Demo Flights
Experience the RV Difference
RV demo flights are available at our factory in Aurora, Oregon—weather and aircraft availability permitting. And while you’re here, don’t miss our factory tours, held daily at 1:30 PM, Monday through Friday (excluding holidays). It’s the perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in the RV world.
There’s a big difference between reading about an airplane in a magazine, dreaming about the one you saw departing a local airfield, and actually flying one yourself.
Van’s offers the chance to see for yourself…
You can sometimes pre-arrange a demo ride at major fly-ins like Oshkosh, but the logistics of large airshows mean that rides are limited in number, and schedules are subject to delays or even cancellation for reasons beyond Van’s control. The best way to experience flight in an RV is to visit Van’s factory. Here we can fly on a more relaxed schedule, answer all your questions and generally show you around. A factory tour to accompany your demo flight is a great way to get an even more complete picture of the RV world.
On any normal business day you can take a demo ride in the RV model of your choice. See the details below to determine if you meet the criteria for a demo ride. There are certain times of the year that our aircraft are away at fly-ins, plus they are scheduled at times for transition training and maintenance periods. So, it’s best to schedule a visit to Van’s so we can help make sure your visit has the best chance of success in the demo aircraft that best applies to your needs and desires.
A demonstration flight is designed to be an introduction to a new airplane, not a complete demonstration of all its capabilities. After a short pre-flight briefing, the company pilot makes the takeoff and usually hands over the controls during climb out. The prospective builder/pilot is encouraged to do some gentle maneuvering while he or she learns the control feel – this is usually where the well-known “RV grin” starts to show around the edges. Conversation is easy using the noise-canceling Zulu 3 headsets provided by our friends just down the road at Lightspeed Aviation. Upon reaching a safe altitude, the company pilot will demonstrate the speed range of the airplane, maneuvering at speeds from cruise to just above the stall using varying amounts of control input to demonstrate that “RV feel.” Note that aerobatics are not part of our demonstration flights. The prospective customer gets a chance for a little more stick time and maneuvering on the way back to the airport. Somewhere near the final approach, the company pilot will re-assume control and demonstrate the proper approach procedure and a landing like thistledown on a satin sheet.
During taxi-in, the “RV grin” is usually going full blast on both occupants – We find the RVs just as fun to take you flying in today as they were our first time. The whole flight lasts about fifteen minutes, but these fifteen minutes have completely changed a lot of lives.
The factory demo rides are provided at no cost to prospective builders. However, many people order their kits right after their demo flight, before they even leave the factory!
Fair warning: Many of our loyal and happy customers refer to a demo flight at Van’s as the “$50,000 free ride”—and while we haven’t updated that for inflation, you probably get the idea. The flight itself won’t cost you, but you may find yourself walking out with a tail kit and a new adventure ahead of you.
Demonstration Flight Policy:
Demo flights are subject to weather, aircraft availability, and pilot scheduling. Because of the variables involved, flights can’t be guaranteed until just before departure. While many RV models are aerobatic-capable, aerobatic maneuvers are not part of our demo flights.
To qualify for a demonstration flight, you must:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Hold at least a student pilot certificate
- Not have flown in an RV before
