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 to do it!
Congratulations to Denis on the first flight of his RV-7! He writes: Well… three years after the first flight I still have that grin on my face ( too large to fit any pictures !). It took just under seven years to build and it was worth every penny ! An adventure of a lifetime with […] Read More
Congratulations to Randy on the completion of his RV-10! He writes: From the day I drove the 1st rivet till the day I picked up my plane from the paint shop (final step) was exactly 4 years, to the day! Building has been an incredible adventure. From the people you meet to the immense sense […] Read More
Congratulations to Darry on his new RV-7A! He writes: I always wanted my own airplane but certified airplanes are expensive. I discovered the amazing Van’s airplanes and ordered the tail kit. Four and a half years later, she took to the skies over North Houston. I’m part of the local EAA Chapter 302 and they were […] Read More
Congratulations to Robert on the first flight in his RV-8! He writes: Well, almost 11 years to the day my RV-8 project took to the air. Life and work sometimes get in the way but I wasn’t going to quit till it was complete. My RV-8 is a slow build kit with the ShowPlanes fastback […] Read More
Congratulations to Jeffrey on the first flight of his RV-10! He writes: My family has put up with 3050 build hours over 4 years, 5 months, 12 days answering the questions from countless numbers of people who when they tried to tell them that their dad/husband was building a plane had to be convinced that […] Read More
Congratulations to William on the first flight of his RV-14A! He writes: Sorry it took so long to report first flight. First flight was on March 1st, 2020. This plane flies beautifully. Thanks to the guys at Van’s for a great design and particularly Scott McDaniels for every post he has ever written in Van’s Airforce […] Read More
Congratulations to John on his new RV-7A! He writes: It’s been a long road. Well, I did do a s-l-o-w build. Was ready to fly on 12/29/20, but two stormy IFR days made me put it off until the new year. Flies great. My wife took the pictures.
Congrats to Ed on the new RV-7! He writes: One day the to-do list got down to zero, and it was time to fly! I was nervous of course, but it was a non-event, handled, and flew perfectly. I kept her light, 180 hp IO-360/Hartzell prop, basic VFR Garmin panel, and painted interior – weighs […] Read More
Congrats to Richard on his new RV-12! He writes: After an extremely slow build (life happens) of my RV-12, the boxes of parts sent to my house(s) over the years became the most wonderful airplane I have ever flown. The experience of building something that I now fly around in is something I will cherish […] Read More
Congrats to Tony on his new RV-14A! He writes: Flight was uneventful in regards to problems. The more I fly N114TM the more I like it!
Congratulations to Henkjan on his new RV-10! He writes: Finally, after fifteen years from start, the PH-ZME made its first flight, the first four years of the build went fast. but after that things happened in life that slowed down the finishing process. The project sat in the corner of our workshop for a number […] Read More
Congrats to Jim and Jean on their new RV-14A! They write: First flight was quite a thrill. It wanted to climb like a rocket. Thank you Van’s for designing a great plane. There are so many helpful people in this industry. Looking forward to many years of fun flying!
Congrats to Renzo on his new RV-14A! He writes: My first flight took place November 28th, 2020, a severe VFR day in Bolzano in South Tyrol. The construction of my slow built kit took me just short of six years. It the process I took my time and continued my busy life without giving up […] Read More
Congrats to Gary on his new RV-8! He writes: As a low time tailwheel pilot, I chose Barney Locke, retired airline captain and RV-8 owner, for the maiden flight at Petaluma airport. Pictured below are some of those who assisted me during my seven year build. The first flight, March 30th of 2019, was virtually […] Read More
Congrats to Kevin on his new RV-8! He writes: The first flight was uneventful and peaceful. Flew straight and level, and the whole day of the flight was very surreal. N557KV is instrument certified and has the Dynon 10 inch, HDX, Garmin 430, Dynon D3, and … wait for it… Dynon autopilot. Okay, maybe not […] Read More
Congrats to Daniel on his new RV-14A! He Writes: It was a beautiful day in Phoenix, Arizona for a first flight. It’s been a dream come true to build and fly my own airplane. I couldn’t have done it without my family and the support of all those involved in the Van’s universe.
Congratulations to Jay on his new RV-6! He writes: I got the plane inspected on monday after about a year of building and got a break in the late afternoon. No wind, 71 degrees and decided to do a couple of crow hops. Got off quickly, felt like it was ready, and kept going to 3000 […] Read More
Congrats to Bob on his new RV-12! He writes: Dream of a lifetime comes true! What a thrill at takeoff, through the fast climb out and a few maneuvers. Anxiety naturally peaked as touchdown approached but upon reflection, there was nothing to worry about. What a great plane. Shout out and thanks to my wife and all […] Read More
Congrats to Scott on his new RV-8! He writes: After nine years of effort, VH-NZZ took to the skies just one day after gaining the Special Certificate of Airworthiness needed in Australia. Flown for the flight by test pilot and fellow RV builder/owner Glenn Bridgland, both the first and second flights on the same day were […] Read More
Congrats to Mike on his new RV-6A! He writes: This is my second RV-6 and it was an unfinished kit when I got it. 180hp and constant speed prop. First flight heavy wing and prop governor problems. Flew like an RV-6 with a heavy wing. I have enjoyed the problem solving and now it flies […] Read More