FIrst FLights

Congratulations Todd! He writes: I decided to build rather than buy a flying plane for the hobby, but it quickly turned into an obsession that I spent every free moment on. I built the first half of the project mostly solo, it wan’t until finishing the fuselage that I found a building partner. The empennage […] Read More

Jeff writes in: My RV-12iS took to the skies on my birthday after 3 years and 11 months after the first kit arrived. The AC flew great with only a few minor issues. The stall warning was initially set too high and that was a little distracting. After a few flights that is getting dialed […] Read More

Congratulations to Chris on the completion of his third RV: VH-BEL , what a delight to fly. Much quicker construction than the RV-6 and RV-10 that my wife Susie and I have built before. My 16 year old, Darcy, gave me a hand with construction and once I learned to put him on the gun […] Read More

Congratulations to Mike and Pete! They write: After 28 structured build weeks (M-F) in over a little more than two years, we flew for the first time on April 28th. In the past six months 1418F has been to both coasts and accumulated over 160 immensly pleasurable flight hours. A huge shout out to the […] Read More

Congratulations to John on his first flight! He writes: Flies like a rocket! Very responsive with no bad habits; great visibility. Thanks to my wife (Laura) and son (Kevin {A&P}), Ron Rasmuson (A&P/IA, RV-6A builder), Al Hathy (A&P/IA, Globe Swift restorer), Marlin Sander (RV-7A builder), Lance Seaman (RV-8A builder), Woody Hopler (F15 and RV-7 driver) […] Read More

Congratulations to Adam on the first flight of his beautiful RV-7! He writes: While building I would look at this first flight page and wonder how anyone could wait an extra minute to post their first flight. Here I am one year later and only posting mine now. A testament to how much fun it […] Read More

Scott writes: Despite the nerves the first flight was uneventful and it was an absolute joy to cruise smoothly through the air in this beautiful little machine. Thanks to Grace, William, Sydney and Elizabeth for their patience (C-GWSE).

Alexander wrote in to let us know about the first flight of his RV-14A: 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 […] Read More

Congratulations to Max and Elaine on their new RV-7A! Max writes: Wheels up was almost exactly on schedule at 10:30am this morning, Saturday November 20 2021. What a wonderful experience! Gently apply power, the airplane started to accelerate. Then nearing full power the airplane jumped forward. At 50 kts slight back pressure, the nose came up […] Read More

Congratulations to Robert who wrote in to let us know about the first flight of his RV-7: I started the slow build kit six and a half years ago and my test pilot flew CL for the first time in June this year. No tweaks were necessary and she flew straight and level right out […] Read More

Congratulations to George on the new RV-7! He writes: Paul Dye was the test pilot and flew two flights with time in between for cowl removal and inspection. No major squawks. I’ll fly as soon as I finish some transition training.

Congratulations to Josh and Paul, who recently wrote in to let us know that they completed their RV: After a six-year build, my son, Josh, and I completed our RV-12, N623RV! She flies beautifully and is a great well-balanced plane! I definitely still have that RV grin every time I fly in her!

Congratulations to Lennard and Jay on their first flight of their RV! While a first flight is always a momentous occasion, this RV-7A also happens to be the 11,000th flying RV and the 1885th RV-7/7A to be completed and flown. They wrote to tell us: “First flight couldn’t have gone better! Aircraft flew hands off. […] Read More

Congratulations to Doug and Sue! The first flight went absolutely amazing! Good solid ride. Very responsive and handled fantastic! Looking forward to lots of adventures.

Carl wrote in to let us know about the first flight of his RV-14A: When I gave it full power, I yelled “Wow”. The Io390-EXP 119 engine really makes a difference. Aircraft flew perfectly, stable and true! It was a cool day and the temps all remained excellent since I am currently flying my RV14, […] Read More

Congratulations Whitney! My first RV build but definitely not my last. Had a perfect flight with my father, #1 helper and supporter, watching alongside my wife and friends. The grin is real!

Congratulations to the Leth family on their new RV-12! Two words explain our first flight after a couple of years building the family plane with my daughter and son – RV GRIN! “It’s a great day when you fly the plane you built!” -Tony Leth