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
Dear Mr. Lamar:
I would check with the Kit manufacturer and ask IF they have any
information regarding landing a Tricycle Gear RV4 in crosswinds. As they
offer a Tricycle Gear option, they should have a chart or information
about how it handles in crosswind landings, etc. that should be in the
aircraft manual.
I would also ask the Kit manufacturer IF they could send you the name
and addresses of several of their customers that have and fly a Tri Gear
RV-4s. I would contact those individuals. I am sure Tri Gear RV-4 owners
and operators could give you a lot of information based on experience
how the Tri Gear RV-4 handles in cross winds.
I would also check on installing Vortrice Generators on your airplanes
wings and tail to improve handling of your ariplane at low speeds.
All My Best
Brannen Sanders
http://www.vansairforce.com/community/showthread.php?t=29562
"The 8 has a larger rudder and longer fuselage and stiffer gear, is
heavier with different crosswind manners. To answer your question, in my
RV4 I used 20 knots max direct cross using a wheels landing, wing low on
touchdown technique. Any more and it's gets squirrley when you lower the
tail as the fuselage blanks alot of the rudder.The Rocket with an RV4
rudder is even more pronounced.
Most production taildraggers use 17 knots direct crosswind as a limit. I
asked a FSDO guy once about that and he said that years ago all of the
manufacturers got together and agreed on a number, the insurance
companies liked it and there it was, 17 knots. Your mileage may vary..."
"Rob Ray
1500 Hours RV4
HR2"
So apparently the rudder is blanked and that is why they insist
on wheel landings.
Back to nose gear :)
Paul Lamar