What do all you guys think of converting my RV4 to tricycle gear?

 I have been told to wheel land it at 80 MPH.

 That is a field length penalty and a much worse crash if you screw up.

 As I understand it they are dangerous in cross wind landings.
 I have a friend with one that refuses to fly under sever cross wind
 conditions.

 Paul Lamar

what do you think the added weight is, how does that impact fuel consumption and maneuverability? any other additional things you'd have to adjust to accommodate such gear? do you have a number on the runway length min and what does that mean in terms of actually limiting your field choices, based on typical (seems like if ur under 1500ft it would seldom be an issue?) totally just curious....
best,
jess


It would add to the weight. At least what the nose gear would weigh over
the tail wheel weight. Probably 20 to 30 pounds. The batteries are
already in the baggage area so may be I would have to move them further back.

I plan no aerobatics.

I think I could get it into 1000 feet. If I ever get around to 250 HP P-porting
and changing the gear box and prop I could get it out of 1000 feet as well
depending on the obstructions.

Stall speed is 48 MPH so that is a short field indeed with
as full stall landing. I have 3000 hour making full stall landings :)
Hard to relearn wheel landing at 80 MPH. Goes against ones instincts :)

Paul Lamar


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