Buck Wyndham’s RV-8 | Poplar Grove, IL RV-8 #81444

Congratulations to Buck on his new RV-8, he writes:

Construction of my dream RV-8 began way in 2002 (!) and progress stopped and started numerous times due to life getting in the way, having multiple jobs, house moves, and all sorts of other distractions — including my own desire to customize almost everything on the airplane. But things really accelerated in 2020, when Covid allowed me to prioritize the project. I put in many 14-hour days in my workshop, which took me to the finish line in June 2024.

The phrase “I built it myself” is true, but doesn’t really reflect the fact that I had lots of friends lend a hand at key moments, including painting the exterior. N8SH ended up being exactly the plane I wanted to create, and I’m really happy I spent the time to get it right. The paint scheme is a tribute to all the largely-unsung Adversary/Aggressor personnel who provide such great training to our US military forces.

The panel is typical Garmin glass, which was very enjoyable to wire and install myself. I also spent lots of time on cockpit ergonomics and kinesthetics, and giving the cockpit a military look and feel.

Flying it to AirVenture 2024 was a true bucket-list item, and I enjoyed a week of sitting next to the airplane talking to Van’s aircraft builders (and future builders). I was delighted when the aircraft was awarded a Bronze Lindy at the end of the week.

Next up for the airplane: Lots of traveling, formation flying, pancake breakfasts, Young Eagles flights, and more!