the Digitrac servo for the RV-9. Digitrac has a PDF file on there web site showing the RV-9 servo install. Lee Anoka MN RV-3 wing ________________________________ Message 6 _____________________________________ Time: 01:36:44 PM PST US From: "Johnny Johnson" Subject: RE: RV3-List: RV3B new project --> RV3-List message posted by: "Johnny Johnson" Hi Fred, My RV-3 has a 160 Lycosaurus with the Sensenich metal prop... while I didn't build the airplane, maybe an additional set of data points will be helpful. To aid in perspective, here's a few general things to consider when you look at the comments & numbers I throw out. This is not a light RV-3... 810 empty, most of that extra weight is the paint I suspect. It had a couple hundred hours when I bought it, I've put about 100 hours on the airplane since (and I love it!). The engine has 25 hours on a major, during which I upped it from 150 to 160 hp. It's not the slipperiest RV in the world--air intake is via a Brackett filter just under the prop, which I understand is draggy compared to Van's round snoot-looking thing. It has the Cessna-looking air intakes on either side of the prop hub/spinner and I understand that there are lower drag ways of getting air past the engine too. So, on we go: 1] The battery is in front of the stick, CG is OK when I sit in it... but I'm heavy :=(( It's easy to lift by the tailwheel for moving it into the hanger, etc. 2] 69 dia x 83 pitch is what I run, and it works fine. It will exceed redline on the deck (it gets to prop and airframe redlines pretty much simultaneously and will keep accelerating if you let it). I don't think you'd want it pitched much steeper... I get about 2250 rpm static at a 2300 msl field. Takeoff is reasonably brisk although it won't snap your neck during acceleration... climbout at 85-90 mph is more nose high than you want to do for very long due to forward visibility... the 83" pitch is about right for cruise in the 8-9000 foot area where 2400-2450 gives a true of about 195 mph. General comment on the prop is that the 2600 rpm max limit is a royal pain, but it is a nice unit. 3] No meaningful info on an autopilot from here but go for it if it fits you... as for me, I don't believe in single engine IFR (too many rocks in them thar' clouds where I live) and it's hard to resist doing an octaflugolon or a woofderdilly as you tool along, even on a long X-C... flying this little thing is just too much fun to "let George do it"... 4] The wheel pants are solid except for a little chunk on the inner part that you remove to get them off... don't know if that's old or new but as far as I'm concerned they work fine. Interestingly enough, it seems to make little difference in airspeed whether they're on or off... but it LOOKS like it goes faster if they're on :=)) 5] I need to play with the horizontal stab incidence... it takes a lot of nose down trim at higher airspeeds. I'm going to start by raising the leading edge 1/16" and work up from there until it feels better... one of these days. 6] Seems to me you would want offset on the vertical stab... mine has some but could have used more... the sweet spot is around 140. I don't know offhand how much offset there is but would be happy to try to measure it if you're interested. 7] I have crossovers with 2 pipes coming out in those little bumps on the lower rear of the cowl, the pipes are close to the cowl in spots but I have not had rubbing or heat problems. FWIW, the one change I will some day make to my airplane is the prop... from what I hear, the Sensenich is very likely the best choice in a fixed pitch but an airplane with the span between stall and cruise/redline that this one has almost screams for a controllable prop, to say nothing of the fun it would add to the takeoff/climb. IMHO the best candidate for an engine not set up for a hydraulic prop--as mine--is the MT electric. Not the cheapest, but proven. Best wishes on your project... my bet is that you will absolutely love that little airplane... Johnny Johnson 49MM RV-3A s/n 860 -----Original Message----- From: owner-rv3-list-server@matronics.com [mailto:owner-rv3-list-server@matronics.com]On Behalf Of Fred Bauer Jr Subject: RV3-List: RV3B new project --> RV3-List message posted by: "Fred Bauer Jr" Hi RV3ers, I am currently building an RV3, this is the 5th aircraft I will have built. I have the tail kit completed and the fuselage is out of the jig and on the landing gear. We ordered the new wings with the "Quick Build" option. We ordered the wings April 2003 and have not received delivery of them yet, we expect them within the next 30 days. This is the second RV we have built, we built an RV4 [serial #37]. Now to my questions. We would like to get input from previous RV3 builders so we can try to incorporate changes or fixes to the aircraft as we build, we know how valuable it is to get others experiences before we make the same mistakes as the builders before us. 1] does the RV3 have a tendency to have a forward or aft CG when built according to plans? 2] we will be purchasing a new Sensenich metal propeller for our aircraft, what is a good propeller length and pitch for an RV3 with a 160 HP Lycoming? 3] we are installing a DIGITRAC and ALTRAC autopilot into our aircraft, does anyone have any experiences with that? 4] we were NOT sent the new wheel pants, should we get the new wheel pants and install them rather than the old style wheel pants? 5] should we adjust our horizontal tail incidence differently than the plans show? to keep the trim tab in the center under normal cruise conditions 6] should the vertical tail have any offset put in? to eliminate the rudder trim tab 7] should we use a 4 pipe exhaust system or the crossover system? cowl rubbing on the pipes, or performance enhancement I am sure we will be thinking of more to ask and we would appreciate any and all input, but we want information only from RV3 builders, we don't want to hear what someone thinks, we want to know what someone knows. Thanks, In the true spirit of homebuilding we will keep everyone up to date on the project and we will report what we learn. Regards, Fred Bauer Jr N313RV ________________________________ Message 7 _____________________________________ Time: 01:42:38 PM PST US From: "Fred Bauer Jr" Subject: RV3-List: RV3B new project --> RV3-List message posted by: "Fred Bauer Jr" Hi Chuck, The Quickbuild wings cost an additional $2500.00. As we said, we sent our order in for the wings in April of 2003 and we were told to expect delivery Oct/Nov of 2003. We called them in Oct. and we were told to expect the wings in late December of 2003. We called late Dec. 2003 and we were told to expect the wings in late Jan. 2004. Its anybody's guess when we will see them. Fred ----- Original Message ----- From: "C. Rabaut" Subject: Re: RV3-List: RV3B new project > --> RV3-List message posted by: "C. Rabaut" > > Fred, > > What did the "Quick build" wing kit cost you, and did Vans tell you when > it was "originally" supposed to be shipped? 10 months sounds a bit > extended. I'm considering this option. Thanks, > > Chuck > > Do Not Archive > ----- Original Message ----- > From: Fred Bauer Jr > To: > Subject: RV3-List: RV3B new project > > > > --> RV3-List message posted by: "Fred Bauer Jr" > > > > Hi RV3ers, > > I am currently building an RV3, this is the 5th aircraft I will have > built. > > I have the tail kit completed and the fuselage is out of the jig and on > the landing gear. We ordered the new wings with the "Quick Build" option. We > ordered the wings April 2003 and have not received delivery of them yet, we > expect them within the next 30 days. > > This is the second RV we have built, we built an RV4 [serial #37]. > > Now to my questions. > > We would like to get input from previous RV3 builders so we can try to > incorporate changes or fixes to the aircraft as we build, we know how > valuable it is to get others experiences before we make the same mistakes as > the builders before us. > > 1] does the RV3 have a tendency to have a forward or aft CG when built > according to plans? > > 2] we will be purchasing a new Sensenich metal propeller for our > aircraft, what is a good propeller length and pitch for > > an RV3 with a 160 HP Lycoming? > > 3] we are installing a DIGITRAC and ALTRAC autopilot into our > aircraft, does anyone have any experiences with that? > > 4] we were NOT sent the new wheel pants, should we get the new wheel > pants and install them rather than the old style wheel > > pants? > > 5] should we adjust our horizontal tail incidence differently than the > plans show? to keep the trim tab in the center under normal > > cruise conditions > > 6] should the vertical tail have any offset put in? to eliminate the > rudder trim tab > > 7] should we use a 4 pipe exhaust system or the crossover system? cowl > rubbing on the pipes, or performance enhancement > > > > I am sure we will be thinking of more to ask and we would appreciate any > and all input, but we want information only from RV3 > > builders, we don't want to hear what someone thinks, we want to know what > someone knows. > > Thanks, > > In the true spirit of homebuilding we will keep everyone up to date on the > project and we will report what we learn. > > Regards, > > Fred Bauer Jr N313RV > > > > > > ________________________________ Message 8 _____________________________________ Time: 01:54:56 PM PST US From: "Fred Bauer Jr" Subject: Re: RV3-List: RV3B new project --> RV3-List message posted by: "Fred Bauer Jr" After building a: WAR Replicas F4U Corsair Thorp T-18 Van's RV4 Swearingen SX-300 Revolution Mini500 helicopter believe me when I say the wings for the RV3 @ an extra $2500.00 are WELL WORTH the cost! They are just VERY slow in coming. Fred ----- Original Message ----- From: "Denis Walsh" Subject: Re: RV3-List: RV3B new project > --> RV3-List message posted by: Denis Walsh > > Yes, I think a lot of us are interested in the "real availability" of the > quick build wings. I am thinking if it takes that long, I can build them > myself, and save some dough! > > By the way I just checked Van's site for the new prices and they are showing > $2500 Additonal for the quick build wings plus of course an additional > packing and crating charge. > > > From: "C. Rabaut" > > Reply-To: rv3-list@matronics.com > > Date: Wed, 28 Jan 2004 07:39:55 -0600 > > To: > > Subject: Re: RV3-List: RV3B new project > > > > --> RV3-List message posted by: "C. Rabaut" > > > > Fred, > > > > What did the "Quick build" wing kit cost you, and did Vans tell you when > > it was "originally" supposed to be shipped? 10 months sounds a bit > > extended. I'm considering this option. Thanks, > > > > Chuck > > > > Do Not Archive > > ----- Original Message ----- > > From: Fred Bauer Jr > > To: > > Subject: RV3-List: RV3B new project > > > > > >> --> RV3-List message posted by: "Fred Bauer Jr" > >> > >> Hi RV3ers, > >> I am currently building an RV3, this is the 5th aircraft I will have > > built. > >> I have the tail kit completed and the fuselage is out of the jig and on > > the landing gear. We ordered the new wings with the "Quick Build" option. We > > ordered the wings April 2003 and have not received delivery of them yet, we > > expect them within the next 30 days. > >> This is the second RV we have built, we built an RV4 [serial #37]. > >> Now to my questions. > >> We would like to get input from previous RV3 builders so we can try to > > incorporate changes or fixes to the aircraft as we build, we know how > > valuable it is to get others experiences before we make the same mistakes as > > the builders before us. > >> 1] does the RV3 have a tendency to have a forward or aft CG when built > > according to plans? > >> 2] we will be purchasing a new Sensenich metal propeller for our > > aircraft, what is a good propeller length and pitch for > >> an RV3 with a 160 HP Lycoming? > >> 3] we are installing a DIGITRAC and ALTRAC autopilot into our > > aircraft, does anyone have any experiences with that? > >> 4] we were NOT sent the new wheel pants, should we get the new wheel > > pants and install them rather than the old style wheel > >> pants? > >> 5] should we adjust our horizontal tail incidence differently than the > > plans show? to keep the trim tab in the center under normal > >> cruise conditions > >> 6] should the vertical tail have any offset put in? to eliminate the > > rudder trim tab > >> 7] should we use a 4 pipe exhaust system or the crossover system? cowl > > rubbing on the pipes, or performance enhancement > >> > >> I am sure we will be thinking of more to ask and we would appreciate any > > and all input, but we want information only from RV3 > >> builders, we don't want to hear what someone thinks, we want to know what > > someone knows. > >> Thanks, > >> In the true spirit of homebuilding we will keep everyone up to date on the > > project and we will report what we learn. > >> Regards, > >> Fred Bauer Jr N313RV > >> > >> > > > > > > > > > > > > > > ________________________________ Message 9 _____________________________________ Time: 01:58:00 PM PST US From: "Fred Bauer Jr" Subject: RV3-List: RV3B new project --> RV3-List message posted by: "Fred Bauer Jr" Thanks Jim, We really appreciate your input, it helps us to plan for the issues that we will be facing. Fred ----- Original Message ----- From: Subject: Re: RV3-List: RV3B new project > --> RV3-List message posted by: LessDragProd@aol.com > > In a message dated 01/28/2004 6:22:48 AM Pacific Standard Time, > fredbauerjr@cox.net writes: > We would like to get input from previous RV3 builders so we can try to > incorporate changes or fixes to the aircraft as we build, we know how valuable it is > to get others experiences before we make the same mistakes as the builders > before us. > 1] does the RV3 have a tendency to have a forward or aft CG when built > according to plans? > The RV-3 empty CG is determined by the engine/prop installation. Light > engine/prop aft CG, Heavy prop/engine very forward CG. With an empty weight around > 775 pounds, a little difference up front makes a big difference in empty CG > position. > Use the battery position for adjustment. Light engine/prop; battery between > the rudder pedals. Heavy prop/engine; battery in the baggage compartment. > > > 2] we will be purchasing a new Sensenich metal propeller for our aircraft, > what is a good propeller length and pitch for > an RV3 with a 160 HP Lycoming? > Don't know about this. Just that the Sensenich prop provides great cruise > efficiency compared to some fixed pitch wood props. > You might consider a 2 blade CS MT Propeller. Same basic weight as the > Sensenich installation. There is an electric CS propeller, if you 160 hp engine > isn't setup for a hydraulic governor. > 2 blade electric CS propeller - 72" diameter - Electric CS governor included > MTV-17-C/183-59 Price = $7,325.00 > > 3] we are installing a DIGITRAC and ALTRAC autopilot into our aircraft, > does anyone have any experiences with that? > Don McMullin has a similar autopilot setup in his RV-6A. It seems to work > very well. I believe he had recently converted from the Navaid to the TRUTRAC. > The ALTRAC was really nice. > > 4] we were NOT sent the new wheel pants, should we get the new wheel pants > and install them rather than the old style wheel > pants? > Yes. If you are talking about getting the two piece wheel pants. > > 5] should we adjust our horizontal tail incidence differently than the > plans show? to keep the trim tab in the center under normal > cruise conditions > Normally, you'll need to fly the RV-3 to see where you're at. Cruise speed > and CG position both affect the tail incidence. > > 6] should the vertical tail have any offset put in? to eliminate the > rudder trim tab > After trying a number of different propellers (not to mention engines), the > rudder trim tab required varies with the propeller being used. The trim tab is > much easier to change than the rudder offset. > > 7] should we use a 4 pipe exhaust system or the crossover system? cowl > rubbing on the pipes, or performance enhancement > I've used both. Unfortunately on different engine installations on my RV-3. > I have no real data here. > > (Stuff Cut) > > Regards, > Fred Bauer Jr N313RV > > Jim Ayers > RV-3 sn50 N47RV > LOM M332A engine > 3 blade MT electric CS propeller (38 pounds installed.) > (Warnke fixed pitch wood prop weighed 25 pounds installed. Including the > weight of the prop extension, crush plate, prop bolts and spinner.) > > ________________________________ Message 10 ____________________________________ Time: 02:03:25 PM PST US From: "Fred Bauer Jr" Subject: RV3-List: RV3 Digitrac/Altrac --> RV3-List message posted by: "Fred Bauer Jr" Thanks Lee, I see what you are talking about, we are going to put the servo for the Digitrac in one of the wings and we are going to install the Whelen strobe power pack into the other wing to balance it off. Fred ----- Original Message ----- From: Subject: Re: RV3-List: RV3B new project > --> RV3-List message posted by: Leesafur@aol.com > > In a message dated 1/28/2004 8:22:48 AM Central Standard Time, > fredbauerjr@cox.net writes: > we are installing a DIGITRAC and ALTRAC autopilot into our aircraft, does > anyone have any experiences with that? > I haven't got that far on my wings yet but if you look at your plans you'll > notice that the new wings use the same bellcrank as the RV-9. I plan on useing > the Digitrac servo for the RV-9. Digitrac has a PDF file on there web site > showing the RV-9 servo install. > > > Lee > Anoka MN > RV-3 wing > > ________________________________ Message 11 ____________________________________ Time: 02:14:31 PM PST US From: "Fred Bauer Jr" Subject: Re: RV3-List: RV3B new project --> RV3-List message posted by: "Fred Bauer Jr" Thanks for your input John, we will try to keep all of these helpfull hints in mind as we are building. Fred ----- Original Message ----- From: "Johnny Johnson" Subject: RE: RV3-List: RV3B new project > --> RV3-List message posted by: "Johnny Johnson" > > Hi Fred, > > My RV-3 has a 160 Lycosaurus with the Sensenich metal prop... while I didn't > build the airplane, maybe an additional set of data points will be helpful. > To aid in perspective, here's a few general things to consider when you look > at the comments & numbers I throw out. This is not a light RV-3... 810 > empty, most of that extra weight is the paint I suspect. It had a couple > hundred hours when I bought it, I've put about 100 hours on the airplane > since (and I love it!). The engine has 25 hours on a major, during which I > upped it from 150 to 160 hp. It's not the slipperiest RV in the world--air > intake is via a Brackett filter just under the prop, which I understand is > draggy compared to Van's round snoot-looking thing. It has the > Cessna-looking air intakes on either side of the prop hub/spinner and I > understand that there are lower drag ways of getting air past the engine > too. So, on we go: > > 1] The battery is in front of the stick, CG is OK when I sit in it... but > I'm heavy :=(( It's easy to lift by the tailwheel for moving it into the > hanger, etc. > 2] 69 dia x 83 pitch is what I run, and it works fine. It will exceed > redline on the deck (it gets to prop and airframe redlines pretty much > simultaneously and will keep accelerating if you let it). I don't think > you'd want it pitched much steeper... I get about 2250 rpm static at a 2300 > msl field. Takeoff is reasonably brisk although it won't snap your neck > during acceleration... climbout at 85-90 mph is more nose high than you want > to do for very long due to forward visibility... the 83" pitch is about > right for cruise in the 8-9000 foot area where 2400-2450 gives a true of > about 195 mph. General comment on the prop is that the 2600 rpm max limit > is a royal pain, but it is a nice unit. > 3] No meaningful info on an autopilot from here but go for it if it fits > you... as for me, I don't believe in single engine IFR (too many rocks in > them thar' clouds where I live) and it's hard to resist doing an > octaflugolon or a woofderdilly as you tool along, even on a long X-C... > flying this little thing is just too much fun to "let George do it"... > 4] The wheel pants are solid except for a little chunk on the inner part > that you remove to get them off... don't know if that's old or new but as > far as I'm concerned they work fine. Interestingly enough, it seems to make > little difference in airspeed whether they're on or off... but it LOOKS like > it goes faster if they're on :=)) > 5] I need to play with the horizontal stab incidence... it takes a lot of > nose down trim at higher airspeeds. I'm going to start by raising the > leading edge 1/16" and work up from there until it feels better... one of > these days. > 6] Seems to me you would want offset on the vertical stab... mine has some > but could have used more... the sweet spot is around 140. I don't know > offhand how much offset there is but would be happy to try to measure it if > you're interested. > 7] I have crossovers with 2 pipes coming out in those little bumps on the > lower rear of the cowl, the pipes are close to the cowl in spots but I have > not had rubbing or heat problems. > > FWIW, the one change I will some day make to my airplane is the prop... from > what I hear, the Sensenich is very likely the best choice in a fixed pitch > but an airplane with the span between stall and cruise/redline that this one > has almost screams for a controllable prop, to say nothing of the fun it > would add to the takeoff/climb. IMHO the best candidate for an engine not > set up for a hydraulic prop--as mine--is the MT electric. Not the cheapest, > but proven. > > Best wishes on your project... my bet is that you will absolutely love that > little airplane... > > Johnny Johnson > 49MM RV-3A s/n 860 > > > -----Original Message----- > From: owner-rv3-list-server@matronics.com > [mailto:owner-rv3-list-server@matronics.com]On Behalf Of Fred Bauer Jr > To: rv3-list@matronics.com > Subject: RV3-List: RV3B new project > > --> RV3-List message posted by: "Fred Bauer Jr" > > Hi RV3ers, > I am currently building an RV3, this is the 5th aircraft I will have built. > I have the tail kit completed and the fuselage is out of the jig and on the > landing gear. We ordered the new wings with the "Quick Build" option. We > ordered the wings April 2003 and have not received delivery of them yet, we > expect them within the next 30 days. > This is the second RV we have built, we built an RV4 [serial #37]. > Now to my questions. > We would like to get input from previous RV3 builders so we can try to > incorporate changes or fixes to the aircraft as we build, we know how > valuable it is to get others experiences before we make the same mistakes as > the builders before us. > 1] does the RV3 have a tendency to have a forward or aft CG when built > according to plans? > 2] we will be purchasing a new Sensenich metal propeller for our > aircraft, what is a good propeller length and pitch for > an RV3 with a 160 HP Lycoming? > 3] we are installing a DIGITRAC and ALTRAC autopilot into our aircraft, > does anyone have any experiences with that? > 4] we were NOT sent the new wheel pants, should we get the new wheel > pants and install them rather than the old style wheel > pants? > 5] should we adjust our horizontal tail incidence differently than the > plans show? to keep the trim tab in the center under normal > cruise conditions > 6] should the vertical tail have any offset put in? to eliminate the > rudder trim tab > 7] should we use a 4 pipe exhaust system or the crossover system? cowl > rubbing on the pipes, or performance enhancement > > I am sure we will be thinking of more to ask and we would appreciate any and > all input, but we want information only from RV3 > builders, we don't want to hear what someone thinks, we want to know what > someone knows. > Thanks, > In the true spirit of homebuilding we will keep everyone up to date on the > project and we will report what we learn. > Regards, > Fred Bauer Jr N313RV > > ________________________________ Message 12 ____________________________________ Time: 03:26:08 PM PST US From: Leesafur@aol.com Subject: Re: RV3-List: RV3 Digitrac/Altrac --> RV3-List message posted by: Leesafur@aol.com In a message dated 1/28/2004 4:03:49 PM Central Standard Time, fredbauerjr@cox.net writes: Thanks Lee, I see what you are talking about, we are going to put the servo for the Digitrac in one of the wings and we are going to install the Whelen strobe power pack into the other wing to balance it off. Fred WELL...... And I was worrying and wondering how I was going to off set the weight for the servo. Thanks for the tip! Lee Anoka MN RV-3 wing ________________________________ Message 13 ____________________________________ Time: 06:05:52 PM PST US From: "Fred Bauer Jr" Subject: RV3-List: flying friends --> RV3-List message posted by: "Fred Bauer Jr" Lee, We live just south of you in Wisconsin at "Holland Airpark" identifier 36WI. We may have even met at some of the breakfast flights around Mpls. when I flew one of my other aircraft. I live on 36WI and have our hanger there with the RV3 project. A fellow who built an RV4 because of us lives there as well and has his aircraft there, he won (oldest RV4 in MN) . We have his RV4, two RV6, my RV3 and some good times. If you don't know what to do with yourself some day maybe we will see you there. Fred