akarmy
Well Known Member
I know I really enjoyed reading the early reports of phase I when a number of the rest of you were going through it, so here's my short update.
9 days, 15.2hrs of flying... WOW it's been awhile since I've flown this much.
As of now I think the engine is mostly broke in, the temps have stabilized and are generally below 400 when not climbing under full power. My hottest Cyl is #2 and it's always the hottest in most any situation. Have to start looking at some cutting down of the fin blockers in front of 1&2 since the rear Cyls are the coolest. In 15 hours I have added 1 quart of oil thus far, so it's using a bit, but not too much. The dual P-mags have been flawless thus far and start and run easily. The Catto prop seems pitched right, but it's hard to tell completely since I don't yet have the wheel pants installed.
The most distinctive thing that everyone keeps commenting on is how quiet this RV is. I am using the Vetterman 1.5" crossover pipe system with dual mufflers. That combined with the 3 blade Catto prop make for a very quiet plane both on the ground and in the air!
Only problems thus far was the oil door popping open on the first flight. I made it out of Aluminum and it flexed too much and the latch let go. I added some .063 angle heavily fluted to the underside and it's been fine ever since. The second thing was the exhaust hangers slipped off on one pipe causing a few min of anxiety as the pipe rubbed on the cooling ramp. Sounded like something was not right for sure and I quickly landed and found this when I de-cowled.
Untitled by akarmy, on Flickr
That's it for problems thus far. Just add gas and go!
So far I've been to 10,000ft, flown formation, completed the airspeeds, stall speeds, AOA calibration (a couple of times), G testing up to 4 g's. Basic aerobatics, loops, rolls, cuban 8's, Split S. and flown many hours of full rich 75%+ streaking around the local area to break in the engine.
Flying by akarmy, on Flickr
Landings... have been perfect! I love how the RV-8 lands. So easy for both wheel landings and 3-point. Once I got the AOA calibrated I can 3 point using the "donut" on the AOA pro display, and wheel land using the two bars of green for best glide speed. These speeds work out to 60kts for 3 point and 70kts for wheel landing. I've also taken it into my friends 1000ft grass strip using about 700ft. That was using the AOA, seems that I could slow a bit more to maybe 55kts on short final to shorten up the rollout.
Flying formation I noticed the Catto prop does provide quite a bit of braking effect when pulling to idle compared to my RV9A with a Sensenich metal prop. Some of that may be the shorter winged 8 vs 9A, but the prop seems to be helping as well. Still not like a CS prop, but not bad. I'm quite happy with the setup and especially the weight and balance.
Tucked in tight by akarmy, on Flickr
I had my Son help me and we balanced the prop with our EAA Chapter's Dynavibe. Took just a bolt and one small thin washer to get it balanced. Was nice to remove the remaining vibration from the system. It was already fairly smooth with the Catto 3-blade.
Flying by akarmy, on Flickr
My friend Linda-Lee is working on a custom canopy cover which is coming along nicely. We did a fitting the other day.
Flying by akarmy, on Flickr
There has been varied weather to fly in over the 9 days. It being fall in the NorthWest and all.
Flying by akarmy, on Flickr
Rainy days by akarmy, on Flickr
Flying by akarmy, on Flickr
I've spent a lot of time pulled up to the pumps over the last few days. Will be nice to start leaning things out and pulling back the speeds a bit.
Flying by akarmy, on Flickr
In summary the RV-8 is an amazing plane that is a blast to fly. Can't wait to continue to expand the envelope as I get more time on it. One of these days I'll get the wheel pants installed on a rainy day and then can post some final speed and climb numbers. Keep at it, it's totally worth it!
N898TT by akarmy, on Flickr
9 days, 15.2hrs of flying... WOW it's been awhile since I've flown this much.
As of now I think the engine is mostly broke in, the temps have stabilized and are generally below 400 when not climbing under full power. My hottest Cyl is #2 and it's always the hottest in most any situation. Have to start looking at some cutting down of the fin blockers in front of 1&2 since the rear Cyls are the coolest. In 15 hours I have added 1 quart of oil thus far, so it's using a bit, but not too much. The dual P-mags have been flawless thus far and start and run easily. The Catto prop seems pitched right, but it's hard to tell completely since I don't yet have the wheel pants installed.
The most distinctive thing that everyone keeps commenting on is how quiet this RV is. I am using the Vetterman 1.5" crossover pipe system with dual mufflers. That combined with the 3 blade Catto prop make for a very quiet plane both on the ground and in the air!
Only problems thus far was the oil door popping open on the first flight. I made it out of Aluminum and it flexed too much and the latch let go. I added some .063 angle heavily fluted to the underside and it's been fine ever since. The second thing was the exhaust hangers slipped off on one pipe causing a few min of anxiety as the pipe rubbed on the cooling ramp. Sounded like something was not right for sure and I quickly landed and found this when I de-cowled.
Untitled by akarmy, on Flickr
That's it for problems thus far. Just add gas and go!
So far I've been to 10,000ft, flown formation, completed the airspeeds, stall speeds, AOA calibration (a couple of times), G testing up to 4 g's. Basic aerobatics, loops, rolls, cuban 8's, Split S. and flown many hours of full rich 75%+ streaking around the local area to break in the engine.
Flying by akarmy, on Flickr
Landings... have been perfect! I love how the RV-8 lands. So easy for both wheel landings and 3-point. Once I got the AOA calibrated I can 3 point using the "donut" on the AOA pro display, and wheel land using the two bars of green for best glide speed. These speeds work out to 60kts for 3 point and 70kts for wheel landing. I've also taken it into my friends 1000ft grass strip using about 700ft. That was using the AOA, seems that I could slow a bit more to maybe 55kts on short final to shorten up the rollout.
Flying formation I noticed the Catto prop does provide quite a bit of braking effect when pulling to idle compared to my RV9A with a Sensenich metal prop. Some of that may be the shorter winged 8 vs 9A, but the prop seems to be helping as well. Still not like a CS prop, but not bad. I'm quite happy with the setup and especially the weight and balance.
Tucked in tight by akarmy, on Flickr
I had my Son help me and we balanced the prop with our EAA Chapter's Dynavibe. Took just a bolt and one small thin washer to get it balanced. Was nice to remove the remaining vibration from the system. It was already fairly smooth with the Catto 3-blade.
Flying by akarmy, on Flickr
My friend Linda-Lee is working on a custom canopy cover which is coming along nicely. We did a fitting the other day.
Flying by akarmy, on Flickr
There has been varied weather to fly in over the 9 days. It being fall in the NorthWest and all.
Flying by akarmy, on Flickr
Rainy days by akarmy, on Flickr
Flying by akarmy, on Flickr
I've spent a lot of time pulled up to the pumps over the last few days. Will be nice to start leaning things out and pulling back the speeds a bit.
Flying by akarmy, on Flickr
In summary the RV-8 is an amazing plane that is a blast to fly. Can't wait to continue to expand the envelope as I get more time on it. One of these days I'll get the wheel pants installed on a rainy day and then can post some final speed and climb numbers. Keep at it, it's totally worth it!
N898TT by akarmy, on Flickr