---------------------------------------------------------- RV4-List Digest Archive --- Total Messages Posted Wed 01/14/04: 2 ---------------------------------------------------------- Today's Message Index: ---------------------- 1. 11:04 AM - Selecting an RV (Nic Hart) 2. 03:28 PM - Re: Selecting an RV (rob ray) ________________________________ Message 1 _____________________________________ Time: 11:04:54 AM PST US From: "Nic Hart" Subject: RV4-List: Selecting an RV --> RV4-List message posted by: "Nic Hart" Rob, Thanks - That's the kind of comment that makes me sit-up and listen. Today I travelled to see the only Harmon II in the UK - but it is still a long way from flying and needs a permit to do so and that is by no means guaranteed. In this instance I don't feel like spending years or months arguing with our PFA or CAA to get my project in the air, I am happy to build once there is a precedent, but I would need a two seater in the meantime. So that leaves me back where I started looking at the RV range. For the last five years I have been flying single seaters (Pitts and similar) and so I like the idea of sitting on the centre-line. I find the RV-8 lacks the lines and grace of the RV4 and really could do with a revised turtle deck to give more of a Rocket look. So what can I get for my money in the USA in the way of a really good RV4 to keep me going? My thoughts are to go for a recent high quality build 180hp c/s with a really good panel, so that I can have a plane that will really make me leave the Pitts in the hangar for years to come ! Given that I can find the budget - where do I look ? Barnstormers has the odd RV4 from time to time but is this the best place ? Thanks for your help, Nic ----- Original Message ----- > --> RV4-List message posted by: rob ray > > Nick, How much money do you have to spend? The January 2004 Kitplanes ranks the > best XC kitplanes and in the "bang for the buck" category or in your case, "bang > for the pound", the RV4 was #2 only to the Mustang II. The RV8 was #10. Why? > COST! > Bottom line, flown correctly, my RV4 can whip a 180HP Pitts in a dogfight, haul > the same exact useful load as a super cub, and outrun alot of light twins, and > cost less than $30,000 US to put together in 97'. Yes, I am a bit partial to > the design, but I have flown the RV8 and it is heavier and just doesn't fly > the same as a 4. > If you build an RV4, your Pitts will end up gathering dust... > > My two cents worth. > > Rob Ray > 1100 hours RV4 (300 inverted) > > ________________________________ Message 2 _____________________________________ Time: 03:28:04 PM PST US From: rob ray Subject: Re: RV4-List: Selecting an RV --> RV4-List message posted by: rob ray Hi Nic; Barnstormers is a great site and www.trade-a-plane.com is another. I have helped five of my buddies in my F16 squadron find RV4's in the past 2 years and they paid between $45,000 and $62,000 US for their airplanes. The 45K was a 160HP wood prop (he is 6'3" 220 lbs) and the 62K was built by Art Chard(built all of Van's prototypes except the 10) and has a Lalonde 190HP(9.4:1 pistons in 0-360) Hartzell C/S and weighs 975 lbs. It is truly the finest RV I have ever flown (next to mine of course) and trues out at 175knots 24/24. Inbetween the two extremes of price were three 180 C/S RV4's that were 49K, (no paint) 55K (VFR), 60K, (very nice). Also our wing commander traded his Mooney and some cash for a 180/sensenich FP metal RV-8 and another SQ mate bought an older(1986) RV4 with a 180HP IO-360 C/S for 36K (leaky tanks). Hope that helps with your price range. I am the lightest owner at 5'10" and 175. The biggest is 6'3" and 230lbs and he has no problem once he gets in. Let me know what you find and maybe I can help you with any questions....good luck. Rob Ray Nic Hart wrote: --> RV4-List message posted by: "Nic Hart" Rob, Thanks - That's the kind of comment that makes me sit-up and listen. Today I travelled to see the only Harmon II in the UK - but it is still a long way from flying and needs a permit to do so and that is by no means guaranteed. In this instance I don't feel like spending years or months arguing with our PFA or CAA to get my project in the air, I am happy to build once there is a precedent, but I would need a two seater in the meantime. So that leaves me back where I started looking at the RV range. For the last five years I have been flying single seaters (Pitts and similar) and so I like the idea of sitting on the centre-line. I find the RV-8 lacks the lines and grace of the RV4 and really could do with a revised turtle deck to give more of a Rocket look. So what can I get for my money in the USA in the way of a really good RV4 to keep me going? My thoughts are to go for a recent high quality build 180hp c/s with a really good panel, so that I can have a plane that will really make me leave the Pitts in the hangar for years to come ! Given that I can find the budget - where do I look ? Barnstormers has the odd RV4 from time to time but is this the best place ? Thanks for your help, Nic ----- Original Message ----- > --> RV4-List message posted by: rob ray > > Nick, How much money do you have to spend? The January 2004 Kitplanes ranks the > best XC kitplanes and in the "bang for the buck" category or in your case, "bang > for the pound", the RV4 was #2 only to the Mustang II. The RV8 was #10. Why? > COST! > Bottom line, flown correctly, my RV4 can whip a 180HP Pitts in a dogfight, haul > the same exact useful load as a super cub, and outrun alot of light twins, and > cost less than $30,000 US to put together in 97'. Yes, I am a bit partial to > the design, but I have flown the RV8 and it is heavier and just doesn't fly > the same as a 4. > If you build an RV4, your Pitts will end up gathering dust... > > My two cents worth. > > Rob Ray > 1100 hours RV4 (300 inverted) > > ---------------------------------