A fellow RV builder from Siberia contacted me a while ago. Knowing how intelligent and knowlegeable our group is, he asked me to submit several questions on his behalf to VAF community with very specific purpose. He lives and works in the middle of the continent where there are four distinctive seasons and he is flying (trainers) only in summer and winter. Summer is very short approximately 4 months and winter a bit longer say 5 months with lots of snow. Spring and fall is rainy and humid, turf is too wet so VFR flying during early spring and late fall is very limited I would say nonexistent.
The builder, skilled all over guy and a good flyer, has an RV kit (the big one) sitting in his garage and is thinking how he can get this wonderful machine flying during long Siberian winter. Watching as his trainer "seasonally changed the shoes" from tires to skis and went up in the sky again, he has couple of questions before he will plunge into the project.
1. Theoretically - is it possible to fly RV10 with skis? How good stability, controllability and airframe strengh may be from aerodynamics point of view? Could safety be compromised?
2. Second Q is - what mods may be needed/suggested to attach skis to existing gear legs safely to prevent twisting and misalignment during flight? Especially front ski because it's so close to propeller.
3. Are there any proven ski manufacturers ready to discuss custom building somebody can recommend talking to? I asked mighty google already would like to hear experienced opinion.
That's basically the set of three questions I formulated from his request. ANY input appreciated. Positive or negative opinions are equally valued. Let's brainstorm our Vanheads and help international RV builder to make informed decision.
The builder, skilled all over guy and a good flyer, has an RV kit (the big one) sitting in his garage and is thinking how he can get this wonderful machine flying during long Siberian winter. Watching as his trainer "seasonally changed the shoes" from tires to skis and went up in the sky again, he has couple of questions before he will plunge into the project.
1. Theoretically - is it possible to fly RV10 with skis? How good stability, controllability and airframe strengh may be from aerodynamics point of view? Could safety be compromised?
2. Second Q is - what mods may be needed/suggested to attach skis to existing gear legs safely to prevent twisting and misalignment during flight? Especially front ski because it's so close to propeller.
3. Are there any proven ski manufacturers ready to discuss custom building somebody can recommend talking to? I asked mighty google already would like to hear experienced opinion.
That's basically the set of three questions I formulated from his request. ANY input appreciated. Positive or negative opinions are equally valued. Let's brainstorm our Vanheads and help international RV builder to make informed decision.
