I currently own and fly this Van’s RV-4.
I have not picked a name yet. Typically, a name seems to come to mind fairly quickly. That has not happened this time around but I’m still hoping.
She is a very early RV-4 – plans number 107. She first flew in 1985 and has over 2700 hours of flight time – lots of experience.
A Lycoming O-320 E2D and Sensenich GA composite propeller powers her. This is a 160 HP aircraft engine.
She is in very good condition and has a number of more recent updates. Relatively new paint, tall landing gear, and new canopy. Upgrading to a full-swiveling tail wheel was a very high priority and has been a great improvement.
As an ‘older gal’, her instrument panel is fairly dated (steam gauges). I have installed an EIS engine monitor from Grand Rapids. A glass panel (EFIS) is not too far behind! In the meantime, her equipment is more than sufficient for the type of recreational flying that I do.
I’ve spent a lot of time maximizing takeoff performance. If you’ve seen photos/video of Bendit, my high-elevation airstrip, you’ll understand.
Some modifications and enhancements:
- Full swivel tailwheel
- Instrument panel design using SolidWorks
- Mixture control
- Propeller Balancing
- P-Mag Installation
- Grand Rapids EIS Installation
- Lightspeed Sierra Headset
- Large Tires – 310-380-5
- Pressure Recovery wheel skirts/pants/fairings and finishing them here
- Replace analog fuel level gauge & calibrate
- Fuel Flow sensor
- Oregon Aero Seat Cushion
- LED Position Lights
- Sensenich GA Propellor and Saber Prop Extension
- Rewiring behind the panel
- Second P-Mag Installation
- Aeroflash Strobe Power Supply Replacement
- Cockpit Air Vent
- Finishing the Wheel Pants
- Aveo LED Strobe & Nav Lights
- Vetterman 4-pipe exhaust system
- Remote Oil Cooler
- GRT SportEX EFIS and ADS-B
Some really great trips/adventures:
- 2022 First Flight – Elk and Buffalo
- Flying Amongst the Clouds
- Idaho Backcountry 2021 – Flat Tires
- Snow in the Mountains
- Canyon Flight after a refreshing rain
- Rainy Mesa Work Weekend
- Idaho Backcountry 2019 – Johnson Creek Camping
- Negrito Backcountry Work Weekend
- More Bendit Flight Ops
- Breakfast in the Gila
- Bendit Flight Ops
- Field of Dreams Fly-In 2018 (Enid, OK)
- Reserve, NM Gila Fly-In 2018
- Idaho Backcountry 2018
Videos:
https://youtu.be/JPEQ2iRiYgw
https://youtu.be/Bcho2YTkNnk
- Johnson Creek, ID Landing
- Flying B Ranch, ID Takeoff
- Chamberlain Basin, ID Landing
- Bendit Airstrip Landing – from the air
- Early morning trip to Bendit
https://youtu.be/UM_xwYGa0HQ
https://youtu.be/z0hSwLAYiBg