FIrst FLights

Chantereau recently completed his RV-8! He writes: The first flight of my second RV-8 was delightful, as no issue occurred. I love to fly this beautiful and nimble plane. Thanks to Van’s Aircraft team.

Morgan wrote in to let us know about the first flight of his RV-7! He wrote: My first flight was very exciting, but overall it went very well. I had done a fast taxi and was happy with the control I had so on my next pass I give it more power I was flying. I […] Read More

Congratulations to Michael on his new RV-8! He writes: Fist flight was conducted by inspector Nigel Jones. I was helped by RV-8 builder Paul Winters and inspired to build by Andy Hill. The further flight tests will be done by RV8 Team Raven pilot Mark Southern. It was a big day for me, overwhelming at […] Read More

Congratulations to Ernest on his new RV-14! He writes: I ordered my tail kit at Oshkosh in 2013 and started building the following October. After many years of enjoyable building with a couple down years interspersed, the first flight was last May. I have now flown 75 hours and just recently got it painted. I […] Read More

Congratulations Mark! This was a full build kit, so it went a little slow. We have a 180 hp IO-360 with Dynon Avionics. Empty weight 1100#. Flawless first flight and hands off straight and level. So happy with the support and help through the years. What a great feeling!

Congratulations to Giulio on his new RV-7! He writes: I have been flying for 5 years with my previous RV-7 with which I did about 500 hours. Mainly long distance flights throughout Europe often with my partner Anna, who is also a Pilot. I love the RV-7 because it’s a fast and fun plane and […] Read More

Congratulations to Jada Flyers on their new RV-10! They write: Jada Flyers is pleased to present N520KB! Although a group effort, we are especially thankful to the main builder, Dan Geib! This was the third Van’s Aircraft he completed but the first he built from start to finish. Definitely a dream of a lifetime! We are […] Read More

Congratulations to Norris on his new RV-10! Following retirement I built an RV-14A. My wife flew with me but wanted something easier for her to get in and out of. After she had a ride in an RV-10 the deal was sealed. First flight of N10NP was in June 2022 and the first long cross […] Read More

Congratulations to Wayne on his newly-flying and beautiful RV-4! He writes: Successful flight test of my RV-4 took place on March 17, 2022, Cayuga Ontario with test pilot Mike Skoczen at controls. Mike has built an RV-3 and Harmon Rocket besides numerous other home builds. As owner builder of my RV-4, I was able to […] Read More

Congratulations to Gordon in Australian on his new RV-7A! The first flight was at Shellharbour Airport with Glenn Bridgland at the controls. The aircraft performed very well but the left wing is heavy and particularly noticeable at higher airspeeds. We are doing our research and checking configurations on the aeroplane to understand why it is […] Read More

Congratulations to Ryan and Michael on completing and flying their RV-9A! In February of 2020, Ryan and Michael White, father and son, started building a Vans RV-9A and, nearly 3 years later, took their first flight on December 18, 2022. During the Winter of 2019, Michael brought up to Ryan that he was interested in […] Read More

Jeffrey wrote in to let us know about the recent completion of his RV-7A! After nearly 10 years of building, the first flight happened. It was an uneventful, but in a good uneventful way, if that makes sense? Nerves were high as I did rebuild the engine myself so lots could go wrong. I also […] Read More

Congratulations to Woodies Aircraft Factory on their new RV-12iS: Brian Lloyd, myself, Mark Fotherby, and Robbie Stewart, collectively known as Woodies Aircraft Factory embarked on our big adventure in March 2017. This marked the date when the first pieces of metal were cut, and the first of many, many rivets were set. It all seemed […] Read More

Christian flew his RV-8 for the first time, congratulations! After 3000 hours in 6.5 years of building my standard kit RV-8, I finally took off for the first time in Basel, Switzerland (LFSB). I tested the control behavior in clean and landing configuration and after a couple turns I returned for landing. The hobbs showed […] Read More

Congratulations to Matthew on his new RV-12iS! He writes: I started my dream when the pandemic was fresh news in early 2020. My Father and I took a trip south for a factory tour. Met by a busy staff -they were happy to give a tour of the facility. After the tour The Man himself […] Read More

Congratulations to Mike! He writes: Excelsior flies!  10 years, 2000+ hours and one hurricane (note lack of hangar doors!). Standard build, Titan IOX-370, C/S, G3X, GNX375, A/P, Lemke seats, John Stahr paint. Started build in the family room (with encouragement from awesome wife Kathy), finished in a new airconditioned man-cave/shop. Wearing my RV-6 anniversary shirt in homage […] Read More

David wrote in to let us know about the recent flight of his RV-9A: A lifelong dream was realized on December 10th 2022. After 7 years of building N965DR took to the skies and became an airplane. Although I did most of the work myself, I had plenty of help along the way. My family […] Read More

Congratulations Greg! He writes: After nine and a half years of hard work (and a lot of learning on my part), my RV-7 finally took to the air. Many thanks to all of the people that helped me make this possible. I can’t image that I would have ever been able to complete it without […] Read More

Congratulations to Ryan on his new RV-7A! He writes: After six years of building, I conducted N12VD’s initial test flight out of Livermore, CA (LVK). The airplane flew very well, straight as an arrow. CHTs were high on initial climb-out, but easy to control with additional airspeed. Tested all control surfaces including trim and flaps, […] Read More

Jeff recently completed his second RV. What an accomplishment! Jeff writes: My first Van’s kit was an RV-6 that took me 23 years to complete in 2010. Not having 23 more years I decided to go with a quick build RV-10, and with my son Jeff’s help, N3360V first flew uneventfully in Oct, 2022 with […] Read More