FIrst FLights

Sky’s the limit for Vio! Applauding his successful debut flight with the RV-14A. Here’s to many more adventures. He writes: I’ve been looking to building an RV for many years and I thought it’s a good idea to fly one before I do so. I had my demo flight with Zack Czachorowski on March 7th, […] Read More

Cheers to Niko for conquering the skies in his RV-7A. Here’s to many more flights ahead. He writes: After nearly four years of building, the project finally turned into a real aircraft. As I was the test pilot with no prior test pilot experience, I was a bit nervous – and so was my wife […] Read More

Great work, Frieder! We’re excited to see his first flight with his RV-10. He shares: This is my 4th build, I started with a Sonex, then a Glasair 2, a Velocity SE and now finally a real airplane, the RV-10. This is by far the most incredible plane I’ve ever owned. The first flight was […] Read More

Way to soar, Steve! Celebrating the successful debut flight of his RV-14A. He reports: I started this project over 6 years ago with absolutely no shop or building experience, proving that anyone with the enthusiasm and a little patience can build an RV. First flight was with Carlos Rivera in the right seat as additional […] Read More

Sky’s the limit for George! Applauding his successful debut flight with the RV-4. Here’s to many more thrilling adventures! He shares: Good Morning, I hope that it is acceptable to post this story here, since it does not pertain to an actual build, but only to a first flight. Nevertheless, it was still a very […] Read More

Cheers to Terry as he completed his first flight in his RV-7! He shares: On September 7th, 2019, My RV build adventure started when my good friend Craig Noah helped me pick up a set of almost complete used wings that had been hanging up in the original purchaser’s garage for the better part of […] Read More

Congratulations Gary! He writes: The big day snuck up on me. Thanks to my Test pilot Jason Wakelin and engineer John Crawford (and a lot of others who lifted ; held; riveted and so on you all know the drill). All went very smoothly just a few caution lights on the Dynons to be sorted […] Read More

Congrats Lee on the completion and first flight on his RV-8! He reports: My RV-8 took to the skies for the first time on Dec. 4th with Nigel Speedy at the controls. It was a perfect day for a test flight with low clear skies and low winds. Nigel reported that it flew great and […] Read More

Congratulations to Alexander on completing his first flight with his RV-14A! He writes: N14YZ had her first flight on April 13, 2021 – she flew almost perfectly and I could trim for hands-off flight. Thankfully, the day was uneventful, but likely because of all the preparation and planning that went into it.  First, I’ll have […] Read More

Congratulations Richard! He writes: 1 Month in with 25 RV smile hours!

Congratulations to Maurizio! He shares: RV-Smile from takeoff to long after landing… 1st Flight Video

Great work, Adam. We’re excited to see his first flight with his RV-12iS. He shares: After 3 1/2 years of building, on March 8th, 2023, N242SA slipped the surly bonds of earth and took flight. With the help of test pilot Jeff M (pictured at right), she flew flawlessly with no squawks. I’ve had the […] Read More

Congrats to Ian on the completion and first flight on his RV-14A! He reports: First flight occurred after 4 years and 2 months and lasted about 25 minutes. I just orbited over the field at high power for engine break in. What a machine – nice taut handling yet very responsive. I really enjoyed the […] Read More

Great work, Lee! We’re excited to see his first flight with his RV-8. He shares: Sorry it took me so long. Aircraft has been flying 3yrs 8 months now. Full story on pages 102-103 of EAA sport Aviation November 2022 edition. Bronze Lindy awarded at AirVenture 2021.

Congratulations to Oliver on completing his first flight with his RV-14. He writes: What a fantastic feeling to fly the airplane you built with your own hands. The plane was flying perfect, well balanced with a super smooth engine and no vibration. As an upgrade from my L4, the flight characteristics are super cool. RV […] Read More

Congratulations Stefan! 1043 days ago we got our first kit from Aurora. The following 2 years my wife Silke and me spend every free minute on building our RV-14. After we received the approval from the authorities, yesterday was the day to change our status from builder to pilot. Weather was perfect, only light winds. The […] Read More

Congratulations to Mark on his new RV-7! He writes: After nineteen years of off and on building, first flight was in February 2020, finish paint August 2023. Subaru 3.0 six cylinder engine, mated to an Aerodrive gearbox and MT electric constant speed prop. Super smooth. What a blast to fly!

Nice work James! He shares: First flight, engine break in, it’s a smooth flying plane. No surprises, nice landing with 80lbs in the cargo hold. Building vs Flying? I have to go with FLYING! I learned several new skills, made some of my own custom tools, and spent $$$ on some cool new tools but […] Read More

Congratulations Richard! Minor issue with IAS but otherwise OK, Now at 72 hours and still fighting high oil temperatures.