So, which is better, the RV-7 or the RV-7A? For the FSX pilot using the BTS add-on, there is no single right answer. The choice reflects your personal flying style:
Real RV-7/7A (unanimous). The "better" experience here is human, not technical.
: The aircraft excels at short-field operations, with takeoff and landing distances as low as , allowing you to operate from grass or dirt strips. Fly Away Simulation Key Features High-Fidelity Visuals
: Owning a pair of these shoes can be a way for fans to express their support for BTS and connect with a global community of like-minded individuals. This sense of belonging and shared enthusiasm elevates the shoes from mere footwear to a symbol of community. fsx bts vans rv 7 7a better
Whether the (tailwheel) or RV-7A (tricycle gear) is "better" depends entirely on your flying mission and skill level: Comparison of the RV-7 vs. RV-7A
| Feature | FSX + BTS RV-7 | Real RV-7 / RV-7A | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | | Better ($150) | Worse ($80k+) | | Convenience | Better (fly anytime) | Worse (weather, maintenance) | | Realism | Good (85%) | Perfect (100%) | | Risk | Better (none) | Worse (life & limb) | | Satisfaction | Low | Better (indescribable) |
The BTS package is celebrated for several "high-fidelity" features that many default aircraft lack: Buying Used: Van's RV-7/7A - KITPLANES So, which is better, the RV-7 or the RV-7A
Because the tailwheel gear configuration presents less surface area to the slipstream, it reduces parasitic drag. In the real world and accurately mirrored in the BayTower flight model, the RV-7 boasts a slight performance edge over the "A" model, cruising roughly 2 knots faster under identical power settings. If you love optimizing your cross-country cruise efficiency, the RV-7 wins by a nose. 3. Mastery of the Ground Loop
For flight simulation purists, the represents the pinnacle of stick-and-rudder aviation. 1. Traditional Aesthetics and Authenticity
No BTS bush plane can touch this. An FSX-style racer might match it, but the RV-7 does it with docile stall characteristics. The "better" experience here is human, not technical
Choose RV‑7A unless you already have significant tailwheel time or specifically want the nostalgia of a taildragger.
The choice between the two often comes down to personal preference or training goals.