Alan Bumbaugh’s RV-7A | Shawnee, OK RV-7A #73672

Alan Bumbaugh just flew his brightly painted RV-7A. Here’s the story:

I’ve finished eating the elephant.

On October 10, 2025, kit number 73672, N287M, under the guidance of my mentor and additional pilot Jim Harris, lifted off for the first time. Initially a short hop to 25 feet altitude and taxi back for flight to pattern altitude and full stop landing. The plane flew beautifully.

Having found no issues, the following Friday we flew for just more than 2 hours, KADH at 3500 feet msl for engine break in, covering 374 miles. To date completed, we’ve completed 5.4 hours of engine break-in and have started working through the EAA test cards.

The build took 15 years, including paint, and was accomplished in a 2-car garage. I moved it to the airport March 22 for assembly, received airworthiness September 5th.

Aircraft has a Dynon EFIS, TruTrak autopilot, FlyLED Lights, and is powered by Lycoming IO-360-A1B6D with a two-blade Hartzell blended-airfoil prop. It’s painted with SW Skyscapes British Yellow, Bravo Blue, and shimmer coat.

Thank you to Van’s Aircraft for a fantastic machine.