John Dawkins’ RV-7 | Hamilton, New Zealand RV-7 #73662

John Dawkins’ RV-7 flew for the first time. Here’s more:

ZK-JDS flew successfully for the first time from Ardmore on March 5th, 2026. It was a good flight with no significant issues.
The aircraft is powered by a Lycoming IO-360 M1B engine driving a Hartzell constant speed propeller. It is equipped with two 10” Dynon Skyview HDX screens with the VP-X electronic circuit system.

The aircraft kit was a full build. The project lasted 16 years (which was completed at our home in Hamilton, apart from the last 15 months, which was done at Ardmore Airfield in Auckland).

It took a long time but it was worth the wait. I am about 10 hours into the test flight program and the aircraft is a delight to fly.

Thank you to all who supported and helped with the project, especially my wife, Sally.