I'm in the process of purchasing a flying RV-4. It's a nice airplane but doesn't include rear controls other than a stick. I don't feel comfortable flying it without a thorough checkout. Also, it has a >200HP engine so I need to get my high-performance signoff, too. Like Skyhook, I'd like to get this training and future training/checkouts such as BFR in it. The plane is configured for IFR and it might be nice to finish my IFR training in it though it's probably a long shot given the lack of instrument visibility from the rear seat.
I left a message for my preferred CFI but haven't heard back yet. I'm guessing he'll want at least a throttle and rudder pedals. To help get a head start, does anyone here have an opinion about the minimum set of rear controls for dual instruction in an RV-4? Here's what I'm guessing would be a list of controls in order of decreasing importance:
Rudder pedals
Throttle
Elevator trim
PTT
Prop
Mixture
I see that Van's offers a rear rudder pedal kit for the 4 but I've heard it said that they leave something to be desired. I've never seen one so I don't know what might be wrong with it. One thing I would want is the ability to easily remove them or fold them out of the way.
I emailed DJM about the rear quadrant but haven't heard back yet.
Any ideas would be appreciated.
Kev
I left a message for my preferred CFI but haven't heard back yet. I'm guessing he'll want at least a throttle and rudder pedals. To help get a head start, does anyone here have an opinion about the minimum set of rear controls for dual instruction in an RV-4? Here's what I'm guessing would be a list of controls in order of decreasing importance:
Rudder pedals
Throttle
Elevator trim
PTT
Prop
Mixture
I see that Van's offers a rear rudder pedal kit for the 4 but I've heard it said that they leave something to be desired. I've never seen one so I don't know what might be wrong with it. One thing I would want is the ability to easily remove them or fold them out of the way.
I emailed DJM about the rear quadrant but haven't heard back yet.
Any ideas would be appreciated.
Kev