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1. 06:44 AM - Re: Looking for RV-8 (Paul Franzon)
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| Subject: | Looking for RV-8 |
Larry, Thanks.
I was flying from PDK to 78NC. I was just south of Charlotte when the
engine "popped" and started losing power. It had some power so I thought I
could make Pageland airport, but the engine quit. All the fields were small
but I could see a 4 lane road at a 45 degree anglewith no wires on my side.
Thought it would make a nice runway. However, I was behind the energy curve
when I got there so hit hard and slid into the median. In fact the landing
is a bit of a blank, though I remember the slide. I do remember making a
point of not turning so I would not catch a wing. I hit a post and fuel was
pouring out so I jumped out of the plane straight away. BTW, I did call a
Mayday on 121.5 (and set my transponder to emergency) and ATC was very
helpful.
I landed in front a policeman so got help pretty quickly. Was taken to the
ER - no broken bones but badly pulled muscles. Was released that night.
The ER doc used to live a few miles from me in Adelaide, Australia! I am
still in bed today (at home). My wife drove up and fetched me from the ER.
An FAA inspector called me the next morning. I met her at the plane (now in
the tow yard) and she worked with a policeman (who has an RV-6) and tried to
determine the cause. The preliminary finding is something wrong with the
valves. She was from the Columbia FSDO, and has an A&P. She was very nice
and made it clear that she was not "old school" FAA (my words not hers).
The FAA was great through the whole thing so far, and I am not anticipating
any issues. She even requested that the NTSB release the plane so I can
settle the insurance quickly.
When the prop stopped turning, the plane felt and sounded just like a
glider. In fact, I distinctly remember how pitch authority became more
"glider like". I have a glider rating, which definitely helped me in this.
Regards,
Paul
From: owner-rvsoutheast-list-server@matronics.com
[mailto:owner-rvsoutheast-list-server@matronics.com] On Behalf Of Larry
Bowen
Sent: Saturday, June 19, 2010 9:42 AM
Subject: Re: RVSouthEast-List: Looking for RV-8
Sorry to hear that, Paul. Glad you are alright. Please share some details
if you're willing.
Random thoughts:
Prop - Traditional Hartzell is fine, but heavy. Everything else being
equal, I might prefer an 8 with a composite prop.
Weight - Not sure what the avg is. Mine was 1130 with paint.
Maint - Access panels above the gear towers are handy. Mine didn't leak.
Accurate electrical documentation is a plus.
Engine - I don't think the 390 is high compression. How does the W&B work
out with one of those and a heavy prop? I had no regrets with 180 O360.
I'm doing a 180 IO360 on the RV-7.
Panel - Lots of personal decisions here. IMO, the cost to keep plane and
pilot IFR current and qualified is too high, but I'm just a casual fligher.
Getting an 8 with a dated panel and redoing to your liking has it's
advantages...
Best of luck. Let us know how it goes.
--
Larry Bowen
Larry@BowenAero.com
http://BowenAero.com
On Sat, Jun 19, 2010 at 7:55 AM, Paul Franzon <paulf@ncsu.edu> wrote:
All:
On Thursday, the engine of my RV-4 quit over poor terrain, and the plane is
totaled. I am OK though sore. I have decided to upgrade to an RV-8, and
would appreciate people's collected wisdom on what features to look for,
especially from builders. I am looking at one at Elizabeth town later this
week and would appreciate a builder looking with me if you can please.
Any other leads would be appreciated!
I am looking for a CS speed prop, decent power, and equipment or potential
to fly light IFR.
Things to look for:
Constant Speed Prop: Anything particular to avoid?
Weight: What is a good weight range indicating a quality build?
Build features: Anything dumb that makes MX hard. E.g. Battery placement,
panel access, etc. Anything dumb that creates problems later.
Engine: I have flown IO-360 for years, but guess I should be open to an
O-360. I am tempted to avoid 200 hp in case 100LL availability becomes an
issue. Comments? I don't know if the 390 is high compression or not.
Panel: Avoid Blue Mountain. Prefer trutrack over other autopilots. Could
upgrade if price is right. IFR GPS if possible since that is expensive..
Any other comments, please?
I appreciate your held and advice.
Regards,
Paul
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