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1. 05:57 PM - Re: Landings (Bryan Jones)
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--> RV8-List message posted by: "Bryan Jones" <rv_8pilot@hotmail.com>
Regarding the RV-8 handling, I guess I have to chime in. Mine's coming up
on 6 years old with almost 800 hours - all mine. This plane is a gift from
Heaven as far as I'm concerned. Van is a saint for selling these things at
half what he could get for them.
Guess I might be jaded or biased, but this is one honest, responsive plane.
By far the best I've flown of it's type (single recip engine sport-acro),
and I've flown a few - maybe 35-40 models.
Landing is very straight forward and honest. Yes, it runs out of elevator
if too slow and fwd cg. Even on short strips, I keep the speed up and bleed
energy only when near three-pt touchdown - gives no problems. Takes
practice to do this with a steep decent over an obstacle. The first 4 years
of my RV's life were spent at an 1800-2000' grass strip. Lately, 95% of my
landings are on 3,500+ foot concrete and asphalt where I use a fairly high
nose attitude wheel landing technique (same as used on the grass actually).
I find the spring steel gear no problem. The other RV's are spongier with
their tubular type gear (where I have 60-70 hrs). But the -8 is not a
problem once you've become accustomed to the very minor difference.
As for low speed handling, it's not a Cub, but darn close - and I used to
own one of those. I can hang in the air with the nose at about 30-deg up,
full flaps and fly all day with full confidence. Wouldn't do it below 800
ft or so, but still very predictable and controllable.
The shudder that you get just before stall is a little bit unnerving or just
annoying. But really, I see it as a last line of defense for someone so
totally out of it they allow an unexpected stall. But uncoordinated, it
will snap. Not violently or erratically (depending on how straight the
plane is), just enough to give a good spin entry or low speed snap roll.
I see someone below saying the -8 landing are without feel and
disappointing. Well, just don't see that. Have no idea what this would be
compared to, but just don't see this at all. The looks take a few minutes
to grow on you compared to a -3 or -4 - the most attrative RV's IMO. But
it's a close second, especially flying.
The plane will sink fast when slow. That's just the price to pay for the
low aspect wing. But it's still very managable. Just keep some energy when
landing, and DO NOT "over-pull" the stick to flare. Might get an
accelerated stall at 4-5' AGL. Not good. Did it once. Fortunately,
nothing broke.
Last, the rudder/brake pedals need modification. Some use the lower pedal
extension. I came up with something much more simple and I believe more
effective. I cut two sections of 1/4" steel rod, drilled the respective
sides of the pedal and lower assy. Inserted the rod and secured with set
screw locking collars and Loctite. Has worked great for the last 400-500
hrs.
Be sure to tighten the gear attach bolts after the first 50-hrs or so.
Feel free to write me directly if you have more questions.
Bryan Jones, CFII, MEI, RV-8 transition training (retired!)
www.LoneStarSquadron.com
Houston, Texas
>From: Joel Harding <cajole76@ispwest.com>
>To: rv8-list@matronics.com
>Subject: Re: RV8-List: Landings Date: Mon, 9 Jan 2006 09:34:45 -0700
>
>--> RV8-List message posted by: Joel Harding <cajole76@ispwest.com>
>
>Nic,
>Take a look at this web site. Go to the last item on the page.
>There is a picture of a strake, along with some test information. It
>sounds like it might improve the low speed feel.
>
>Joel Harding
>
>
>http://www.romeolima.com/RV8//MikeRobbins.htm
>
>
>On Jan 6, 2006, at 6:43 AM, Nic wrote:
>
> > --> RV8-List message posted by: "Nic" <Nic@skyhi.flyer.co.uk>
> >
> > Rich, I totally agree - I have recently started flying my RV8 and
> > previously
> > spent my time in an S1S in which although the vision is far less,
> > holds and
> > flares beautifully.
> >
> > I can only describe the RV8 landings as being without "feel", and
> > basically
> > disappointing so far.
> >
> > It is good to hear an honest opinion of your experiences, far too
> > often the
> > lists are not very forthcoming on the shortfalls of what is
> > otherwise a
> > great little aircraft.
> >
> > Rgds, Nic
> >
>
>
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