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 the web. Sometimes 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 venues. On other occasions, we learn of a new batch of flying RVs from “RV factories” overseas, but without the individual details.
We’d like to see more RV grins here, so please send in 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 Tom, who sends us a belated first-flight report on his RV-8! RV-8 N563RV had its first flight on 1/9/19 after 2 years and 9 months of building and painting. I used standard wing and tail kits with a QB fuselage kit. She’s equipped with Lycoming IO360 and Hartzell CS Prop, and a Garmin […] Read More
Congratulations to Jeroen, who writes to tell us about the first flight of his RV-12iS: First flight in February. All went well and no surprises. I enjoyed building the RV-12iS together with the kids. High up in our fourth-floor apartment in the middle of Amsterdam. I am very grateful for all the help I got […] Read More
Congratulation Alan! Nice looking airplane, and we especially love the tail! 😉 He writes to tell us about his RV-14’s first flight, which happened a little while back: 2 yr 6mo build, just an amazing Aircraft! Right out of the gate with no significant issues. Just finished the 1st condition inspection and again no issues […] Read More
Congratulations to Paul on his new RV-8! He writes: It finally happened!! After almost 11 years, a wedding, a child and 3 relocations my project became a real aircraft. I had the urge to do this since my visit to Oshkosh in 1998. Building your own aircraft puts you through all states of emotions which […] Read More
Congratulations to Gary, who writes to share his new RV-9A story: Started building N316PG in my basement, 2012. My two brothers Dave and Charlie helped buck rivets, apply fuel tank sealant and whatever else I needed help with. My good friend Mike Whitescarver (an RV-8A builder) was a great source of help and encouragement during […] Read More
Congrats to Steve, who writes in to tell us that after 26 years, his RV-6 has finally taken to the skies: After 200 hours and 20+ years with my plans-built RV-3, I’m amazed at the differences between the 2 birds. Now I can actually scratch the back of my neck!! 3 Blade MT prop with […] Read More
A huge congrats to Pete, who writes in to tell us: First flight went very well, plane flew straight and true and engine ran well, add another big RV Grin to the collection. What an awesome plane to fly.
Paul writes to tell us all about the first flight of the world’s newest RV-7A! Congrats to him and Ron! Finally! At last! The project I started 19 years ago has flown. It was a long time in the making, but was enjoyable all the way. You know the saying “Life is what happens while […] Read More
David and Jimmy kept it short and sweet for their first-flight report: “Uneventful. Performed as anticipated.” Congrats guys!
Congratulations to Ted Chang on the first flight of his newly-completed RV10, serial number 2000! RV-10 kit 2000, N156TC took to the sky on July 23, 2020. Craig Cousins (a RV-14 builder) and Mike Kubes flew chase in a Bonanza. The flight went well and with no squawks. We received our tail kit on Feb […] Read More
Congrats to Kevern in South Africa, who just completed and flew his new RV-8! After completion of my 2nd RV, 2 RV-7’s, I decided to build the RV-8 standard kit that I had stored under my bench. Flight was supposed to happen in November 2019 however paperwork delays and the onset of Covid put paid […] Read More
Congratulation to Jim on his new RV-7A first flight! Well it finally happened. First flight of my RV project. Superior Air Parts XP O-360 Sensenich Fixed Pitch Metal prop GRT EFIS, EIS and Autopilot Very Basic VFR panel with ICOM ICA210 and King KT-76A James Aircraft Cowl, Plenum and Induction system Took delivery of the […] Read More
Congrats to Ron, who writes to tell us: On Friday 3 July 2020 the RV-9A PH-NIR had her first flight on Twente Airport in The Netherlands. Together with family and friends I had the most impressive and emotional flight ever. The first flight, together with instructor Rob Groothuis went without any issue. I started building […] Read More
Congrats to Mike on his new RV-7. He writes into tell us all: After 20 years (with long periods taken up by care for aging parents), N14VF “broke the surly bonds” today. Can’t describe my elation at having ABSOLUTELY NOTHING TO COMPLAIN ABOUT!!! It has been a long and frustrating ride, but today it all […] Read More
Congrats, Hugh. He writes in to tell us: My first flight was out of Paine Field in Everett. Weather was good enough to climb to 3500 ft above the airport for the first flight. Initially, I had my coolant temps rise up close to the red line as I waited for clearance to takeoff. I […] Read More
Congratulations to Karsten! He writes: In 2008 I made a demo flight with Ken Scott in your RV-7A factory demonstrator. From then, I worked for the goal to own such an outstanding airplane. Then, in 2011, I found this RV-6 at Barnstormers.com, bought the starter kit from South Carolina, and shipped it to Germany. Now, […] Read More
Congrats to Tim on his new RV-10, which first flew in November but just came out of the paint shop – and wow is it amazing looking! Tim writes: Our RV-10, affectionately named “Tess” slipped the surly bonds of earth for the first time on November 15th, 2019. The build took almost seven years with […] Read More
Congratulations to Randy, who started building his RV-14A in August, 2018 and which first flew on Sunday, June 28th! He writes: Great experience with the first flight. Second build experience, RV-8 was first. The Van’s office staff are great to work with. Looking forward to traveling in the plane soon.
Paul Sueck from Germany writes to tell us belatedly that his RV-7 flew for the first time in April 2013. Since then he has put 450 hours on it! Late, but I think not too late. It’s a beautiful plane. Flies great. The kit is well thought out. Meanwhile, it has 450 hours on the […] Read More
Congrats to Dave on the recent completion and first flight of his RV-6. He writes to tell us: A very slow build. Never a priority project. It sat dormant twice, once for over 3 years. Several projects, Pitts, J-3, second house and two bouts of unemployment. First flight from my own private airstrip in NJ. […] Read More