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RV-7 Construction Log
I'm not getting any younger, and my mission has changed such that the tandem cockpit Harmon Rocket II project no longer fits. My mission now is to redirect some of the travel budget toward long cross countries with my wife Karen She'd much rather hold my hand than stare at the back of my head, so I've decided to get started on a side-by-side RV-7 while we're still young enough to get some use out of the finished airplane. To expedite the build, I plan to build fairly stock, though I will be researching options for extended range fuel. The SafeAir "ER" tanks seem to be about the most straightforward, but I would like just a few more gallons than the 9 that they provide. I value efficiency a bit more than raw speed, so for now, I'm planning on a 180hp Lycoming or clone. Even at 55%, Vans numbers say the RV-7 will make 3 miles a minute, about half again what my Cessna 170 makes with the same 8 gph fuel burn. To maximize the efficiency (and range) I'll likely go with fuel injection, constant speed prop, and at least one electronic ignition. As far as configuration, about 90% of all my flying has been in taildraggers, so that option was easy. I like the looks (primary) and visibility (secondary) afforded by the tip-up canopy, so that's the current plan. I'm instrument rated, but grossly out of currency, mainly due to the lack of a suitable platform. I'm sure I'll go with an IFR "glass" cockpit in the RV-7, but the utility and reliability of the currently available crop of equipment is increasing almost daily, so I'll just try to keep abreast of developments until starting the fuselage. As seems to be the custom, I guess I need to tell you that this is not a "how to build an airplane" website. I'ts just a record of how I'm building mine to satisfy the requirements for certification in the Experimental Amateur Built aircraft category. A side benefit is that family and friends will be able to track my progress, in turn providing me with the incentive to SHOW progress. However, if you are an experienced builder, or are otherwise qualified to point out my mistakes or omissions, by all means please do so! For additional photos and build details, check out my Picasa RV-7 photo page at https://picasaweb.google.com/115839306616839334947
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