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 Stephen on the first flight of his RV-12iS! He writes: I have been beavering away for 3.5 years to complete my RV-12, ZK -TSP (Taylor Steve & Pam ). After some frustrating days/months, programming the Garmin GX3, we managed to sort the issues, with the last one being the fuel pressure. By the […] Read More
Congratulations to David on the first flight of his RV-10! He writes: With the sure and skillful hands of the very talented Vernon Darley, N4400k broke the sure grip of gravity, and took the sky for the first flight. The push of the throttle brought to life the amazing Io-540, and with great excitement the […] Read More
Jereme wrote in to let us know about the first flight of his RV-7A: 3/9/2021 marks the day that N187E became a true airplane. After getting back from transition training I had some last minute things to do to the aircraft to get her ready for flight. I had a slight brake leak on the […] Read More
Congrats to Ariston on the completion and first flight of his RV-14! He writes: For over three years (1,149 days, to be exact), I have spoken of how I own what I consider to be an incredibly foolish thing: an airplane kit. Today, I no longer own an airplane kit. I own an airplane. The […] Read More
Heinrich wrote in to let us know about the first flight of his new RV-7A: Hello, After five years of building, I had my first take-off. The aircraft flies great! It´s a cheap version of the RV-7A with an overhauled O-360 A4M engine and a fixed pitch prop. The panel is very simple with an […] Read More
Congratulations to Bruno and Salvo! They write: Started to build a long time ago (2004) and a long stop since January 2018. Finished the aircraft last December (2020). We built this fabulous bird together, father and son, and did the first flight together as well! All went very well as expected. Van’s team provided perfect support and […] Read More
Congratulations to Dave on the new RV-14A! He writes: I started building the Empennage kit at the end of September 2019. I found it to be easy and had it completed by November 2019. I received the Quick Build Kit end of February 2020. I received my airworthy certificate on December 6, 2020. This was […] Read More
Congratulations to Friedel on the new RV-10! He writes: Photo shows ZU – IMG first time leaving mother earth.
Congratulations to Christopher on his RV-10! He writes: With the normal nerves with making a first flight, I am happy to report the flight went perfectly. The engine ran great and the rigging was spot on. A little bit of additional excitement that it was my first flight in an RV-10 (I have a good […] Read More
Congratulations to Steve on the first flight of his RV-10! He writes: First flight occurred on August 21, 2020 in the early afternoon, on a sunny, beautiful day. It went well, with only a few settings on the EFIS needing adjustment and a slightly heavy right wing. After the 40-hour flyoff, it was painted, and […] Read More
Tony and David wrote in to let us know about the first flight of their RV-7A: We purchased a partially completed RV-7A Kit from John Kleber in June of 2018. From there we pursued the completion, moving the project from a truck workshop to Lee Gilmer Airport in Gainesville, GA last year. Ed McGowin who […] Read More
Greg wrote in to let us know about the first flight of his new RV-7: This has been the most rewarding experience of my life. What a fantastic flying airplane. This RV-7 is my first build, and won’t be my last. It’s powered by a Barrett Precision Engine built IO-390-X running dual electronic ignition and […] Read More
Congratulations to Brian on his new RV-10! He writes: Aircraft flew as advertised. Really happy with the performance, typical RV grin!! Powered by IO-540-C4B5 with Bendix fuel injection and mags. Dual Dynon HDX panel with Avidyne IFD 540 GPS from Advanced. Painted aircraft during Covid downtime. Phase 1 flew off. My second RV. First flew […] Read More
Karsten wrote in to tell us about the recent completion of this beautiful RV-8: Can’t believe it: A lot of metal-parts turned into a real airplane! Starting in 2011 building the empennage kit with an experienced builder the foundation was set in stone. A lot happened but we never gave up. Marvin started flying gliders […] Read More
Congratulations to Skip on his new RV-10! He writes: After taking a 7 year building hiatus (to put 3 children through college) my RV-10, kit 40819 N384WP, took to the air. The build was a most enjoyable and rewarding experience due to the excellent design and support of everyone at Van’s, Thanks. Can’t wait to […] Read More
Congratulations to Craig on the completion of his RV-7! He writes: After receiving the empennage kit for my RV-7 three years ago, ZU-JLC flew for the first time on the 14th of February 2021. The call sign is inspired by my 3 children, Jason, Leah, and Cheyenne. My son and I built most of the […] Read More
Romuald wrote in to let us know about the recent completion of his RV-7A: After 11 years of construction, I can now call it an airplane! Despite the coldness of the day, it was a great moment of pleasure. It flies well, it flies fast. Time to put the rivet gun away and enjoy it […] Read More
Javier writes in to report on his new RV-7: Perfect day with family and friends, Amazing flight !!!! I´m very Happy . Great airplane .
Rick and Tanner wrote in to let us know about the recent completion of their RV-10: First flight was awesome with our RV-9A following along and a great sunset!
Congratulations to Robert on the new RV-10! He writes: My RV-10 journey began on September 15, 2011…Nine years, two months, seventeen days and 3000+ hours of labor, N464RL was born! On hand for the first flight were three generations of Aviators. My Dad and I flew the maiden flight together with my son taking care […] Read More