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 Michael! He writes: On April 21st, 2009 I attended my first Sun-n-Fun and took my first ever flight in an RV. I returned back to the Van’s tent and ordered a tail kit. Fast forward 12 years and 9 months to Jan 7th, 2022. My project was finally complete and I flew my own […] Read More
Jeff Malcomb graciously agreed to perform the first flight and it went smoothly. The Phase 1 Flight Test and my transition training in it have both been completed. So, the focus has shifted to increasing my proficiency and finding a paint shop to paint it.
Congratulations to Rick on his new RV-6! He writes: Well, it took a little bit longer than I thought… Sitting at the end of a runway, about to launch into the air in something you made yourself. The plan was to exit the pattern straight ahead, climb to 3000 AGL, determine indicated landing speed and […] Read More
Chantereau recently completed his RV-8! He writes: The first flight of my second RV-8 was delightful, as no issue occurred. I love to fly this beautiful and nimble plane. Thanks to Van’s Aircraft team.
Morgan wrote in to let us know about the first flight of his RV-7! He wrote: My first flight was very exciting, but overall it went very well. I had done a fast taxi and was happy with the control I had so on my next pass I give it more power I was flying. I […] Read More
Congratulations to Michael on his new RV-8! He writes: Fist flight was conducted by inspector Nigel Jones. I was helped by RV-8 builder Paul Winters and inspired to build by Andy Hill. The further flight tests will be done by RV8 Team Raven pilot Mark Southern. It was a big day for me, overwhelming at […] Read More
Congratulations to Ernest on his new RV-14! He writes: I ordered my tail kit at Oshkosh in 2013 and started building the following October. After many years of enjoyable building with a couple down years interspersed, the first flight was last May. I have now flown 75 hours and just recently got it painted. I […] Read More
Congratulations Mark! This was a full build kit, so it went a little slow. We have a 180 hp IO-360 with Dynon Avionics. Empty weight 1100#. Flawless first flight and hands off straight and level. So happy with the support and help through the years. What a great feeling!
Congratulations to Giulio on his new RV-7! He writes: I have been flying for 5 years with my previous RV-7 with which I did about 500 hours. Mainly long distance flights throughout Europe often with my partner Anna, who is also a Pilot. I love the RV-7 because it’s a fast and fun plane and […] Read More
Congratulations to Jada Flyers on their new RV-10! They write: Jada Flyers is pleased to present N520KB! Although a group effort, we are especially thankful to the main builder, Dan Geib! This was the third Van’s Aircraft he completed but the first he built from start to finish. Definitely a dream of a lifetime! We are […] Read More
Congratulations to Norris on his new RV-10! Following retirement I built an RV-14A. My wife flew with me but wanted something easier for her to get in and out of. After she had a ride in an RV-10 the deal was sealed. First flight of N10NP was in June 2022 and the first long cross […] Read More
Congratulations to Wayne on his newly-flying and beautiful RV-4! He writes: Successful flight test of my RV-4 took place on March 17, 2022, Cayuga Ontario with test pilot Mike Skoczen at controls. Mike has built an RV-3 and Harmon Rocket besides numerous other home builds. As owner builder of my RV-4, I was able to […] Read More
Congratulations to Gordon in Australian on his new RV-7A! The first flight was at Shellharbour Airport with Glenn Bridgland at the controls. The aircraft performed very well but the left wing is heavy and particularly noticeable at higher airspeeds. We are doing our research and checking configurations on the aeroplane to understand why it is […] Read More
Congratulations to Ryan and Michael on completing and flying their RV-9A! In February of 2020, Ryan and Michael White, father and son, started building a Vans RV-9A and, nearly 3 years later, took their first flight on December 18, 2022. During the Winter of 2019, Michael brought up to Ryan that he was interested in […] Read More
Jeffrey wrote in to let us know about the recent completion of his RV-7A! After nearly 10 years of building, the first flight happened. It was an uneventful, but in a good uneventful way, if that makes sense? Nerves were high as I did rebuild the engine myself so lots could go wrong. I also […] Read More
Congratulations to Woodies Aircraft Factory on their new RV-12iS: Brian Lloyd, myself, Mark Fotherby, and Robbie Stewart, collectively known as Woodies Aircraft Factory embarked on our big adventure in March 2017. This marked the date when the first pieces of metal were cut, and the first of many, many rivets were set. It all seemed […] Read More
Christian flew his RV-8 for the first time, congratulations! After 3000 hours in 6.5 years of building my standard kit RV-8, I finally took off for the first time in Basel, Switzerland (LFSB). I tested the control behavior in clean and landing configuration and after a couple turns I returned for landing. The hobbs showed […] Read More
Congratulations to Matthew on his new RV-12iS! He writes: I started my dream when the pandemic was fresh news in early 2020. My Father and I took a trip south for a factory tour. Met by a busy staff -they were happy to give a tour of the facility. After the tour The Man himself […] Read More
Congratulations to Mike! He writes: Excelsior flies! 10 years, 2000+ hours and one hurricane (note lack of hangar doors!). Standard build, Titan IOX-370, C/S, G3X, GNX375, A/P, Lemke seats, John Stahr paint. Started build in the family room (with encouragement from awesome wife Kathy), finished in a new airconditioned man-cave/shop. Wearing my RV-6 anniversary shirt in homage […] Read More
David wrote in to let us know about the recent flight of his RV-9A: A lifelong dream was realized on December 10th 2022. After 7 years of building N965DR took to the skies and became an airplane. Although I did most of the work myself, I had plenty of help along the way. My family […] Read More
