Congrats to Tal on the first flight of an amazing RV-10! What an awesome day! My first flight was OUTSTANDING! I can’t begin to tell you how happy I am to have completed the biggest building project of my life! I’ve had the dream of building my own airplane since I was interested in flying. […] Read More
We’re starting to see newly flying RV-12iS airplanes in first flight reports! Joel writes to tell about his: “RV-12iS N319JL took the air today for the first time. Beautiful climb performance at 5500 ft density altitude. No squawks other than the need for a little rudder trim. Love the smooth-running Rotax 912iS.”
Congrats to Scott on the first flight of his new RV-7A! Scott has built a few RVs previously (RV-9A in 2007, RV-12 in 2015 and now an RV-7A), and wrote in to tell us about his newest: “I previously built several RVs with my last build a RV-12 E-LSA. I finished this plane with dual […] Read More
Congrats to Ralph, who writes to tell us: “First flight was a real thrill after working off and on for 16 years. The airplane leaps off the ground and is fun and easy to fly. I have been looking forward to this day and it finally happened. And yes, the tail number, N1976 is very […] Read More
Michael writes us about his first flight in his RV-8, which happened in December, 2018: I love this airplane! She flies straight and true. The controls are perfectly harmonized and the performance is spectacular! I have dual Advanced Flight Systems EFIS, remote NAV, remote transponder, remote audio panel and ADS-B in/out. Congrats!!
Congrats to Scott! He writes to tell us: 6-19-2019 4:30 EST Jenison MI. Riverview airport (08C). N518SD RV-9A sliding canopy took to the sky for the first time. N518SD is powered by a Lycoming 0-320 D3G 160 hp with E-mags, and 3 blade Catto prop. Installed GRT HXR 10″ touch screen, EIS and Garmin com. […] Read More
Steve writes us to tell about his newly-flying RV-9A. Congratulations, Steve! I am living proof that 70 is not too old to have a first flight. My flying skills were rusty, so I took advantage of the Additional Pilot Program. After a few hours of dual instruction, I now feel comfortable as PIC. The airplane […] Read More
Chandler wrote to describe the first flight of his RV-14A in April! What he doesn’t mention (so we will!) is that he’s since started working at Van’s Aircraft in our Aircraft Assembly Division. We’re happy he’s here! Great looking airplane, Chandler – Congrats! “It was a beautiful Friday morning and I had come in on […] Read More
Michael writes in with this first-flight report from the weekend: “My RV-9A flew for the first time on June 15, 2019. The flight lasted 1.5 hours and there were no squawks.” Congrats!
Adam writes in to tell us of the first flight of the RV-7 he and his brother built! Congratulations! After 15 years, N631AK had its first flight today! I started the project in 2004 and built the empennage, but didn’t get serious until my brother Kyle joined the project in 2012. He flies an F-15C […] Read More
Congratulations to Brendon on the first flight of his RV-10! He writes in to say: “A flawless first flight from KPTK after a more than 7 year build! I learned a great deal building this plane and am now enjoying the incredible performance. I am impressed with the RV-10, it is everything I had hoped […] Read More
William writes in to describe the first flight of his RV-8! Congrats!! “0.7 hrs orbiting the airport. Plane tracked straight on the runway and flew beautifully under the control of my friend and high time RV-8 pilot Jerry Hajek. 2.3 hrs on the second flight, hope to get in 2.0 today, then change the oil […] Read More
Richard writes in to tell us about his new RV-14 first flight! “Two years start to finish (all slow build). Thanks to the support from all the professionals at Synergy Air in Eugene and my brother Randy for making the dream a reality. Options include a Thunderbolt IO-390, Hartzell composite prop and dual Skyview HDX […] Read More
Mike Collins writes in to tell us about his RV-7’s maiden flight! “Hurricane Amy” made her first flight 10-27-2018. The hardest part was wiping the RV grin off my face when I landed! I can’t thank Van’s enough for such a great kit and support. Options include 3-blade MT prop, Aerosport IO-375 with EFII System […] Read More
Charles and Peter write in: “Awesome to watch our project undergo metamorphosis into a real airplane! Jerry VanGrunsven was kind enough to do the first flight and it was almost magical watching the project change into a real flying machine as it left the ground for the first time.” Congrats!
Mike Allardyce writes in regarding the first flight of his new RV-14A: “First flight on 5/11 after a 25 month build. I took a 2 month vacation during that time to have my right knee replaced, so the kit goes together quickly. This is my 4th build, and 3rd RV, and this kit is by […] Read More
David writes: “First flight on 5/16/19 after 4 1/2 years! Initial climb 2074 ft/min, cruise at 80% power at 2000 ft about 175 kts. Who could ask for more?” Congrats, David!
Henry sends us this account of the first flight of his RV-14A! “After a four and a half year journey N144VT took flight from Aiken Regional Airport for the first time. No real issues noted. Thanks to my wife Sue and Mark Dupont (N435MD) for the support. Ready to get back in and go some […] Read More
Les sends word of his first flight! Congrats! RV-10 C-GROK took flight today (April 29th) after a 2-year, 1-month build. C-GROK has an Aerosport IO-540 engine with 9:1 pistons and Barret Cold Air Induction. SDSEFI.COM provided the Electronic Fuel Injection and Electronic Injection. Stein built an all Garmin panel (dual G3X / G5 backup / […] Read More
Carlos writes to tell us about the first flight of his RV-10! It is worth repeating the exhilarating feeling of getting in the air after five and a half years of building our RV-10. Apprehension? Yes, I know I got the cotter pins in the right place, tightened all that needed tightened and so on. […] Read More
