---------------------------------------------------------- RVSouthEast-List Digest Archive --- Total Messages Posted Sun 06/20/10: 1 ---------------------------------------------------------- Today's Message Index: ---------------------- 1. 06:44 AM - Re: Looking for RV-8 (Paul Franzon) ________________________________ Message 1 _____________________________________ Time: 06:44:05 AM PST US From: "Paul Franzon" Subject: RE: RVSouthEast-List: 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 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 st" target="_blank">http://www.matronics.com/Navigator?RVSouthEast-List tp://forums.matronics.com _blank">http://www.matronics.com/contribution ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Other Matronics Email List Services ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Post A New Message rvsoutheast-list@matronics.com UN/SUBSCRIBE http://www.matronics.com/subscription List FAQ http://www.matronics.com/FAQ/RVSouthEast-List.htm Web Forum Interface To Lists http://forums.matronics.com Matronics List Wiki http://wiki.matronics.com Full Archive Search Engine http://www.matronics.com/search 7-Day List Browse http://www.matronics.com/browse/rvsoutheast-list Browse Digests http://www.matronics.com/digest/rvsoutheast-list Browse Other Lists http://www.matronics.com/browse Live Online Chat! http://www.matronics.com/chat Archive Downloading http://www.matronics.com/archives Photo Share http://www.matronics.com/photoshare Other Email Lists http://www.matronics.com/emaillists Contributions http://www.matronics.com/contribution ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- These Email List Services are sponsored solely by Matronics and through the generous Contributions of its members.