FIrst FLights

Joseph sends in this awesome video to report the first flight of his RV-9A! Congrats!

Congrats to the Ibarra’s, who sent this report about the first flight of their RV-12: We are so anxious about behavior of plane. Was all of our work ok ???? On 08/21/2020, weather was great, only a little crosswind from north, but, was at this time or never. No more excuses. Only a little taxi […] Read More

Congratulations to Kay, who sent this RV-7 first-flight report! Started 11 years ago, but with a 7 year break in between. That makes 4 years, which isn’t to bad. She has an io-375 spinning an Hartzell CS. Dynon Skyview with a lot of steam gauges. 1095 lbs, CG is perfect. First 20 minutes flight was […] Read More

Congrats to Walter, who writes in to report: After a six year build the RV-8A was ready with a fresh pink slip from Mel Asberry. The pilot was made ready after several hours with Mike Seager in the factory RV-9A. The takeoff roll seemed very short as the IO-390 and 74 HRT prop decidedly pulled […] Read More

Dave and Jeff write in to tell us: N109DJ (for Dave and Jeff) flew great in the early morning hours of Tuesday, August 18. Both now have the RV grin. Thanks to Bob and Keith ( both built RV-8s) for their help and expertise. Congrats!!

Congratulations to Brian, who writes to tell us about the first flight of his RV-7: After nine years of building, I was just a little anxious as I taxied out on a beautiful calm clear morning. Once I added power for takeoff though, I was laser focused on the task at hand. Thanks to a […] Read More

Doug should be proud, and so are we, after the first flight of his new RV-7! He writes: Like many of you…I always wanted to build an airplane. After much research and a trip to the mothership for a tour and demo flight, I was sold on the RV-7. My wife agreed to give up […] Read More

Congrats to Mickey in Switzerland, who writes to inform us: I’m delighted to announce that my RV-8 is now flying! So many people to thank – Emmett, Sosthene, Heinz, Karl, Georg, Dan, Marcel, Anne, Claudio, Michel, Eric, Jon, Thierry, Chris, Emad, Vincent, Olivier, Catherine, all the amazing people at Doug Reeves’ VAF, and probably a […] Read More

Congratulations to Craig on the first flight of his RV-10! He writes to say: “Outstanding experience from opening the first crate to rotating on the maiden flight. I really haven’t stopped grinning throughout. First flight was incredible. She flew straight and climbed like a champ. Looking forward to years of fantastic flying.”

Congrats to John, who writes to tell us about the first flight of his RV-7 in Australia: “Successful first flight 15 May 2020, Phase 1 testing completed 14 July 2020 with no defects encountered. Aircraft very pleasant to fly with no trim issues. Phase 2 certificate of airworthiness now issued for unrestricted flight.”

Congratulations to Tom, who sends us a belated first-flight report on his RV-8! RV-8 N563RV had its first flight on 1/9/19 after 2 years and 9 months of building and painting. I used standard wing and tail kits with a QB fuselage kit. She’s equipped with Lycoming IO360 and Hartzell CS Prop, and a Garmin […] Read More

Congratulations to Jeroen, who writes to tell us about the first flight of his RV-12iS: First flight in February. All went well and no surprises. I enjoyed building the RV-12iS together with the kids. High up in our fourth-floor apartment in the middle of Amsterdam. I am very grateful for all the help I got […] Read More

Congratulation Alan! Nice looking airplane, and we especially love the tail! 😉 He writes to tell us about his RV-14’s first flight, which happened a little while back: 2 yr 6mo build, just an amazing Aircraft! Right out of the gate with no significant issues. Just finished the 1st condition inspection and again no issues […] Read More

Congratulations to Paul on his new RV-8! He writes: It finally happened!! After almost 11 years, a wedding, a child and 3 relocations my project became a real aircraft. I had the urge to do this since my visit to Oshkosh in 1998. Building your own aircraft puts you through all states of emotions which […] Read More

Congratulations to Gary, who writes to share his new RV-9A story: Started building N316PG in my basement, 2012. My two brothers Dave and Charlie helped buck rivets, apply fuel tank sealant and whatever else I needed help with. My good friend Mike Whitescarver (an RV-8A builder) was a great source of help and encouragement during […] Read More

Congrats to Steve, who writes in to tell us that after 26 years, his RV-6 has finally taken to the skies: After 200 hours and 20+ years with my plans-built RV-3, I’m amazed at the differences between the 2 birds. Now I can actually scratch the back of my neck!! 3 Blade MT prop with […] Read More

A huge congrats to Pete, who writes in to tell us: First flight went very well, plane flew straight and true and engine ran well, add another big RV Grin to the collection. What an awesome plane to fly.

Paul writes to tell us all about the first flight of the world’s newest RV-7A! Congrats to him and Ron! Finally! At last! The project I started 19 years ago has flown. It was a long time in the making, but was enjoyable all the way. You know the saying “Life is what happens while […] Read More

David and Jimmy kept it short and sweet for their first-flight report: “Uneventful. Performed as anticipated.” Congrats guys!

Congratulations to Ted Chang on the first flight of his newly-completed RV10, serial number 2000! RV-10 kit 2000, N156TC took to the sky on July 23, 2020. Craig Cousins (a RV-14 builder) and Mike Kubes flew chase in a Bonanza. The flight went well and with no squawks. We received our tail kit on Feb […] Read More