You’ll sometimes see the numbers of flying RVs on this list rise without a corresponding number of first flight reports from builders. Why is that?
Well, we learn of flying RVs in many different ways. Ideally, a builder will email us with a photo of his or her personal “RV grin”. Sometimes, they call on the phone, which is great, but doesn’t provide us with anything to publish on this web page. Sometimes, we find out incidentally; for example, when a customer calls to order new tires, and we wonder why someone who is still building (so far as we know) would need them. Or we may discover a first flight announcement on an RV web forum. On other occasions, we learn of a new batch of flying RVs from “RV factories” overseas, but without individual details.
We’d like to see more RV grins here, so send in the story and pictures of your new “baby,” or we may never know of your success. Click the “Submit Report” link on the right to do it!
Congrats to Scott! He writes to tell us: 6-19-2019 4:30 EST Jenison MI. Riverview airport (08C). N518SD RV-9A sliding canopy took to the sky for the first time. N518SD is powered by a Lycoming 0-320 D3G 160 hp with E-mags, and 3 blade Catto prop. Installed GRT HXR 10″ touch screen, EIS and Garmin com. […] Read More
Steve writes us to tell about his newly-flying RV-9A. Congratulations, Steve! I am living proof that 70 is not too old to have a first flight. My flying skills were rusty, so I took advantage of the Additional Pilot Program. After a few hours of dual instruction, I now feel comfortable as PIC. The airplane […] Read More
Chandler wrote to describe the first flight of his RV-14A in April! What he doesn’t mention (so we will!) is that he’s since started working at Van’s Aircraft in our Aircraft Assembly Division. We’re happy he’s here! Great looking airplane, Chandler – Congrats! “It was a beautiful Friday morning and I had come in on […] Read More
Michael writes in with this first-flight report from the weekend: “My RV-9A flew for the first time on June 15, 2019. The flight lasted 1.5 hours and there were no squawks.” Congrats!
Adam writes in to tell us of the first flight of the RV-7 he and his brother built! Congratulations! After 15 years, N631AK had its first flight today! I started the project in 2004 and built the empennage, but didn’t get serious until my brother Kyle joined the project in 2012. He flies an F-15C […] Read More
Congratulations to Brendon on the first flight of his RV-10! He writes in to say: “A flawless first flight from KPTK after a more than 7 year build! I learned a great deal building this plane and am now enjoying the incredible performance. I am impressed with the RV-10, it is everything I had hoped […] Read More
William writes in to describe the first flight of his RV-8! Congrats!! “0.7 hrs orbiting the airport. Plane tracked straight on the runway and flew beautifully under the control of my friend and high time RV-8 pilot Jerry Hajek. 2.3 hrs on the second flight, hope to get in 2.0 today, then change the oil […] Read More
Richard writes in to tell us about his new RV-14 first flight! “Two years start to finish (all slow build). Thanks to the support from all the professionals at Synergy Air in Eugene and my brother Randy for making the dream a reality. Options include a Thunderbolt IO-390, Hartzell composite prop and dual Skyview HDX […] Read More
Mike Collins writes in to tell us about his RV-7’s maiden flight! “Hurricane Amy” made her first flight 10-27-2018. The hardest part was wiping the RV grin off my face when I landed! I can’t thank Van’s enough for such a great kit and support. Options include 3-blade MT prop, Aerosport IO-375 with EFII System […] Read More
Charles and Peter write in: “Awesome to watch our project undergo metamorphosis into a real airplane! Jerry VanGrunsven was kind enough to do the first flight and it was almost magical watching the project change into a real flying machine as it left the ground for the first time.” Congrats!
Mike Allardyce writes in regarding the first flight of his new RV-14A: “First flight on 5/11 after a 25 month build. I took a 2 month vacation during that time to have my right knee replaced, so the kit goes together quickly. This is my 4th build, and 3rd RV, and this kit is by […] Read More
David writes: “First flight on 5/16/19 after 4 1/2 years! Initial climb 2074 ft/min, cruise at 80% power at 2000 ft about 175 kts. Who could ask for more?” Congrats, David!
Henry sends us this account of the first flight of his RV-14A! “After a four and a half year journey N144VT took flight from Aiken Regional Airport for the first time. No real issues noted. Thanks to my wife Sue and Mark Dupont (N435MD) for the support. Ready to get back in and go some […] Read More
Les sends word of his first flight! Congrats! RV-10 C-GROK took flight today (April 29th) after a 2-year, 1-month build. C-GROK has an Aerosport IO-540 engine with 9:1 pistons and Barret Cold Air Induction. SDSEFI.COM provided the Electronic Fuel Injection and Electronic Injection. Stein built an all Garmin panel (dual G3X / G5 backup / […] Read More
Carlos writes to tell us about the first flight of his RV-10! It is worth repeating the exhilarating feeling of getting in the air after five and a half years of building our RV-10. Apprehension? Yes, I know I got the cotter pins in the right place, tightened all that needed tightened and so on. […] Read More
Rich Dupee dropped a note to tell us: Quickbuild project started in Feb 2017. Lycoming Thunderbolt IO540 with Airflow performance fuel servo and ElectroAir ignition. Garmin G3X touch PFD and MFD, G5 and GTN750 Flies well with no trim needs. Congrats, Rich!
News from Larry on the “happened a while ago” first flight on his RV-7A! This is my very late first flight report. My first flight was on Thursday, May 15th, 2015. I’m averaging well over 200 hours per year and having a blast. My son and I took a big trip last summer and landed […] Read More
Congrats to Joao on the flight of this RV-4! “After 5 years of building PR-ZQS finally flew yesterday, April 19. It flies perfectly and overall it is a great plane and fun to fly. Thanks Van’s for all.”
Samuel wrote in to let us all know about the first flight of his RV-7A! And, not everyone who builds an RV is already a pilot – Each build and person is unique! “Construction started in 2003. After five moves, N607R received airworthiness cert in October, 2015. First flight performed by “Popeye” Bill Flaherty on […] Read More
News just in from Turner, who’s RV-14A was inspected and approved by Vic Syracuse of Base Leg Aviation, and then flew for the first time on Tuesday April 16th! “Today Vic Syracuse came down and conducted the airworthiness inspection, we completed the paperwork, and he flew the first flight with me. It was a bit […] Read More