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FIrst FLights

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First Flight Reports

Tom Dubrouillet | Rock HIll, SC RV-8 #83563

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

Alan Lancello’s RV-14! | Keller, Texas RV-14 #140352

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

Peter Lukasczyk’s New RV-8 | Germany RV-8 #82972

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

Gary Obee’s New RV-9A | Lambertville, Michigan RV-9A #92098

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

Kevern Brown’s New RV-8 | Pretoria, South Africa RV-8 #83275

Congrats to Kevern in South Africa, who just completed and flew his new RV-8! After completion of my 2nd RV, 2 RV-7’s, I decided to build the RV-8 standard kit that I had stored under my bench. Flight was supposed to happen in November 2019 however paperwork delays and the onset of Covid put paid […] Read More

Jim McChesney’s RV-7A – with video! | TUCSON, AZ RV-7A #71572

Congratulation to Jim on his new RV-7A first flight! Well it finally happened. First flight of my RV project. Superior Air Parts XP O-360 Sensenich Fixed Pitch Metal prop GRT EFIS, EIS and Autopilot Very Basic VFR panel with ICOM ICA210 and King KT-76A James Aircraft Cowl, Plenum and Induction system Took delivery of the […] Read More

Ronald Niehoff’s RV-9A | Oldenzaal, The Netherlands RV-9A #92233

Congrats to Ron, who writes to tell us: On Friday 3 July 2020 the RV-9A PH-NIR had her first flight on Twente Airport in The Netherlands. Together with family and friends I had the most impressive and emotional flight ever. The first flight, together with instructor Rob Groothuis went without any issue. I started building […] Read More

Mike Kingery’s New RV-7 | Clayton, GA RV-7 #70508

Congrats to Mike on his new RV-7. He writes into tell us all: After 20 years (with long periods taken up by care for aging parents), N14VF “broke the surly bonds” today. Can’t describe my elation at having ABSOLUTELY NOTHING TO COMPLAIN ABOUT!!! It has been a long and frustrating ride, but today it all […] Read More

Karsten Lorenz’ RV-6 Flies! | South Germany RV-6 #25632

Congratulations to Karsten! He writes: In 2008 I made a demo flight with Ken Scott in your RV-7A factory demonstrator. From then, I worked for the goal to own such an outstanding airplane. Then, in 2011, I found this RV-6 at Barnstormers.com, bought the starter kit from South Carolina, and shipped it to Germany. Now, […] Read More

Tim Huneycutt’s Beautiful New RV-10 | Lincolnton, NC RV-10 #145

Congrats to Tim on his new RV-10, which first flew in November but just came out of the paint shop – and wow is it amazing looking! Tim writes: Our RV-10, affectionately named “Tess” slipped the surly bonds of earth for the first time on November 15th, 2019. The build took almost seven years with […] Read More

Randy Bornhorst’s RV-14A | Rochester, MN RV-14A #140532

Congratulations to Randy, who started building his RV-14A in August, 2018 and which first flew on Sunday, June 28th! He writes: Great experience with the first flight. Second build experience, RV-8 was first. The Van’s office staff are great to work with. Looking forward to traveling in the plane soon.

Paul Sueck’s RV-7 | Germany RV-7 #73974

Paul Sueck from Germany writes to tell us belatedly that his RV-7 flew for the first time in April 2013. Since then he has put 450 hours on it! Late, but I think not too late. It’s a beautiful plane. Flies great. The kit is well thought out. Meanwhile, it has 450 hours on the […] Read More

Dave Gidzinski’s RV-6 First Flight! | Cedarville, NJ RV-6 #21270

Congrats to Dave on the recent completion and first flight of his RV-6. He writes to tell us: A very slow build. Never a priority project. It sat dormant twice, once for over 3 years. Several projects, Pitts, J-3, second house and two bouts of unemployment. First flight from my own private airstrip in NJ. […] Read More