Hey Ryan, you live so close to RV mecca, go for it.
The MKIV is a neat airplane but quite limited in what it can do compared to an RV. The RV build is much quicker, even the so-called slow build route is a quick build by comparison.
I built and flew the MKIV back when Nat Puffer was on the scene. His absence has left a void in that world. The MKIV was a fun to fly and always attracted attention where ever you went, but it was more a novelty than a useful machine, it did not like anything less than 3000' of hard surface. On a hot day, the take off roll was akin to heavy bomber take off. Also, there was a chronic need to add or remove ballast from the nose depending on front seat load. CG is critical with that machine.
I sold the airplane to a friend, he is still flying it. But he also owns and flies a Cub just to keep a foot in that world. I will be flying with him in the Cub to get reacquainted with a tail dragger before blasting off in the -8.
You must know Al Wick - is he finally ditching the Subby effort?
