We learn of flying RVs in several different ways, and we can only add your RV to our counter if you let us know it’s flown! Ideally, a builder will use the form linked from this page to send us the story and a photo/video or two or three of his or her personal “RV grin.” Sometimes they call us on the phone, which is great but doesn’t actually provide us with anything to publish on the web. Other times we find out incidentally; for example when a customer calls to order new tires and we wonder why someone who is still building (as far as we know) would need them. Or, we may discover a first flight announcement on an RV web forum or other online venue. On yet other occasions, we learn of a new batch of flying RVs from “RV factories” overseas, but without the individual owner details.
We’d like to see more RV grins here, so please submit your first-flight story and pictures of your new “baby,” or we (and the rest of the world) may never know of your success! Click the “Submit Report” link on the right!
Congrats to the Dornberger’s on their RV-9A! My Dad started this project after working for United Airlines and Boeing, and flying from young age of 16. A supportive family finished the finishing touches and I thoroughly enjoy the smooth flying of the RV-9A.
John recently completed and flew his RV-14A for the first time! He writes: After 4 years and 2,800 hours of build time, N9314A took to the skies over Southern Maryland. The aircraft flew straight with no aileron or elevator trim required! Thanks to Joe “Zack” Czachorowski’s excellent transition training, I was well prepared for any […] Read More
Cheers to Tom on the completion and first flight of his RV-10! He reports: Announcing the first flight of my RV-10 project, Plans # 41819! I’m now halfway through Phase I flight testing, and highly pleased. Performance numbers so far: -Empty weight WITH paint and interior: 1615 pounds (dual Plasma III ignitions, dual Horizon 10.1 […] Read More
Congratulations to Steve on completing his first flight with his RV-8. He shares: My RV-8 received its Experimental Air Worthiness Certification March 20, 2025 after four years of building. Like any project of this scope and length there were many ups and downs, but with the help of family and friends the first flight took […] Read More
Congrats to Brad on his new RV-14A! He writes: My five year build culminated in a fantastic first flight on the morning of March 25, 2025. Even though I had looked at every nut, bolt, fitting and basically every centimeter of my beautiful beast at least 1000 times; I was still a bundle of nerves […] Read More
Congratulations to Wes! He writes: I made my first flight in my RV7A (74722) on the 20th of March. It flew flawlessly. I couldn’t get the grin off my face for several hours. Thanks to family and friends for their support and a big Thanks to Van’s builder support for their help throughout the last […] Read More
Congratulations to Randolf on his new RV-10! He writes: 12 years, and 5100 hrs build time logged. A very special thank you to the Van’s team and all of its affiliates. First flight went uneventfully and lasted 2.1hrs.
Great work, Robert. We’re excited to see his first flight in his RV-7. He shares: After 10 years of building my SB RV-7 kit, there were no more bits to assemble, and ground checks were all complete. I have been flying a 1946 Cessna 140, so have some tail dragger experience, but the RV is […] Read More
Congratulations to Jaron on his new RV-8! He writes: I fly helicopters for the USAF, so finding time to balance the build, work, and family life has been challenging over the last five years. I started building after the start of COVID-19 in March 2020. After three assignments, two deployments, and countless TDYs, I finally […] Read More
Congrats to Alan on the first flight of his RV-8: On a cold (-9C) winter day after 2 yrs 9 months of building RV-8 SN-81792 finally took to the air. She flew as you expect an RV to fly, smooth and responsive. Great performance from the Whirlwind 3 blade composite prop….really stuffs you back in […] Read More
Congratulations James! Thanks for sharing your first flight story: First flight in snowy and cold Montana. Performance was outstanding and the plane trimmed very nicely. Quite a sense of accomplishment having putting it together piece by piece. A wonderful education. I want to thank my supportive wife Lisa, the Van’s staff that have kept the […] Read More
Congrats Dale! He writes: The first flight of N741WS took place on October 15, 2024. Lou Landucci did the honors of the first flight at Fairweather Field (TX42). All went well. Under the “Additional Pilot Program”, Lou has also acted as the Qualified Pilot and Dale Smith has flown as the Builder Pilot to accompany […] Read More
Ken and Sherry wrote in to let us know about the first flight of their RV-12iS! See their report: After roughly five years of building in our spare time, N190KS received her airworthiness certificate on November 12th, 2024. We were beyond thrilled, and at the first good weather window, Ken did the first taxi testing […] Read More
Congrats to David on his new RV-7! He writes: After a 5 year build effort, N961VJ completed its first flight. She flew straight, no heavy wing, and CHT’s in the 350’s. Couldn’t have done it without expert advice from Tom Berge, Everette Williston, Mike Kerzie, Bob Fouts, and the Guys at Van’s (Kevin, Tony, Sterling, […] Read More
Congratulations to William on the new RV-7! He writes: I’m very happy to get my RV-7 in the air! It flew great with no issues.
Congratulations Matthew! Everything went as planned on the first flight. The 20-minute flight was uneventful and the plane flies great!
Congratulations to Frank on his new RV-14A! He writes: On the 121st anniversary of the Wright Brothers first flight, our RV-14A took its first flight. We took off in light winds for its first hour of flying and to begin engine break-in and flight test. Really no serious squawks were uncovered and sure is a […] Read More
Congratulations to Keith on completing and flying his incredible RV-10! He shares: 4 years and 2 months later we have a flying RV-10. There’s been ups and downs along the way, but the first real (airborne) makes it all worthwhile! The performance is spectacular! With my wife’s help and support we have made our dream […] Read More
Congratulations George! He writes: The RV-10 is my second build. Special thank you to Martin Sutter and Jon Abarr for all their technical knowledge and their constant support to complete the build. I built a RV-7A in 2006 and still enjoy flying it. My first flight was a long time ago but I keep procrastinating […] Read More
Congratulations to John on the first flight of his RV-7A! First flight was flown by Tom Berge, all went good, had two wiring changes, one for trim direction and one for MP ground, also left heavy wing.
