Doug,

Your recollection is good, about how Trevor talks about it, he is yet to hot rod the engine, but talk of doing it is along the lines you mentioned.

Fortunately he has a aero low level rating (down here that is what they call it for performing low level airshow work) and lots of Pitts and other things time, so he is slowly expanding his knowledge base. Sounds like he is having fun with his hands full.

Tell me about the RV-14...

I've been looking for a plane that could give my kids a little stick time, do some light acro, and be as simple as possible.

Was focused on Decathlons, but an RV-14A opportunity came up recently and I'm intrigued...

I would not say don't, because they are a good machine, but maybe for your stated purposes an RV7/7A might be better. Why would I say that? Less expense for a start. The cost to buy and operate are a bit less. The tip up canopy is not ideal in my opinion, but that is a personal thing. And not just escape things, rain or run off water getting behind the panel is an issue.

The 14 is a roomier machine of course, so that is a bonus, but it is not as capable in the aero department.

Not all experimental are built equal, and the electrics are a big variable, so make sure you know or have someone who does know what they are looking at.

Happy to chat offline some time.

The RV8 3 points beautifully if you have someone in the back seat. If not its better to do a tail low wheeler. Whether you 3 point or not the rudder gets a little ‘vague’ down around the 3 point attitude (briefly) due, I’m told, to canopy blanking. It ain’t a biggy.

Wonderful aeroplane.

You can look over my build blog here: https://turnerb14a.blogspot.com/

Not "as simple as possible" - a fixed pitch carbed RV-7A would be better in that regard. But the 14/14A is more of a "gentleman's" airplane in terms of roominess, handling, comfort.

Turner, interesting blog.


One of my neighbors built an RV-10, flies it daily, loves it. I'll be following your adventure.


Stu, are you still building on your RV?


stan

Life has gotten in the way, I’m afraid.

I started in 2010, I know the feeling

I started in 2010, I know the feeling

Took me 15 years for my build. Totally worth it!

I just purchased a 50% interest in a completely loaded up 6A. Complete Garmin panel, cs prop, electronic ignition, redundant electrical, almost-14 mod, all nose wheel mods/upgrades, extended slider, maintained and upgraded by Vic Syracuse. It's a cherry example with the only negative being a higher time engine. Other partner has exactly the right attitude (plus doesn't fly a ton). Super economical at $390/mo fixed plus $30/hr dry.

I plan to keep this as my solo traveler, and then add a more capable family cruiser (a36, baron, turboprop?) in another partnership in a year or so (we have a new baby now which, in combination with covid, isn't going to have us taking any long family excursions necessitating more than the archer right now anyway).