Rudi's RV7 build progress...Done and Flying

[RudiGreyling]

Gents,

went RV flipping on Friday afternoon and another happy customer:
RV Flipping PaX #28: A fellow co-worker that never been up in a small airplane.


Then on Saturday I wanted to go to the Fun Ralley, but had a blow out during Taxi. This then put a stop to my Fun on Saturday and also the Aeros competition on Sunday.


Hopefully the WX holds this comming weekend then we can go to the Kurruman jol!

Groete
Rudi

[RudiGreyling]

I could not fly for 3 weeks so this weekend to EAA Tempe was great.
Ian a fellow RV7 builder came with me, RV flipping PAX #29

rv_flips_29.jpg

We got out early on Friday afternoon, but still had to run around 1 or 2 isolated thunder storms.
The WX Saturday was great, then it rained during the night.
The Sunday morning flight back was done under calm middle clouds with patches of rain.

tempe_01.jpg

All in all a wonderfull weekend at EAA Sun'n'Fun Tempe.

Groete
Rudi

[RudiGreyling]

Took Etienne (Scuba_flyer) to Kittyhawk, RV Flipping Pax #30...I think he enjoyed it, he might pop in and leave his comments.

[ScUbA_fLyEr]

Morning Rudi and fellow avcom readers.

As posted elsewhere i would like to thank Rudi for the experience.

Rudi your baby is amazing. She flies like a dream and makes one insanely jealous for not owning one!
You are also one of the true gentlemen of aviation and would advise anyone who has the opportunity
to fly with you to grab it with both hand, feet and mouth and go for it!

Thank you again.

[RudiGreyling]

My Pleasure! To others, there will be more offers in the future, just be quick when you see them, they go quickly!

[Stephan van Tonder]

Well I had the chance to be Flipper no 31 and was there like Fred bear. Was up at 05:00 and out the house as soon as the dogs were fed. Arrival at springs at 06:15. Rudi was just busy refuelling and pre-flight done we pushed out and then had to wait for Springs's 07:00 take-off policy due to noise abatement for the neighbours. A VERy detailed flight briefing followed with what to expect - what to do etc.
No event startup followed with the engine rumbling into life on the 2nd blade. Checks done and taxi to the runway. Temps already up by the time we get to the threshold. 2100 RPM on the roll and in no time she is at 61 and we are flying. Keep the nose down build speed and climb. At no time 6000Ft comes up and we turn and take heading for Parys. Rudi hands control to me - asks for 7000 ft and away we go. I feel her lightly and she is very responsive. I have only one problem and that was to stop climbing once we reached 7000 ft. Gaining altitude really is no problem. I trim her a little down and after a few minutes I have altitude hold nailed. We route vereeniging - out under the tma and rudi lets me take her down a bit and we follow the river. MAN are there some beautifull places out there. The RV Responds to the lightest of touch and there is no tendency to lose altitude even during some steep turns. It's very much a pilot's airplane with it following you every wish and command. All too soon we are past Parys and we turn for the field. Set up for a joining and left circuit. Rudi shows me the stall - which is not as mild as a cheetah for sure. She immediately throws away a wing after a very short buffet. Definetly one area you want to stay away from. Landing is not a big affair but is a little jiggy if you used to nosewheels.
Brekkie at parys was lovely and I settled for an omelette. Rudi had the full breakfast. Some Koeksusters bought for Pudding and off we went. Teardrop after takeoff and runway inspection followed by a nice climbout. Rudi let's me have control and She easily climbs at 1000 fpm But that lets the rpm drop a bit - I push the nose back and climb gently at about 200 ft/min and 2450 rpm on the rev counter. It gets very bumpy and we elect to let the autopliot do the work. In no time at all Springs looms on the horizon and we join overhead and setup left downwind. Flaps - blled a bit of spped. Tailwheel touches as the AOA warning starts complaining and we are back on terra firma.
Well let me tell you - it is very easy to understand the whole RV thing. They are fantastic aircraft that does a lot of things well - it moves it's butt for the fuel burn and is an absolute joy to fly. If I had the bucks I certainly would and would learn to fly a tailie for sure.
Rudi - THANKS a LOT - you are a true Gentleman and a great aviator that shares the joy. Must say it was surprisingly comfortable as well.

[RudiGreyling]

Hi Stephan,

Thanks for the nice write-up, it was my pleasure!

Here is your picture!


Groete
Rudi

[grostek]

Hi Stephan,

Thanks for the nice write-up, it was my pleasure!

Here is your picture!


Groete
Rudi

Man, that smile looks like it will last a whole week!

Well done Rudi.

Kind regards,

Gunter Rostek

[Stephan van Tonder]

Me thinks that smile is going to last much longer than a week. It really is an amazing little airplane.

[RudiGreyling]

Pieter Van Zyl, he is building a RV12 and needed some RV confirmation!
Looks like he agrees favourably with the flight and handling

[RudiGreyling]

Three more for the RV Flip-O-Meter during the past weekend.

#33: My dad


#34: My Mom only lasted one circuit, she was very nervous after take-off so I did not take a picture.

#35: Martin's Son, Murray. His dad is going to build a RV7 soon and he wanted a ride. He Enjoyed it very much!

[RudiGreyling]

RVators,

I keep being amazed by these little RV Aircraft

I was lucky to be invited over Xmas to a Friend's (Hentie) place at plet for a couple of days. So of we go middle of Xmas day down to plet.
It only took us 3H33 mins and 93.5l of MOGAS from engine START to stop to travel the (just less than 1,000km trip)
This type of economy and speed (155kts) is amazing, and we took enough luggage and 2x25 l empty jerry cans for fuel (No Fuel at Plet)

I also used the Sias' Cell Phone Tracking, you can see some of my tracks for this trip (look out for RV7 Plett tracks in the track menu)
http://www.vfrplanner.org/tracker/index.php

The Dynons prove my claims above


Plettenberg Bay Airfield:


All the luggage in the airplane: (2 bags with clothes for a week, Tom and Jerry (my 2 x 25L Jerry Cans) + Wifes handbag see next pic)


The baggage fills a BWM 3 series' Boot!


This is a very pretty area to fly in...Below are some pictures I took on MY CELL PHONE...Later in the week I'll upload the pics my wife took with the Canon

Sedgefield


St Francis Light House


More St Francis


Paradise Beach


Some big GRANITE in this area too...


Storms River Bridge...


This is our trip coming back to JHB (Springs) you can see FL95, 153kts ground speed with 7 MPH head wind, 61% Power LOP burning 28Liters Mogas.
Remember I turn a Fixed Pitch so that is why the RPM at Altitude is high, but you are only making 61% power, so the motor is not stressed....


I LOVE MY RV!

Regards
Rudi
PS: I might post some more pics (The ones my wife took) if you guys are interested...

[cvh]

... so why do we have to wait???

[Cornell Blok]

Stunning thanks for sharing

[Pheonix137]

Very nice! Thanks for sharing! This is all the motivation one needs to start building an RV!
I am very impressed with the luggage compartment in the RV, seeing it in use puts it in perspective.

200 hours on the hobbs, any major maintenance issues crept up yet, or just the normal wear and tear?

Cheers!
Dennis