My airplane

[rv-4mike]

Brad (roll a seven) asked for a little info on my plane in another thread. Feel free to ignore if you arent interested.



My avatar is a picture of the RV-6A that I'm currently flying. Two seats side - by - side. 160HP Lycoming engine. Cruises at about 175MPH. Has a non-stop range of about 500 miles and burns a little less than 8 gallons per hour. Works out to about 22MPG. Its a homebuilt, but my partner and I bought it as a completed airplane. When I complete construction of my RV-4 I'll sell out of this airplane to free up the $ to get my 7, a WCM Ultralite.



The airplane I'm building is an RV-4. Tailwheel airplane with tandem seating, but otherwise very similar to the RV-6A. My RV-4 is using an engine from an 89 Mazda RX-7, modified for aircraft use. Should produce about 170HP. I've been working on it on and off for about 11 years and hope to have it flying this spring.



The RV series of homebuilts have a lot in common with a 7. Small and light with modest power, terrific performance and really nimble handling. The airplane weighs about 1000 pounds empty. They are also the most prolific homebuilt by far with 4000+ flying world wide and probably 3 times that number under construction. They are also a great bang for the buck if you make an effort to keep costs down. I have around $25K invested in the -4, although if you get carried away with power, paint, and avionics its easy to end up with $75K+ invested.http://www.usa7s.com/forum/uploads/20070117_191405_n144mw_24nov200.jpghttp://www.usa7s.com/forum/uploads/20070117_191451_n144mw_24nov200.jpg

[slngsht]

http://www.usa7s.com/aspnetforum/images/emoticons/coolgleamA.gif



Mike, I'm going to move this thread to Off Topic. That way it won't get mixed up with Sevens discussions. Cool toys like this won't be ignored there http://www.usa7s.com/aspnetforum/images/emoticons/smile5.gif

[WestTexasS2K]

That looks like a cool toy. You will have the best of both worlds. A cool seven and a cool plane.

[roll a 7]

Mike, That little toy looks great. Sort of like a WW II vintage fighter. Is it an aerobatic sort? Is the top speed also aroun 175 MPH? Is the canopy plastic or glass? How much does it weigh compared to a similar Cessna or Beech?



One of these days I'd like to see it if possible, sort of a payback for my 7 tour.....



Most Impressive. Building a 7 should not present any problems for you!!

[rv-4mike]

Brad,



You are welcome anytime. Let me know when is good for you.



It is capable of aerobatics. Like the RV-6A the cruise speed should be around 180MPH. Top speed a little over 200. Canopy is plexi, same as all general aviation airplanes in this class. For comparisons sake, empty weight on this airpalne should be between 900 - 1000 pounds where a typical Cessna 172 with the same HP would weigh around 1500 pounds empty. And the Cessna would cruise at about 125MPH. Of course the Cessna has 4 seats (although practically speaking its a 3 seater do to weight and balance issues).



The Rv-4 is a little sportier than the -6A. Passenger seating in the back seat is a bit cramped. The -6A on the other hand is considerably more roomy than your 7.

[roll a 7]

I'd like to see it when it is completely assembled. How do you get it from your garage to a runway where you can fly it?

[Kitcat]

It does have a Seven-ish quality about it!

[soareyes]

Way off topic, but I noticed your RC sailplanes hanging from the ceiling. I think I see a Bandit, Sagitta, a Jade something-or-other, and maybe a Wanderer. Did I get any right?



I use to fly occassionally down at Torrey Pines and Poway with TPG, but not much since getting the Birkin!

[rv-4mike]

Sagitta 600, Alula, Rotor, and a pivot wing slope glider of my own design. Also a couple of power planes, and A Calber 30 helicopter and T-Rex electric helicopter.



My full scale Schweizer 1-26 sailplane is sitting out in the driveway. Too many toys, not enough time. Need to focus! http://www.usa7s.com/aspnetforum/images/emoticons/biggrin5.gif

[rv-4mike]

Sagitta 600, Alula, Rotor, and a pivot wing slope glider of my own design. Also a couple of power planes, and A Calber 30 helicopter and T-Rex electric helicopter.



My full scale Schweizer 1-26 sailplane is sitting out in the driveway. Too many toys, not enough time. Need to focus! http://www.usa7s.com/aspnetforum/images/emoticons/biggrin5.gif



Just noticed your from Victorville. I flew the RV up to a fly-in at Apple Valley a year or so ago and there was a Birkin on display there. I actually have a couple of pictures. Was that you?

[soareyes]

Yes, that was my car. I was there with our local British car club, but I've never told them that Birkins are made in South Africa!



I also use to fly full scale sailplanes back in the 80's with the Antelope Valley Soaring Club, back when El Mirage field was open. The club owned a 1-26, 2-32, Blanik, and an open class Cirrus. The only flying I do now is of the low-flying variety http://www.usa7s.com/aspnetforum/images/emoticons/wink5.gif

[rv-4mike]

Stan,



Thats cool! Small world.



I dont fly as much as I should considering what I have invested in flying toys, but dont think I could give any of them up. The 1-26 is definitely the best bang for the buck toy I've ever owned.