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 Klaus-Peter Morhard, who writes to share with us the first flight of his RV-7A! Hallo Zusammen, Fast ewig habe ich an meiner RV-7A gebaut, da ich einen LOM M332C eingebaut habe und nun echt zufrieden bin. Nachdem die Schallpegelmessung erfolgreich abgeschlossen ist, wollte ich mein Flugzeug fertig melden. Jeder Flug war einfach toll […] Read More
Johan gets straight to the point and minces no words in reporting the first flight of his RV-14. Congrats to him! He writes: “Flies beautifully”
Congrats to Frederic on the maiden flight of his RV-9A! He writes: First Flight was straight forward with no control issues to report. In the weeks leading to the first flight, I found that I was experiencing a great deal of anxiety. I could not sleep the night before and preparing to go to the […] Read More
We’d be amiss if we didn’t post the first flight report from the RV-15 prototype! Test pilot Axel Alvarez writes to describe the experience: I am happy to report that the RV-15 Engineering Prototype aircraft has flown for the first time. We had a few people working on the aircraft non-stop. This aircraft was easy […] Read More
Congrats to Scott Hersha, who finished and flew this new RV-6! He writes: I built this airplane from a used kit that was started in 1992. I’m at least the third builder (probably more), and I purchased it from a young man in Oregon who is a Van’s Aircraft engineer. He (Taylor) had it for […] Read More
Congrats to Robert Haag on the completion and first flight of his custom RV-4! He writes: Maiden flight with the “New Generation” modification of an RV-4. Powered by an Rotax 915is and equipped with a rescue parachute system. From the first second you get a smile on your face that lasts forever. Best regards from […] Read More
The first flight of RV-9A N326KM occurred at Spicewood Airport near Austin Texas on 8/17/2022. The aircraft performed very well with trim nearly perfect. This was my second RV completion (RV-7 N320KJ, 71363, first flew 5/12/2006). I always thought the 9A would be a great aircraft – it is! A special recognition goes to Skip […] Read More
Congratulations to Joe and Noel on this amazing accomplishment! They write: After 10 years of on and off building, my RV-3 took to the skies on July 29, 2022. The test pilot, Noel Simmons, reported the plane flew hands off at 185 mph. Will be getting the paint job done in September. The paint will […] Read More
Congratulations to William on his new RV-8! He writes in with a short report and photo: My first flight was just one trip around the patch but that was enough for the RV Grin.
Congrats to Mike Evans on the successful long-haul build of a beautiful bird – He proves that there’s not really such a thing as too many years! He writes: I have been waiting far too many years to write this email (27 years and 5 months) however it is my pleasure to inform you RV-6 […] Read More
Shawn recently flew his RV-7 for the first time! He writes: N726RG flew great on her first flight. High overcast and no wind conditions at Grove Field(1W1). Glad my father and one my best friends were there to see it. Great feeling. RV Grin 😁!
Congratulations to Steve! He writes: The adventure with G-STRV began in Oct 2017, when slow build parts began to arrive in Shropshire, UK, and my friend Tim Nicholas has been a faithful rivet partner throughout the build. The first flight took place from Sleap Airfield where G-STRV will live, and she felt “right” the moment […] Read More
Trevor recently completed his RV-7! He writes: A little late to report, but I’ve been having way to much fun! First flight was almost perfect other than the standard heavy wing. A quick tweak and I now have over 50 hours problem free and loving every minute of it. My wife and I have enjoyed […] Read More
Congratulations John! He writes: Since the first rivet was driven 3 years, 7 months, 3 weeks, and 1 day ago, N683JT left the earth for the first time the morning of 7/22/22. It was a 47 min flight that reached an altitude as high as 5,168 ft, and achieved a ground speed that went up […] Read More
Congratulations to Scott and Rochelle! They write: My first flight was completed by Vern Darley (Falcon Field RV Squadron Peachtree City GA) and myself in the right seat. Vern is a highly experienced FAA examiner, an RV-10 builder, and longtime friend. We departed KCCO in Newnan Georgia. To say it was exhilarating is an understatement. […] Read More
Congratulations Gavin! He writes: This beautiful RV-8 started life out as an early QuickBuild kit that was purchased from the original builder in 2018. After leaving the Van’s factory in 1998 and through many hours of blood, sweat and tears together with good friends, Reyno Coetzer, Mike George and Peter Steyn she was completed in […] Read More
Congratulations to Michael and Colleen! They write: First flight of our RV-8, sporting the initials in our tail number in memory of our two brave and beloved sons, took place on Friday July 9th 2022 in Eugene Oregon. The aircraft performed exactly as advertised and capped a journey of friendship and experiences that wil last […] Read More
Congratulations to Steven on the completion of his second RV! He writes: Built an RV-9A, completed exactly 4 years ago – construction took 25 months. Proud owner of a 2 plane RV air force with completion of the RV-10, Independence Day, 2022.
Congratulations Larry! This RV-14A was an absolute joy to build. Between my son and I we have about 3500 hours into the build. This was a slow build all the way. As a result, I know every inch of the plane. I also wired the Garmin G3X IFR capable panel and did the paint job […] Read More
Nice work on your RV-14A, Brian! He writes: Great experience building the plane and flying it for the first time. The RV-14A is a wonderful plane to fly. I am a CFII and just enjoy to fly and help others fulfill their dreams of flight. I am learning aerobatics and plan to use the N84BR […] Read More
