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!
Douglas wrote to tell us that he completed his RV-6 marathon! RV-6 slow build of 29 years has to be a record. Performance exceeds expectations. Equipped for IFR with autopilot, extreme paint, carpet, plush seats with heaters it weighs 1119 pounds. Many thanks to a lot of people who taught me the skills necessary to […] Read More
Congratulations to Ron and Michelle on the first flight of their new RV-12iS. They wrote to tell us: After many enjoyable years of construction, a near perfect plane took to the air on a near perfect autumn evening in Oregon! What started out as an RV-12 nine years ago emerged as an RV-12iS equipped with […] Read More
Congratulations to Tinti and Guille on the first flight of their new RV-7, they wrote to report: “Let man know, that man can.” Atlantis Expedition. Nothing in aviation is comparable to the sensation of flying a self-built airplane. From the south of Argentina we are very happy to inform that “Proyecto Correcaminos” flies! For […] Read More
Congrats to Dave on the first flight of his magnificent RV-7! He writes: After 16+ years of blood, sweat, tears and a little salty aviator language now and again, RV-7 #71748 officially went from “project” to “airplane” on 18 October 2020 at the Nashua, NH airport (KASH). Handling was pure RV – light and precise […] Read More
Congrats to Vaughn on the new RV-6! He writes to tell us all the story: The original builder of this plane passed away before he was able to see his dream come true. In 2018 the opportunity to buy a project found its way to me and I decided to take it on. I have […] Read More
Congratulations to Mike on two occasions, which happened to coincide: Finishing and flying his RV-8, and for 50 trips around the sun! He writes to tell us all the story: So today was an awesome day for a couple of reasons. One it was my 50th birthday, and second I got to fly my RV-8 […] Read More
Congrats to Tom on his new RV-7, which he recently flew for the first time! He writes: Started my build with the tail. After nearly completing it I found a already started kit that I purchased, brought back to Wisconsin from Texas and finished, with the AW Cert on August 15, 2020. Finished paneling and […] Read More
Congrats to Charlie, who recently completed and flew his new RV-6A. He writes: This is a very unique story. But first I want to give most of the credit to my fantastic wife Sandi who has been so supportive. She spent many hours helping me. My RV6A is a “slow build” kit that is powered […] Read More
Congrats to Elias, who keeps it short and sweet and writes to let us know about his RV-7A first flight: No story to tell. Just a big smile. Thanks Van’s Aircraft.
Congratulations to Rosa on this new RV-6 in Italy! Rosa sent in this message: Very happy to fly this incredible RV-6 With Lycoming 200HP! Test fly with no problem and now I hope long cross country with my adorable RV-6. I got this kit from a friend who had to stop for various problems and […] Read More
Tim writes to let us know about the first flight of his new RV-9A! I was exposed to RV’s at Oshkosh ‘85 and got hooked, but it took until 2012 before the time and money were right. The build took 8 years of steady progress. Great kit with fun challenges and a lot of learning. […] Read More
Congrats to Mike, who writes in: Had beautiful weather at KLUK for the first flight. Even though I had completed transition training with Mike Seager I was still surprised by how quickly the aircraft lifted off. Flew like a dream for several laps around the airport and I had a spectacular landing. After 44 years […] Read More
Congratulations to Poul Erik Bech, on the completion and first flight of his RV-12iS! He sent in this report: On the 11 of October 2020 my RV-12iS had its first flight. No problems so far. I started to build two years ago and it has been a pleasure to build the RV-12iS. It is the […] Read More
Congrats to Stefan, who recently built his third RV, and his second RV-14A! He writes: I can‘t exactly explain what went on in me… that made me build a third RV. It was probably a number of different reasons, for example people like Daryl Sahnow (top sales man from Van‘s, now retired and still a […] Read More
Congratulations to Lloyd on his RV-7 build and first flight success! He writes: Wow … what a blast. Purchased an RV-6 tailplane kit some 20+ years ago but teenage children put the dream on hold, a wise decision at the time, but an even wiser decision was to purchase the Vans RV-7 QB kit several […] Read More
Join us in congratulating Bruce on the completion and first flight of his RV-7A! First flight with after all the years of building occurred October 4, 2020 from Howell, Michigan (KOZW). 2.1 hours on the first flight. No big problems, what a fun aircraft to fly. And what a thrilling day! Could never have done […] Read More
Congrats to Greg, who writes to let us all know about the recent first flight of his new RV-14A! Finished plane in late June 2020, but 2020 being 2020 took over a month to get a DAR. Flew fast and straight. Standard build fuselage and QB wings. What a kit! I thought my 9A was […] Read More
Congrats to Daniel on the first flight of his RV-14A! He writes: After 3 years of building, the first RV14A in Switzerland is sniffing for air!
Congrats to David, who stuck with it and finished his RV-7! A big thanks to Bruce Bohannon, who gave me my RV transition training and also did the first flight of my plane. HIs flying experience and skills are well beyond the low-time hours that I have under my belt, so I was relieved to […] Read More
Congrats to Ray, who writes in to tell us about the first flight of his new RV-7A, RayJen, which he completed despite some very difficult and painful circumstances. We’re truly proud that you are part of the Van’s family, Ray! After 12 years, my RV-7A took to the air with ease. It was personally challenging […] Read More