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carlbell(at)gforcecable.c
Guest

Posted: Sun Apr 22, 2007 6:41 am Post subject: RV Advice, one leg flyer

Hello all,  

   

I am new to the list and starting the journey to build an RV but could use some advice before I get going.  I have a bit of a dilemma which I need to work out before I order more than the RV empennage  kit.  I am a left leg above the knee amputee and I believe I need to work with an instructor to figure out the plane for me to build and modify as appropriate.  I can fly standard Cherokee’s, Arrow’s, etc by using my good leg for either the left or right rudder pedal as required and the hand brake if I need to hit both brakes at once.  Of course the Piper line has nose wheel steering and I find this very easy for me to accomplish.  I am just not sure what direction I should pursue for the RV and feel I could use some flight instruction to try and figure it out.  I know I will need a hand brake to hit both brakes simultaneously, and I’m thinking I will get more positive steering control on an RV by going with a tail dragger vs a nose wheel version and trying the differential toe braking.  Any help you all can offer would be sincerely appreciated. If there are any AK’s amputees flying RV’s that can clue me in, it would terrific.  I’m retiring next month and can work on this full time.  I was commercial-instrument rated, but now have had to revert to private.  Thanks Carl     

   

   

[b]Carl W Bell[/b]  

[b]New Venture Consulting[/b]  

Office:   803.648.3407  

Mobile:  803.640.2760  

www.newventureconsulting.com  

carlbell(at)gforcecable.com (carlbell(at)gforcecable.com)  

   

       [quote][b]

Bob Collins

Joined: 11 Mar 2006
Posts: 470
Location: St. Paul, Minnesota

Posted: Sun Apr 22, 2007 7:39 am Post subject: RV Advice, one leg flyer

Carl, there was just an article on this in Kitplanes a  month or so ago, and the plane profiled -- along with two pilots -- was an RV. I  think I've got a copy of it around here somewhere and will try to send it to you  off ist.

  

 bob



   From: owner-rv-list-server(at)matronics.com  [mailto:owner-rv-list-server(at)matronics.com] On Behalf Of Carl  Bell

Sent: Sunday, April 22, 2007 9:39 AM

To:  rv-list(at)matronics.com

Subject: RV Advice, one leg  flyer

 

  

Hello  all, 

  

I am new to the list and starting  the journey to build an RV but could use some advice before I get going.  I  have a bit of a dilemma which I need to work out before I order more than the RV  empennage  kit.  I am a left leg above the knee amputee and I believe  I need to work with an instructor to figure out the plane for me to build and  modify as appropriate.  I can fly standard Cherokee’s, Arrow’s, etc by  using my good leg for either the left or right rudder pedal as required and the  hand brake if I need to hit both brakes at once.  Of course the Piper line  has nose wheel steering and I find this very easy for me to accomplish.  I  am just not sure what direction I should pursue for the RV and feel I could use  some flight instruction to try and figure it out.  I know I will need a  hand brake to hit both brakes simultaneously, and I’m thinking I will get more  positive steering control on an RV by going with a tail dragger vs a nose wheel  version and trying the differential toe braking.  Any help you all can  offer would be sincerely appreciated. If there are any AK’s amputees flying RV’s  that can clue me in, it would terrific.  I’m retiring next month and can  work on this full time.  I was commercial-instrument rated, but now have  had to revert to private.  Thanks Carl     

  

  

[b]Carl W  Bell[/b] 

[b]New Venture  Consulting[/b] 

Office:    803.648.3407 

Mobile:   803.640.2760 

www.newventureconsulting.com 

carlbell(at)gforcecable.com (carlbell(at)gforcecable.com) 

 

[quote]



href="http://www.matronics.com/Navigator?RV-List">http://www.matronics.com/Navigator?RV-List

href="http://forums.matronics.com">http://forums.matronics.com



[b]

_________________
Bob Collins
St. Paul, Minn.
Letters from Flyover Country
http://rvnewsletter.blogspot.com/

LloydDR(at)wernerco.com
Guest

Posted: Sun Apr 22, 2007 7:42 am Post subject: RV Advice, one leg flyer

There is an article in EAA's sport aviation of a double  amputee who built and flies an RV8, so I am sure it can be done with some  modifications. I am traveling right now for transition training, and will find  the article for you as soon as I get home. You can probably go to the EAA site  and search for it if you need it faster. It was a great read, and maybe he can  help you do the mods required.

 Dan

 N289DT

 RV10E



   From: owner-rv-list-server(at)matronics.com  [mailto:owner-rv-list-server(at)matronics.com] On Behalf Of Carl  Bell

Sent: Sunday, April 22, 2007 10:39 AM

To:  rv-list(at)matronics.com

Subject: RV Advice, one leg  flyer

 

  

Hello  all, 

  

I am new to the list and starting  the journey to build an RV but could use some advice before I get going.  I  have a bit of a dilemma which I need to work out before I order more than the RV  empennage  kit.  I am a left leg above the knee amputee and I believe  I need to work with an instructor to figure out the plane for me to build and  modify as appropriate.  I can fly standard Cherokee’s, Arrow’s, etc by  using my good leg for either the left or right rudder pedal as required and the  hand brake if I need to hit both brakes at once.  Of course the Piper line  has nose wheel steering and I find this very easy for me to accomplish.  I  am just not sure what direction I should pursue for the RV and feel I could use  some flight instruction to try and figure it out.  I know I will need a  hand brake to hit both brakes simultaneously, and I’m thinking I will get more  positive steering control on an RV by going with a tail dragger vs a nose wheel  version and trying the differential toe braking.  Any help you all can  offer would be sincerely appreciated. If there are any AK’s amputees flying RV’s  that can clue me in, it would terrific.  I’m retiring next month and can  work on this full time.  I was commercial-instrument rated, but now have  had to revert to private.  Thanks Carl     

  

  

[b]Carl W  Bell[/b] 

[b]New Venture  Consulting[/b] 

Office:    803.648.3407 

Mobile:   803.640.2760 

www.newventureconsulting.com 

carlbell(at)gforcecable.com (carlbell(at)gforcecable.com) 

 

[quote]



href="http://www.matronics.com/Navigator?RV-List">http://www.matronics.com/Navigator?RV-List

href="http://forums.matronics.com">http://forums.matronics.com



[b]

wdleonard(at)gmail.com
Guest

Posted: Sun Apr 22, 2007 8:10 am Post subject: RV Advice, one leg flyer

Carl,

  

 There used to be a paraplegic on this list building a super-6 but I have forgotten his name and not heard from him lately.  As I recall, he had enough strength on the right side to stomp on that right rudder for take-off. 

  

 For you, I would definitely recommend a tricycle gear.  I'm sure you could fly a TD if you had your mind set on it, but it would probably require a special prosthesis so you could manipulate both pedals at once, and probably both brakes too.  The prob with a TD is that you really have to dance on the pedals.  You sometimes have to go very quickly from one rudder to the other in order to overt a ground loop, then quickly back again, and back again etc...  In a big cross wind,  a touch of break is sometimes needed to stay on the runway as the tail transitions - but you still have to dance on the pedals. 

  

 So unless you have some pent-up childhood need to fly a taildragger, get the tri-gear.  I have never flown a tri-gear RV, but they shouldn't be any more difficult than the other planes you fly. Fairly easy to install hand brake systems.  Side-by-side models are your best bet for transition training. 

  

 Good luck,

  

 David Leonard



Turbo Rotary RV-6 N4VY

N4VY.RotaryRoster.net

www.RotaryRoster.net 

  

 

 

 On 4/22/07, Carl Bell <carlbell(at)gforcecable.com (carlbell(at)gforcecable.com)> wrote: [quote]   

Hello all, 

  

I am new to the list and starting the journey to build an RV but could use some advice before I get going.  I have a bit of a dilemma which I need to work out before I order more than the RV empennage  kit.  I am a left leg above the knee amputee and I believe I need to work with an instructor to figure out the plane for me to build and modify as appropriate.  I can fly standard Cherokee's, Arrow's, etc by using my good leg for either the left or right rudder pedal as required and the hand brake if I need to hit both brakes at once.  Of course the Piper line has nose wheel steering and I find this very easy for me to accomplish.  I am just not sure what direction I should pursue for the RV and feel I could use some flight instruction to try and figure it out.  I know I will need a hand brake to hit both brakes simultaneously, and I'm thinking I will get more positive steering control on an RV by going with a tail dragger vs a nose wheel version and trying the differential toe braking.  Any help you all can offer would be sincerely appreciated. If there are any AK's amputees flying RV's that can clue me in, it would terrific.  I'm retiring next month and can work on this full time.  I was commercial-instrument rated, but now have had to revert to private.  Thanks Carl     

  

  

[b]Carl W Bell[/b] 

[b]New Venture Consulting[/b]  



[b]

Vanremog(at)aol.com
Guest

Posted: Sun Apr 22, 2007 9:14 am Post subject: RV Advice, one leg flyer

In a message dated 4/22/2007 7:43:00 A.M. Pacific Daylight Time,  

carlbell(at)gforcecable.com writes:



I am new  to the list and starting the journey to build an RV but could use 

some advice  before I get going.  I have a bit of a dilemma which I need to 

work out  before I order more than the RV empennage  kit.  I am a left leg  above 

the knee amputee and I believe I need to work with an instructor to  figure 

out the plane for me to build and modify as appropriate.  I can  fly standard 

Cherokeeâ€™s, Arrowâ€™s, etc by using my good leg for either the left  or right 

rudder pedal as required and the hand brake if I need to hit both  brakes at 

once.

==================

 

Carl-

 

You need to get in touch with Bruce Cruikshank at Livermore, CA.

 

Bruce is a double amputee who flies the RV-4 "Cover Girl" that  was featured 

in Sport Aviation a few years back and is building an RV-9A  currently.  I 

believe you can contact him thru KS AVIONICS 510-785-9407 

_http://www.ksavionics.com_ (http://www.ksavionics.com) 

 

If you can't get ahold of him, e-mail me direct and I will arrange to put  

you in touch with him.  He designed his own system to interconnect his  

prosthesis to the rudder pedals and he seems to do very well.  We just flew  to lunch 

with him yesterday.

 

 

 

GV (RV-6A N1GV O-360-A1A, C/S, Flying 844hrs, Silicon Valley,  CA)





************************************** See what's free at http://www.aol.com

carlbell(at)gforcecable.c
Guest

Posted: Sun Apr 22, 2007 9:47 am Post subject: RV Advice, one leg flyer

Thanks a bunch, I will call him at KS on Monday and see if I can talk with him.  I read the article and was very impressed with what he has accomplished.  I hoping to get away with hand brakes and the dancing foot method since I’m used to it, but most feel a nose dragger is the way to go, which is fine with me.  I want to find a CFI with a 6A, 7A or 9A and give it a go.  Thanks again. Carl  

         

  

From: owner-rv-list-server(at)matronics.com [mailto:owner-rv-list-server(at)matronics.com] On Behalf Of Vanremog(at)aol.com

 Sent: Sunday, April 22, 2007 1:13 PM

 To: rv-list(at)matronics.com

 Subject: Re: RV Advice, one leg flyer  

  

       

In a message dated 4/22/2007 7:43:00 A.M. Pacific Daylight Time, carlbell(at)gforcecable.com writes:  

   	  Quote: 	
		    

I am new to the list and starting the journey to build an RV but could use some advice before I get going.  I have a bit of a dilemma which I need to work out before I order more than the RV empennage  kit.  I am a left leg above the knee amputee and I believe I need to work with an instructor to figure out the plane for me to build and modify as appropriate.  I can fly standard Cherokee’s, Arrow’s, etc by using my good leg for either the left or right rudder pedal as required and the hand brake if I need to hit both brakes at once.  	
  

    

==================  

    

   

    

Carl-  

    

   

    

You need to get in touch with Bruce Cruikshank at Livermore, CA.  

    

   

    

Bruce is a double amputee who flies the RV-4 "Cover Girl" that was featured in Sport Aviation a few years back and is building an RV-9A currently.  I believe you can contact him thru KS AVIONICS 510-785-9407 http://www.ksavionics.com  

    

   

    

If you can't get ahold of him, e-mail me direct and I will arrange to put you in touch with him.  He designed his own system to interconnect his prosthesis to the rudder pedals and he seems to do very well.  We just flew to lunch with him yesterday.  

    

   

    

   

    

   

    

GV (RV-6A N1GV O-360-A1A, C/S, Flying 844hrs, Silicon Valley, CA)  

  



 

         

  

See what's free at AOL.com.   

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carlbell(at)gforcecable.c
Guest

Posted: Sun Apr 22, 2007 9:52 am Post subject: RV Advice, one leg flyer

Thanks Dan,  

   

I saw the article and he is really fantastic, I am trying to do it with less special stuff and use the good foot more.  I will continue to try and find a CFI with a 7A, 6A or 9A and try it out.  Thx C  

         

  

From: owner-rv-list-server(at)matronics.com [mailto:owner-rv-list-server(at)matronics.com] On Behalf Of Lloyd, Daniel R.

 Sent: Sunday, April 22, 2007 11:41 AM

 To: rv-list(at)matronics.com

 Subject: RE: RV Advice, one leg flyer  

  

   

There is an article in EAA's sport aviation of a double amputee who built and flies an RV8, so I am sure it can be done with some modifications. I am traveling right now for transition training, and will find the article for you as soon as I get home. You can probably go to the EAA site and search for it if you need it faster. It was a great read, and maybe he can help you do the mods required.  

Dan  

N289DT  

RV10E  

       

  

From: owner-rv-list-server(at)matronics.com [mailto:owner-rv-list-server(at)matronics.com] On Behalf Of Carl  Bell

 Sent: Sunday, April 22, 2007 10:39 AM

 To: rv-list(at)matronics.com

 Subject: RV Advice, one leg flyer  

Hello all,  

   

I am new to the list and starting the journey to build an RV but could use some advice before I get going.  I have a bit of a dilemma which I need to work out before I order more than the RV empennage  kit.  I am a left leg above the knee amputee and I believe I need to work with an instructor to figure out the plane for me to build and modify as appropriate.  I can fly standard Cherokee’s, Arrow’s, etc by using my good leg for either the left or right rudder pedal as required and the hand brake if I need to hit both brakes at once.  Of course the Piper line has nose wheel steering and I find this very easy for me to accomplish.  I am just not sure what direction I should pursue for the RV and feel I could use some flight instruction to try and figure it out.  I know I will need a hand brake to hit both brakes simultaneously, and I’m thinking I will get more positive steering control on an RV by going with a tail dragger vs a nose wheel version and trying the differential toe braking.  Any help you all can offer would be sincerely appreciated. If there are any AK’s amputees flying RV’s that can clue me in, it would terrific.  I’m retiring next month and can work on this full time.  I was commercial-instrument rated, but now have had to revert to private.  Thanks Carl     

   

   

[b]Carl W Bell[/b]  

[b]New Venture Consulting[/b]  

Office:   803.648.3407  

Mobile:  803.640.2760  

www.newventureconsulting.com  

carlbell(at)gforcecable.com (carlbell(at)gforcecable.com)  

    	  Quote: 	
		    href="http://www.matronics.com/Navigator?RV-List">http://www.matronics.com/Navigator?RV-Listhref="http://forums.matronics.com">http://forums.matronics.com    	
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       [quote][b]

carlbell(at)gforcecable.c
Guest

Posted: Sun Apr 22, 2007 10:05 am Post subject: RV Advice, one leg flyer

David,  

   

I think you are right about a nose dragger and will continue to look for a CFI with one to figure it out.  I did get an email from Alex from RV flight training and he has an RV 10 which may do the trick, but he is busy until June and in Texas, I’m in Aiken SC.  I may just buy the tail and wings and make the final decision on the fuselage last so I can get building.  I want to limit the mods to a set of handbrakes if possible, that way it will be a pretty standard plane. If it was a steer able nose wheel this would be a no brainier, I just don’t know about the castoring nose unit. I’m thinking I could also just put a welded hoop over the top of my foot for a push pull set up which would give me more speed then the dancing foot, but I think that may require a few pulleys and cable behind the pedals to make it a closed loop system.  Any thoughts on this?    Thanks for the advice. Carl  

         

  

From: owner-rv-list-server(at)matronics.com [mailto:owner-rv-list-server(at)matronics.com] On Behalf Of David Leonard

 Sent: Sunday, April 22, 2007 12:10 PM

 To: rv-list(at)matronics.com

 Subject: Re: RV Advice, one leg flyer  

  

     

Carl,  

    

   

    

There used to be a paraplegic on this list building a super-6 but I have forgotten his name and not heard from him lately.  As I recall, he had enough strength on the right side to stomp on that right rudder for take-off.   

    

   

    

For you, I would definitely recommend a tricycle gear.  I'm sure you could fly a TD if you had your mind set on it, but it would probably require a special prosthesis so you could manipulate both pedals at once, and probably both brakes too.  The prob with a TD is that you really have to dance on the pedals.  You sometimes have to go very quickly from one rudder to the other in order to overt a ground loop, then quickly back again, and back again etc...  In a big cross wind,  a touch of break is sometimes needed to stay on the runway as the tail transitions - but you still have to dance on the pedals.   

    

   

    

So unless you have some pent-up childhood need to fly a taildragger, get the tri-gear.  I have never flown a tri-gear RV, but they shouldn't be any more difficult than the other planes you fly. Fairly easy to install hand brake systems.  Side-by-side models are your best bet for transition training.   

    

   

    

Good luck,  

    

   

    

David Leonard

 

 Turbo Rotary RV-6 N4VY

 N4VY.RotaryRoster.net

 www.RotaryRoster.net   

    

   

    



    

    

On 4/22/07, Carl Bell <carlbell(at)gforcecable.com (carlbell(at)gforcecable.com)> wrote:       

Hello all,  

   

I am new to the list and starting the journey to build an RV but could use some advice before I get going.  I have a bit of a dilemma which I need to work out before I order more than the RV empennage  kit.  I am a left leg above the knee amputee and I believe I need to work with an instructor to figure out the plane for me to build and modify as appropriate.  I can fly standard Cherokee's, Arrow's, etc by using my good leg for either the left or right rudder pedal as required and the hand brake if I need to hit both brakes at once.  Of course the Piper line has nose wheel steering and I find this very easy for me to accomplish.  I am just not sure what direction I should pursue for the RV and feel I could use some flight instruction to try and figure it out.  I know I will need a hand brake to hit both brakes simultaneously, and I'm thinking I will get more positive steering control on an RV by going with a tail dragger vs a nose wheel version and trying the differential toe braking.  Any help you all can offer would be sincerely appreciated. If there are any AK's amputees flying RV's that can clue me in, it would terrific.  I'm retiring next month and can work on this full time.  I was commercial-instrument rated, but now have had to revert to private.  Thanks Carl      

   

   

[b]Carl W Bell[/b]  

[b]New Venture Consulting[/b]    

  

  

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       [quote][b]

rleffler

Joined: 05 Nov 2006
Posts: 680

Posted: Sun Apr 22, 2007 1:25 pm Post subject: RV Advice, one leg flyer

Not sure what it would take to rig it, but check out a Liberty if you get a chance.   It has finger brakes on the center console between the seats, one for each brake.  That may solve your ground maneuvering a little easier.  I suspect you could probably give them a call and explain your situation.  They may be able to give you some pointers, or at least their supplier.  

       [quote][b]

_________________
Bob Leffler
N410BL - Phase I
http://mykitlog.com/rleffler

wdleonard(at)gmail.com
Guest

Posted: Sun Apr 22, 2007 8:49 pm Post subject: RV Advice, one leg flyer

Carl, 

 The cable and pulleys to connect the pedals might work especially with a tri-gear, but consider this:  The pull portion is going to be strenuous sometimes - even usually.  You will need to be very securely buckled down or you will be pulling yourself forward.  That will be too tight for cruise flight, so tightening yourself down before landing is another thing you have to remember.  If you forget, your knee will hit the panel and all hell will break loose while you try to keep it on the runway.  Also the pulley system will probably require that your foot be connected to the rudder for the entire flight (unless you come up with and easy in/out system).  That will get very uncomfortable on long flights.   

  

 Plenty of 2 footed people do ground loops every year.  You will be at an even higher risk.

  

 So I still recommend the tri-gear unless you really want to live on the edge.  Besides, its not like anyone is going old rule "only real men fly tail draggers" to you.  Anyone who flies any plane with only one leg is man enough.  

  

 Either way, good luck.

  

 -- 

David Leonard



Turbo Rotary RV-6 N4VY

N4VY.RotaryRoster.net

 www.RotaryRoster.net 



 

 On 4/22/07, Carl Bell <carlbell(at)gforcecable.com  (carlbell(at)gforcecable.com)> wrote:   	  Quote: 	
		     

David, 

  

.... If it was a steer able nose wheel this would be a no brainier, I just don't know about the castoring nose unit. I'm thinking I could also just put a welded hoop over the top of my foot for a push pull set up which would give me more speed then the dancing foot, but I think that may require a few pulleys and cable behind the pedals to make it a closed loop system.   Any thoughts on this?    Thanks for the advice. Carl



   

 



	


  [quote][b]

aerobubba(at)earthlink.ne
Guest

Posted: Mon Apr 23, 2007 6:28 am Post subject: RV Advice, one leg flyer

Hi Carl-



Since you asked....  



Obviously, a 7 or 8 will give you more room to make system mods than a 4,

or probably a 9.  



I believe that you are correct, a TD will give you positive steering

control whereas a nose dragger will not.  



If you are not already a conventional gear aviator, this may pose an

additional challenge, although I'm guessing additional challenges are a way

of life for you.



WRT rudder operation, I would take a hint from the serious acro world and

figure out a way to use bicycle racer's shoe locks, or whatever they are

properly called.  These are fittings on the bottoms of the racer's shoes

that lock into mating fittings on the bicycle pedals.  In the acro world,

this keeps the pilots feet on the rudders while doing hard acro.  In your

case, it should allow you to push a rudder pedal with your prosthesis. 

This should afford you the same rudder control ability as anyone else. 

Assuming you have a full prosthetic foot, it would allow you to fly the

plane without modifications to the prosthesis.



There are aircraft in the world that use a bicycle-style hand brake lever

mounted on the control stick.  With such an arrangement, you would operate

both brakes without having to do a major grip switch on landing, as opposed

to what would happen if you employed a Johnson bar type arrangement.



Another option would be to have a 'normal' master cylinder for the 'good

foot' operate both brakes.



In each of the above, there are potential issues with a lack of enough

mechanical advantage to afford adequate braking with the travel available,

but they are starting points.



For differential braking, there have been aircraft that were built with a

selector valve of sorts incorporated into the rudder control system and one

separate brake master cylinder.  With such a system, to get right brake you

apply right rudder and then operate the brake lever.  I'm sorry, at the

moment I can't think of which aircraft had that arrangement, but if you

like I could pester some geezers I know to see if they recall.  



Yet another option is a locking tailwheel.  I suspect you would find this

an inferior set up, but you could rig a TW lock to the control stick such

that when the stick is full aft against the stop, the TW is unlocked. 

Moving the stick say, an inch fwd, would lock the TW for T/O and Ldg.  Hard

against the stop would unlock it for tight ground maneuvering.  This

configuration has also been used in the past.  



Another option for brake power would be a separate lever on the throttle

side.  This lever could operate both brakes as outlined above, or could

operate the left brake while your right foot operated the right brake.  The

latter configuration could be cause for confusion and error when things

start happening quickly.  Either arrangement would allow for full use of

the aerodynamic controls at the same time as the brake, but would mean

either brake or throttle, which is of course sub-optimal.



As I type this, it occurs to me that perhaps a system could be fashioned

that would incorporate a motorcycle or helicopter type twist grip on the

throttle lever for brake operation.  Again, mechanical advantage would

likely be an issue.  The corollary idea would be to have a throttle-looking

lever where pulling the lever aft powered the brakes and twisting the

locking grip operated the throttle.  This could work well for you, but

would be a human factors trap for anyone else who flew in that seat.



A separate design goal might be that whatever you do, you do it such that

returning to a 'normal' configuration is relatively easy.  This would pay

off should you decide to sell the aircraft.



Lastly, you might do a little research and find an aerobatic aircraft

and/or school equipped with the foot latches and give them a try.  



glen matejcek

aerobubba(at)earthlink.net

khorton01(at)rogers.com
Guest

Posted: Mon Apr 23, 2007 7:34 am Post subject: RV Advice, one leg flyer

 	  Quote: 	
		   

 <aerobubba(at)earthlink.net>



 For differential braking, there have been aircraft that were built  

 with a

 selector valve of sorts incorporated into the rudder control system  

 and one

 separate brake master cylinder.  With such a system, to get right  

 brake you

 apply right rudder and then operate the brake lever.  I'm sorry, at  

 the

 moment I can't think of which aircraft had that arrangement, but if  

 you

 like I could pester some geezers I know to see if they recall.




	


British aircraft used this sort of system for many years in the  

middle part of last century.  But, most aircraft that I am aware of  

that used this system had air operated power brakes, which solved the  

mechanical advantage problem.  If the rudder pedals were centred,  

each brake would receive the same pressure.  If the rudder pedals  

were deflected a bit, one brake would get more pressure than the  

other.  If full rudder was applied, only that wheel would get brake  

pressure.  I did one flight in a Hawker Hunter with such a system.   

It took some getting used to, but it did provide quite effective  

control.



The DHC Chipmunk has a somewhat similar system.  It has a long hand  

brake lever which was operated by the pilot's left hand.  The brake  

pressure is distributed by a valve that is controlled by rudder  

pressure, similar to the system described in the previous paragraph.   

I've also got one flight in a Chipmunk, and it too appeared to be an  

effective system, but it was a bit strange to taxi with, as it  

doesn't have tail wheel steering - the tail wheel is free castoring.   

To taxi, you pull on the hand brake to apply one or two clicks (it  

works somewhat like the typical parking brake in European or Japanese  

cars).  You taxi with the brake partially applied - i.e. you taxi  

while slightly dragging the brakes.  This allows you to steer by  

moving the rudder pedals, which controls where the brake pressure went.



Kevin Horton         RV-8 (finishing kit)

Ottawa, Canada

http://www.kilohotel.com/rv8

carlbell(at)gforcecable.c
Guest

Posted: Mon Apr 23, 2007 7:40 am Post subject: RV Advice, one leg flyer

Hi Glen;



Thank you for all of your input; you have some really great ideas,

especially the bicycle shoe lock.  I think I can make this a very simple

modification by using a cable and pulley in the middle of a RV 7 or 9 rudder

pedal setup that basically ties the rudder pedals together, and makes it a

closed loop system, and keeping things pretty standard. If there isn't room

going toward the firewall, I'll just put the pulley toward the spar.  Then

I'm thinking I will omit the toe brakes on my side and weld a tube at

midpoint on the pedal for pushing and a hoop over the top of my foot for

pulling (or maybe the bicycle clip) and 2 hand brakes for stopping by using

them together or independently for differential braking.  Do you think this

could do the trick? Most are saying I should go with a nose dragger and

preferably a 9A which almost lands itself.  I hate to give up and occasional

roll or loop, but I really need the plane for X country to visit my kids

scattered about the US and of course I love flying and building things (RC).

I will draw this up and send it to Van with all the Caveats' just to make

sure that tying the pedals together won't create a problem with flutter or

something.  Any thoughts on nose wheel versus tail wheel?   Thanks again for

your advice.  Regards Carl



Carl W Bell

New Venture Consulting

Office:   803.648.3407

Mobile:  803.640.2760

www.newventureconsulting.com

carlbell(at)gforcecable.com

--

n616tb(at)btsapps.com
Guest

Posted: Mon Apr 23, 2007 7:56 am Post subject: RV Advice, one leg flyer

You might consider a push-pull hand lever that is hydraulic operated.  These

are quite common in sand rails for brake turning.  Pull to go left and push

to go right.  Simple to operate, simple to install, and does not need to

interfere with the standard foot brakes.

http://www.mooreparts.com/JAMCB1.html?zmam 626912&zmas=5&zmac &zmap=JAMCB

1



paste the link back together if it is on two lines.



They make these with two handles as well.



Good luck to you

Tim



[quote] --

carlbell(at)gforcecable.c
Guest

Posted: Mon Apr 23, 2007 8:17 am Post subject: RV Advice, one leg flyer

Tim,



Wow that's perfect, that will work well.  I'll just use a standard locking

parking brake cylinder for both and of course for parking on the bottom of

the panel, aka Cherokee.  Thanks, Carl



--

n616tb(at)btsapps.com
Guest

Posted: Mon Apr 23, 2007 8:41 am Post subject: RV Advice, one leg flyer

Carl,



Now that I think about this, a dual handle control would be better.  They

are two handles side by side that both pull either back or forward depending

on how you install it.  I was originally thinking of space, but with two

handles you could pull them both back at once for regular braking.  Still

easy to install, etc but about they are about an inch wider.



http://www.dansperformanceparts.com/buggy/tcbh/buggytcbh2.htm



two thirds of the way down the page.



Tim



[quote] --

carlbell(at)gforcecable.c
Guest

Posted: Mon Apr 23, 2007 11:51 am Post subject: RV Advice, one leg flyer

Tim,



I think you are right, I found those on the site from what you had

previously sent.  Are many RV'ers using a parking brakes or just tie downs

and chocks?  I feel pretty comfortable I can put a safe conversion in place

now, I may have to play with it a little, but this should be easier that

flying the Cherokee dancing between pedals and pulling the panel parking

brake. Thanks a lot. Which RV are you fling BTW. Carl 



--

n616tb(at)btsapps.com
Guest

Posted: Mon Apr 23, 2007 1:00 pm Post subject: RV Advice, one leg flyer

Hi Carl,



Do Not Archive



I have an RV-6.  I agree it takes a lot more effort on the pedals (dancing)

to fly tail wheel.  I have lots of tail wheel time and am comfortable, but

may build a nose wheel the next time. (RV-10 <bg>)



Tim



[quote] --

flyboy.bob(at)gmail.com
Guest

Posted: Mon Apr 23, 2007 3:09 pm Post subject: RV Advice, one leg flyer

Hi Carl,



I bought a RV8 project from a fellow in Galesburg, IL who has an

prosthetic leg . . . don't know if above or below the knee.  He had

built an flew two other RV8s before this one with no modification that

I'm aware of.



I'll forward your email to him and hopefully he can help?



Regards,

Bob Christensen

RV-8 - Finishing - N83RC

On 4/22/07, Carl Bell <carlbell(at)gforcecable.com> wrote:

 	  Quote: 	
		  

 Hello all,



 I am new to the list and starting the journey to build an RV but could use

 some advice before I get going.  I have a bit of a dilemma which I need to

 work out before I order more than the RV empennage  kit.  I am a left leg

 above the knee amputee and I believe I need to work with an instructor to

 figure out the plane for me to build and modify as appropriate.  I can fly

 standard Cherokee's, Arrow's, etc by using my good leg for either the left

 or right rudder pedal as required and the hand brake if I need to hit both

 brakes at once.  Of course the Piper line has nose wheel steering and I find

 this very easy for me to accomplish.  I am just not sure what direction I

 should pursue for the RV and feel I could use some flight instruction to try

 and figure it out.  I know I will need a hand brake to hit both brakes

 simultaneously, and I'm thinking I will get more positive steering control

 on an RV by going with a tail dragger vs a nose wheel version and trying the

 differential toe braking.  Any help you all can offer would be sincerely

 appreciated. If there are any AK's amputees flying RV's that can clue me in,

 it would terrific.  I'm retiring next month and can work on this full time.

 I was commercial-instrument rated, but now have had to revert to private.

 Thanks Carl



 Carl W Bell



 New Venture Consulting



 Office:   803.648.3407



 Mobile:  803.640.2760



 www.newventureconsulting.com



 carlbell(at)gforcecable.com


	


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lifeofreiley2003(at)yahoo
Guest

Posted: Mon Apr 23, 2007 3:17 pm Post subject: RV Advice, one leg flyer

I have a friend on the Taylor Airport, "Pegleg" as he

likes to be called, that has a dual lever brake system

on the RV-7A. I've flown with him and the system works

great!



Darrell



--- Tim Bryan <n616tb(at)btsapps.com> wrote:



[quote] 

 <n616tb(at)btsapps.com>

 

 Hi Carl,

 

 Do Not Archive

 

 I have an RV-6.  I agree it takes a lot more effort

 on the pedals (dancing)

 to fly tail wheel.  I have lots of tail wheel time

 and am comfortable, but

 may build a nose wheel the next time. (RV-10 <bg>)

 

 Tim

 

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