Tip-Up.
Visibility, access behind the panel, and ability to jettison (early models only).
Also, you will want a light, fixed pitch wood/composite prop too. (Just thought I would save you from posting that question.)
Try the advance search and change the age of the posts you are looking for (lower left). There are a number of these types of threads in the archives.
BTW, Tip-up for unlimited visibility! It is like sitting on a magic carpet with nothing in front of you.
Also, you will want a light, fixed pitch wood/composite prop too. (Just thought I would save you from posting that question.)
... I would consider a plane with wood prop if the price allowed for the replacement prop I know I would eventually be installing.
Do these models have a tendency to be nose heavy?
The plane will be used all weather.
The tip-up RV-6/7s are not uncomfortable on the ground in hot temperatures. With the canopy propped open they are fine. I have about fourteen years of experience in a very hot climate to support this.
If that is true, then there really is no choice. Slider.
I speak as a tip-up driver that still has leaks and wants to fly IFR. If you build by the plans, a tip-up MUST leak at the hinges. My hinges no longer leak due to mods I have done but the misfit I have at the left and right curves remains a small leak path. It is small but I will not be satisfied until it is zero. I did a 180 on my last weather flight because of water coming in. Very unnerving when all your bacon is riding on electronics. It was hard to hold my composure, get out of the rain and get on the ground.
On the flip side, I have ridden in multiple sliders. They all rattled and blew air on your neck and I felt claustrophobic so I am not an automatic convert. I like tipups better except for the d***ed leak paths.
This is concerning. I was leaning toward tip up. Yes definitely true that intended use will be all weather IFR with ice as about the only exception.
Do the tip ups suffer from water coming in on the ground if tied down without a cover also?
..... intended use will be all weather IFR with ice as about the only exception.
Don't get lulled into any delusions that the slider can be opened when the aircraft is inverted on the ground. Neither canopy will move when the aircraft is on its back, as the canopy will be hard against the ground with the weight of the aircraft on it. Your only way out is to smash the canopy.After seeing a few pictures of some upside down RV's I went with the slider for safety. I know one guy that built a tip up and unfortunately at one point ended up upside down. When he rebuilt it was a slider. Obviously no one plans on having the shiny side down and the dirty side up but "S" happens and I prefer a little less view (which is better than the majority of planes out there any way) for more safety.
Don't get lulled into any delusions that the slider can be opened when the aircraft is inverted on the ground. Neither canopy will move when the aircraft is on its back, as the canopy will be hard against the ground with the weight of the aircraft on it. Your only way out is to smash the canopy.
Not saying my choice was better. Just saying my choice was "slider for safety".
No illusion that you can get the slider open. However the roll bar in front and the bulkhead behind may (not saying it will) have a higher probability of providing space so you can self extricate and or give you space to survive so others can get you out. The tip up with no roll bar will probably collapse completely to the instrument panel
I live in a very windy locale. Would not want the tip up acting like a big sail... Or worse. Not sure if wind is a factor in your case, but that was the determining factor in my choice.Which do you prefer and why?
One thing that concerns me about the slider is possible damage to the fiberglass work from people getting in and out and I'm wondering if this is an issue for you sliders guys or not?
What "if" you turn the airplane on it's top, which do you think would protect you the most?
Dave