Author: "Dan Watters" <danielwatters1@...> Time: Thu Oct 31, 2002 5:27 am PST Link
To all those who kindly responded to my inquiry on size I would like
to say thank you. The consensus seems to favor me fitting in a -9A.
I have ordered the -9/9A pre-plan set. Once I look at the builders
manual and plans I will either decide that I want to go for it or I
will wonder what the heck I was thinking. Another question if you
don't mind. Are the Sportair classes worth the time and money? I am
thinking they would be very helpful. Any comments?
Thanks again,
Dan Watters
Author: "John Williams" <frate_dawg@...> Time: Thu Oct 31, 2002 5:49 am PST Link
Danno: Like everything on this board, there is bound to be a wide
divergence of opinion on this issue. My opinion is that the SportAire
course was definitely worth the time and money, and probably paid for
itself over time, in un-needed tools not ordered, or in knowing who has
the best quality tool of a particular type. Before I wrote any serious
checks for tools or kits, I needed to know whether we could do this or
not, and to have confidence that not only could we do it, but do it
well. My partner and I came away feeling very good about it all, and
found the course to be edifying, great fun, and a great motivator. I
highly recommend it, but the courses fill up fast, and you may
experience a two or three month lead time before you can take one. Go
for it. See my previous messages to Clive. John Williams
-----Original Message-----
From: Dan Watters [mailto:danielwatters1@m...]
Sent: Thursday, October 31, 2002 2:13 AM
To: RV-9A@yahoogroups.com
Subject: [RV-9A] Size Again
To all those who kindly responded to my inquiry on size I would like
to say thank you. The consensus seems to favor me fitting in a -9A.
I have ordered the -9/9A pre-plan set. Once I look at the builders
manual and plans I will either decide that I want to go for it or I
will wonder what the heck I was thinking. Another question if you
don't mind. Are the Sportair classes worth the time and money? I am
thinking they would be very helpful. Any comments?
Thanks again,
Dan Watters
Yahoo! Groups Sponsor
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Author: "build9a" <eckdahl@...> Time: Thu Oct 31, 2002 9:58 am PST Link
Dan: I took the Sportaire Vans assembly workshop and it was very
helpful. More than I knew at the time. Without it, you need an
experienced builder to help you along. I completed my emp. in about
150 hours after taking the course. About average from what I've seen
on builders sites. And the quality of my work is acceptable, not as
good as the experts. Be careful using the pre-construction plans as
a tool to help you decide on whether to build or not. They made sense
to me only after I actually had the parts in my hand and could
visualize the assembly while looking at the plans. With the plans and
the parts in hand it is straighforward and easy to follow. You just
have to pay attention. Go for it. The building is more fun than I
thought it would be. The Orndorf 9A emp. video was very helpful
also. Jack RV9A QB. wings N489JE
--- In RV-9A@y..., "Dan Watters" <danielwatters1@m...> wrote:
> To all those who kindly responded to my inquiry on size I would like
> to say thank you. The consensus seems to favor me fitting in a -9A.
> I have ordered the -9/9A pre-plan set. Once I look at the builders
> manual and plans I will either decide that I want to go for it or I
> will wonder what the heck I was thinking. Another question if you
> don't mind. Are the Sportair classes worth the time and money? I
am
> thinking they would be very helpful. Any comments?
>
> Thanks again,
>
> Dan Watters
Author: "Steve Nelson" <steveruben@...> Time: Thu Oct 31, 2002 10:25 am PST Link
Dan-
I would highly recommend sitting in a RV9 before you go ahead and
start ordering stuff. I am 6' 4" and after reading all of the posts
on this site about how people up to 6'6" fit 'nicely' into RV's I
thought I would be OK as far as room goes. I then sat in a RV8 and
I can tell you that I was not happy (and these are supposed to have
the most room out of any of the RVs). My head was brushing the
canopy without a headset and my knees were up against the panel. No,
the rudder pedals were not all of the way back but I could not even
get my knees below the panel to touch them.
Now I have never sat in a 9 so I will not try to tell you that you
will or will not fit. I would go try one out before you make the
committment of time and money to this project.
You will get all sort of differing opionions on this and none of
them are wrong at all, it's just that what some people are
comfortable with won't work for others. I plan on getting a ride in
a 9 before I head in that direction myself. I hope I fit because I
think it is a great plane.
Just my 2 cents, and this is in no way a knock on any RV, I just
think the only way to know is to find out for your self and this
comes from personal experience.
Steve Nelson
--- In RV-9A@y..., "Dan Watters" <danielwatters1@m...> wrote:
> To all those who kindly responded to my inquiry on size I would
like
> to say thank you. The consensus seems to favor me fitting in a -
9A.
> I have ordered the -9/9A pre-plan set. Once I look at the
builders
> manual and plans I will either decide that I want to go for it or
I
> will wonder what the heck I was thinking. Another question if you
> don't mind. Are the Sportair classes worth the time and money? I
am
> thinking they would be very helpful. Any comments?
>
> Thanks again,
>
> Dan Watters
Author: "DANIEL W WATTERS" <danielwatters1@...> Time: Thu Oct 31, 2002 7:53 pm PST Link
Hi Steve,
Thanks for your message. I did sit in a 9A at the Copperstate Fly-in and sat in the same plane again at the AOPA Expo. Both times the plane had thick cushions and the rudder pedals were not moved all the way back. It wasn't as comfortable as the Cirrus SR20 that is for sure but I believe I can make the cockpit comfortable enough. I have the same problem in cars and drive a Toyota Tacoma pick-up. I have never sat in an -8A but would like to give it a try. How does someone transition into flying an RV when you build an 8? Seems it would be difficult. I like the idea of an experienced RV pilot sitting right next to me, stick in hand, on my first flight. I too am enamored by the Vans planes and can't think of any other way to get into a great airplane at the same price point. I was really interested in the Liberty XL-2 until I sat in one. The bottom of the panel hit my shins and I couldn't even get my feet on the rudder pedals. I did fit very nicely in the OMF-160 Symphony and it seems to be a nice little airplane. Of course for the same price you could build three RV's. I hope you get a chance to sit in a -9(A) and it fits great for you Steve. I will do more checking before I put down my hard earned cash.
Thanks again,
Dan Watters
----- Original Message -----
From: Steve Nelson
Sent: Thursday, October 31, 2002 11:35 AM
To: RV-9A@yahoogroups.com
Subject: [RV-9A] Re: Size Again
Dan-
I would highly recommend sitting in a RV9 before you go ahead and
start ordering stuff. I am 6' 4" and after reading all of the posts
on this site about how people up to 6'6" fit 'nicely' into RV's I
thought I would be OK as far as room goes. I then sat in a RV8 and
I can tell you that I was not happy (and these are supposed to have
the most room out of any of the RVs). My head was brushing the
canopy without a headset and my knees were up against the panel. No,
the rudder pedals were not all of the way back but I could not even
get my knees below the panel to touch them.
Now I have never sat in a 9 so I will not try to tell you that you
will or will not fit. I would go try one out before you make the
committment of time and money to this project.
You will get all sort of differing opionions on this and none of
them are wrong at all, it's just that what some people are
comfortable with won't work for others. I plan on getting a ride in
a 9 before I head in that direction myself. I hope I fit because I
think it is a great plane.
Just my 2 cents, and this is in no way a knock on any RV, I just
think the only way to know is to find out for your self and this
comes from personal experience.
Steve Nelson
--- In RV-9A@y..., "Dan Watters" <danielwatters1@m...> wrote:
> To all those who kindly responded to my inquiry on size I would
like
> to say thank you. The consensus seems to favor me fitting in a -
9A.
> I have ordered the -9/9A pre-plan set. Once I look at the
builders
> manual and plans I will either decide that I want to go for it or
I
> will wonder what the heck I was thinking. Another question if you
> don't mind. Are the Sportair classes worth the time and money? I
am
> thinking they would be very helpful. Any comments?
>
> Thanks again,
>
> Dan Watters
Yahoo! Groups Sponsor
ADVERTISEMENT
To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
RV-9A-unsubscribe@egroups.com
Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to the Yahoo! Terms of Service.
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Author: "DANIEL W WATTERS" <danielwatters1@...> Time: Thu Oct 31, 2002 7:53 pm PST Link
Hi Jack,
Thanks for the information. Sounds like I have some more studying to do. If I decide to go ahead with the project then I will look at taking the class in Corona, CA. It surely couldn't hurt. I have been watching the Orndorf videos that a neighbor who is building a 7A let me borrow. I am still not sure about the size issue and of course it would help if I actually pass my checkride to get my license. As far as the plans go I guess I just wanted to get a feel for what it was going to be like if I decided to start building. I am sure your advice is very valid about having to see and feel the parts before it all makes sense. Presently I seem to be consumed with the Vans planes and yet I feel I am probably getting way ahead of myself. I think the smart thing to do would be to take the class before I order anything. Thanks again for the advice Jack and good luck on your -9A.
Dan
----- Original Message -----
From: build9a
Sent: Thursday, October 31, 2002 11:03 AM
To: RV-9A@yahoogroups.com
Subject: [RV-9A] Re: Size Again
Dan: I took the Sportaire Vans assembly workshop and it was very
helpful. More than I knew at the time. Without it, you need an
experienced builder to help you along. I completed my emp. in about
150 hours after taking the course. About average from what I've seen
on builders sites. And the quality of my work is acceptable, not as
good as the experts. Be careful using the pre-construction plans as
a tool to help you decide on whether to build or not. They made sense
to me only after I actually had the parts in my hand and could
visualize the assembly while looking at the plans. With the plans and
the parts in hand it is straighforward and easy to follow. You just
have to pay attention. Go for it. The building is more fun than I
thought it would be. The Orndorf 9A emp. video was very helpful
also. Jack RV9A QB. wings N489JE
--- In RV-9A@y..., "Dan Watters" <danielwatters1@m...> wrote:
> To all those who kindly responded to my inquiry on size I would like
> to say thank you. The consensus seems to favor me fitting in a -9A.
> I have ordered the -9/9A pre-plan set. Once I look at the builders
> manual and plans I will either decide that I want to go for it or I
> will wonder what the heck I was thinking. Another question if you
> don't mind. Are the Sportair classes worth the time and money? I
am
> thinking they would be very helpful. Any comments?
>
> Thanks again,
>
> Dan Watters
Yahoo! Groups Sponsor
ADVERTISEMENT
To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
RV-9A-unsubscribe@egroups.com
Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to the Yahoo! Terms of Service.
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Author: "Steve Nelson" <steveruben@...> Time: Fri Nov 1, 2002 8:49 am PST Link
sorry Dan, didn't look closely enough to see that you had already
tried one on for size. There are a few mods that I have been
thinking about to increase personal space. There is a guy who makes
custom plexi canopies for RV's. A few inches taller would make a big
difference. I know this would require a lot of fabrication as far as
the supports, but might be worth it. What this would do to
aerodynamics and handling I dont know, would be a good question for
Vans. It would also probably cost a few knots in speed also, but so
be it.
Also could cut an inch or two off the bottom of the panel for more
knee room. Panel space is a premium on these planes, but so is knee-
room for abnormal sized guys like us.
Not that I am considering buying these, but there are a couple of
other kit-planes out there with big bubble canopies. The super
chipmunk is one, and all of that space would be nice to have.
Thx for the info on the XL-2. That was something I had looked into
also. The headroom and cabin width looked great in the pictures,
but that panel did look awfully low.
It sucks to be our size when it comes to transportation. Only we
know how uncomfortable it is to sit in 'coach' on a commercial
flight or be stuck in a compact car for more than 10 minutes
or........well, I'll stop now. Good luck
Steve N.
--- In RV-9A@y..., "DANIEL W WATTERS" <danielwatters1@m...> wrote:
> Hi Steve,
>
> Thanks for your message. I did sit in a 9A at the Copperstate Fly-
in and sat in the same plane again at the AOPA Expo. Both times the
plane had thick cushions and the rudder pedals were not moved all
the way back. It wasn't as comfortable as the Cirrus SR20 that is
for sure but I believe I can make the cockpit comfortable enough. I
have the same problem in cars and drive a Toyota Tacoma pick-up. I
have never sat in an -8A but would like to give it a try. How does
someone transition into flying an RV when you build an 8? Seems it
would be difficult. I like the idea of an experienced RV pilot
sitting right next to me, stick in hand, on my first flight. I too
am enamored by the Vans planes and can't think of any other way to
get into a great airplane at the same price point. I was really
interested in the Liberty XL-2 until I sat in one. The bottom of
the panel hit my shins and I couldn't even get my feet on the rudder
pedals. I did fit very nicely in the OMF-160 Symphony and it seems
to be a nice little airplane. Of course for the same price you
could build three RV's. I hope you get a chance to sit in a -9(A)
and it fits great for you Steve. I will do more checking before I
put down my hard earned cash.
>
> Thanks again,
>
> Dan Watters
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: Steve Nelson
> Sent: Thursday, October 31, 2002 11:35 AM
> To: RV-9A@y...
> Subject: [RV-9A] Re: Size Again
>
> Dan-
>
> I would highly recommend sitting in a RV9 before you go ahead and
> start ordering stuff. I am 6' 4" and after reading all of the
posts
> on this site about how people up to 6'6" fit 'nicely' into RV's I
> thought I would be OK as far as room goes. I then sat in a RV8
and
> I can tell you that I was not happy (and these are supposed to
have
> the most room out of any of the RVs). My head was brushing the
> canopy without a headset and my knees were up against the panel.
No,
> the rudder pedals were not all of the way back but I could not
even
> get my knees below the panel to touch them.
>
> Now I have never sat in a 9 so I will not try to tell you that
you
> will or will not fit. I would go try one out before you make the
> committment of time and money to this project.
>
> You will get all sort of differing opionions on this and none of
> them are wrong at all, it's just that what some people are
> comfortable with won't work for others. I plan on getting a ride
in
> a 9 before I head in that direction myself. I hope I fit because
I
> think it is a great plane.
>
> Just my 2 cents, and this is in no way a knock on any RV, I just
> think the only way to know is to find out for your self and this
> comes from personal experience.
>
> Steve Nelson
> --- In RV-9A@y..., "Dan Watters" <danielwatters1@m...> wrote:
> > To all those who kindly responded to my inquiry on size I would
> like
> > to say thank you. The consensus seems to favor me fitting in a -
> 9A.
> > I have ordered the -9/9A pre-plan set. Once I look at the
> builders
> > manual and plans I will either decide that I want to go for it
or
> I
> > will wonder what the heck I was thinking. Another question if
you
> > don't mind. Are the Sportair classes worth the time and money?
I
> am
> > thinking they would be very helpful. Any comments?
> >
> > Thanks again,
> >
> > Dan Watters
> Yahoo! Groups Sponsor
> ADVERTISEMENT
> To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
> RV-9A-unsubscribe@e...
> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to the Yahoo! Terms of
Service.
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Author: "Steve Sampson" <SSampson.SLN21@...> Time: Fri Nov 1, 2002 11:55 am PST Link
I am not tall, but having watched tall people fit (and not fit) in gliders
(much smaller) I would say fit in it first. I think its all to do with the
aspect ratio of the person. (Leg length to height) Steve.
Author: "brywd" <brywd@...> Time: Sat Nov 2, 2002 9:22 am PST Link
Hi Dan,
Were going to sell you one of these wonderful planes yet. Here is
another idea for you to consider. A local builder that I have met
once or twice built his RV-6A with spacers under the canopy raising it
about an inch or so. The finished product is truly one of the nicest
flying RV's that I have seen. Contact him for information, his name i
Gary and he is the man who runs the RV Yellow Pages. There are links
to the yellow pages all over the web.
Good Luck,
Bryan Wood
Finish Kit
--- In RV-9A@y..., "Steve Nelson" <steveruben@a...> wrote:
> sorry Dan, didn't look closely enough to see that you had already
> tried one on for size. There are a few mods that I have been
> thinking about to increase personal space. There is a guy who makes
> custom plexi canopies for RV's. A few inches taller would make a big
> difference. I know this would require a lot of fabrication as far as
> the supports, but might be worth it. What this would do to
> aerodynamics and handling I dont know, would be a good question for
> Vans. It would also probably cost a few knots in speed also, but so
> be it.
>
> Also could cut an inch or two off the bottom of the panel for more
> knee room. Panel space is a premium on these planes, but so is knee-
> room for abnormal sized guys like us.
>
> Not that I am considering buying these, but there are a couple of
> other kit-planes out there with big bubble canopies. The super
> chipmunk is one, and all of that space would be nice to have.
>
> Thx for the info on the XL-2. That was something I had looked into
> also. The headroom and cabin width looked great in the pictures,
> but that panel did look awfully low.
>
> It sucks to be our size when it comes to transportation. Only we
> know how uncomfortable it is to sit in 'coach' on a commercial
> flight or be stuck in a compact car for more than 10 minutes
> or........well, I'll stop now. Good luck
>
> Steve N.
> --- In RV-9A@y..., "DANIEL W WATTERS" <danielwatters1@m...> wrote:
> > Hi Steve,
> >
> > Thanks for your message. I did sit in a 9A at the Copperstate
Fly-
> in and sat in the same plane again at the AOPA Expo. Both times the
> plane had thick cushions and the rudder pedals were not moved all
> the way back. It wasn't as comfortable as the Cirrus SR20 that is
> for sure but I believe I can make the cockpit comfortable enough. I
> have the same problem in cars and drive a Toyota Tacoma pick-up. I
> have never sat in an -8A but would like to give it a try. How does
> someone transition into flying an RV when you build an 8? Seems it
> would be difficult. I like the idea of an experienced RV pilot
> sitting right next to me, stick in hand, on my first flight. I too
> am enamored by the Vans planes and can't think of any other way to
> get into a great airplane at the same price point. I was really
> interested in the Liberty XL-2 until I sat in one. The bottom of
> the panel hit my shins and I couldn't even get my feet on the rudder
> pedals. I did fit very nicely in the OMF-160 Symphony and it seems
> to be a nice little airplane. Of course for the same price you
> could build three RV's. I hope you get a chance to sit in a -9(A)
> and it fits great for you Steve. I will do more checking before I
> put down my hard earned cash.
> >
> > Thanks again,
> >
> > Dan Watters
> >
> > ----- Original Message -----
> > From: Steve Nelson
> > Sent: Thursday, October 31, 2002 11:35 AM
> > To: RV-9A@y...
> > Subject: [RV-9A] Re: Size Again
> >
> > Dan-
> >
> > I would highly recommend sitting in a RV9 before you go ahead and
> > start ordering stuff. I am 6' 4" and after reading all of the
> posts
> > on this site about how people up to 6'6" fit 'nicely' into RV's I
> > thought I would be OK as far as room goes. I then sat in a RV8
> and
> > I can tell you that I was not happy (and these are supposed to
> have
> > the most room out of any of the RVs). My head was brushing the
> > canopy without a headset and my knees were up against the panel.
> No,
> > the rudder pedals were not all of the way back but I could not
> even
> > get my knees below the panel to touch them.
> >
> > Now I have never sat in a 9 so I will not try to tell you that
> you
> > will or will not fit. I would go try one out before you make the
> > committment of time and money to this project.
> >
> > You will get all sort of differing opionions on this and none of
> > them are wrong at all, it's just that what some people are
> > comfortable with won't work for others. I plan on getting a ride
> in
> > a 9 before I head in that direction myself. I hope I fit because
> I
> > think it is a great plane.
> >
> > Just my 2 cents, and this is in no way a knock on any RV, I just
> > think the only way to know is to find out for your self and this
> > comes from personal experience.
> >
> > Steve Nelson
> > --- In RV-9A@y..., "Dan Watters" <danielwatters1@m...> wrote:
> > > To all those who kindly responded to my inquiry on size I would
> > like
> > > to say thank you. The consensus seems to favor me fitting in a
-
> > 9A.
> > > I have ordered the -9/9A pre-plan set. Once I look at the
> > builders
> > > manual and plans I will either decide that I want to go for it
> or
> > I
> > > will wonder what the heck I was thinking. Another question if
> you
> > > don't mind. Are the Sportair classes worth the time and money?
> I
> > am
> > > thinking they would be very helpful. Any comments?
> > >
> > > Thanks again,
> > >
> > > Dan Watters
> > Yahoo! Groups Sponsor
> > ADVERTISEMENT
> > To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
> > RV-9A-unsubscribe@e...
> > Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to the Yahoo! Terms of
> Service.
> > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Author: "DANIEL W WATTERS" <danielwatters1@...> Time: Mon Nov 4, 2002 2:52 pm PST Link
Hi Bryan,
There is no selling to be done. I am sold. My banker is another story.
Actually I decided I was getting ahead of myself and I should concentrate on
getting my license first. My instructor said he was going to schedule my
checkride for some time in December so now I am already starting to sweat
that. I have looked at the preview plans set and I would like to get the
garage and tools set up prior to ordering anthing from Van's. I would
really like to attend one of the weekend Sportaire classes prior to getting
started also. I have never worked with sheetmetal before and I want to do
the best job I can. Essentially I am a perfectionist without the ability to
be one. License first though. Tonight I will be doing my first night
landings. Should be fun. Thanks goodness my instructor will also be along.
One other thing. I do have the latest video from Van's. Just got it
about 10 days ago. I will look at it again (and again, and again no doubt)
and see how much they show the -9. I think I was fantasizing throughout the
first viewing. I would be happy to loan the video out to anybody that would
like to view it.
Thanks Bryan,
Dan Watters
Tucson, AZ.
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