The RV-7, with its classic taildragger configuration, demands more finesse on the ground but offers superior performance on rough or unimproved airstrips and is often described as having a "better looking" aesthetic. In contrast, the RV-7A tricycle gear provides easier ground handling, greater forward visibility during taxi and takeoff, and can offer more crosswind landing confidence for some pilots.
The main gear sits forward, and a small, steerable wheel supports the tail.
The primary choice comes down to your gear preference. In the BTS package, both models share the same "slippery" airframe and high-performance DNA, but they offer distinct ground and landing experiences. fsx bts vans rv 7 7a better
Pros:
Another pilot noted:
“The steerable tail wheel provides both great functionality and looks. – RV‑7A – Configured to stand on tricycle‑gear, the RV‑7A provides great forward visibility on the ground and for some, crosswind landing confidence and stability.”
Because the RV-7 does not have a nose gear dangling in the slipstream, it technically suffers less parasitic drag. In the real world, this translates to a couple of extra knots of cruise speed. In FSX, the difference is negligible, but purists will always argue that the clean belly of the RV-7 makes it the superior cross-country cruiser. The primary choice comes down to your gear preference
A flight simulation software (2006, but still popular).