FIrst FLights

Congrats to Fabio on his new RV-7! He writes: I started to build it in 2019 and I finished it in 2024, after about 2000 hours, this is the second aircraft I built.

Congratulations to Steve on his new RV-12iS, he writes: After 6.5 years and ~2000 hours of build time, my RV-12iS took to the skies for the first time on May 1, 2025 (May Day!) from Paine Field in Everett, WA. The airplane flew flawlessly and handled beautifully, with zero issues or surprises. I couldn’t be […] Read More

Congratulations to Ken on his new RV-8! He writes: After 21 years 3 months and 29 days my ironically named quickbuild RV-8 took to the air. She flew straight and true. Great delight after extreme perseverance.

Congrats to the Dornberger’s on their RV-9A! My Dad started this project after working for United Airlines and Boeing, and flying from young age of 16. A supportive family finished the finishing touches and I thoroughly enjoy the smooth flying of the RV-9A.

John recently completed and flew his RV-14A for the first time! He writes: After 4 years and 2,800 hours of build time, N9314A took to the skies over Southern Maryland. The aircraft flew straight with no aileron or elevator trim required! Thanks to Joe “Zack” Czachorowski’s excellent transition training, I was well prepared for any […] Read More

Cheers to Tom on the completion and first flight of his RV-10! He reports: Announcing the first flight of my RV-10 project, Plans # 41819! I’m now halfway through Phase I flight testing, and highly pleased. Performance numbers so far: -Empty weight WITH paint and interior: 1615 pounds (dual Plasma III ignitions, dual Horizon 10.1 […] Read More

Congratulations to Steve on completing his first flight with his RV-8. He shares: My RV-8 received its Experimental Air Worthiness Certification March 20, 2025 after four years of building. Like any project of this scope and length there were many ups and downs, but with the help of family and friends the first flight took […] Read More

Congrats to Brad on his new RV-14A! He writes: My five year build culminated in a fantastic first flight on the morning of March 25, 2025. Even though I had looked at every nut, bolt, fitting and basically every centimeter of my beautiful beast at least 1000 times; I was still a bundle of nerves […] Read More

Congratulations to Wes! He writes: I made my first flight in my RV7A (74722) on the 20th of March. It flew flawlessly. I couldn’t get the grin off my face for several hours. Thanks to family and friends for their support and a big Thanks to Van’s builder support for their help throughout the last […] Read More

Congratulations to Randolf on his new RV-10! He writes: 12 years, and 5100 hrs build time logged. A very special thank you to the Van’s team and all of its affiliates. First flight went uneventfully and lasted 2.1hrs.

Great work, Robert. We’re excited to see his first flight in his RV-7. He shares: After 10 years of building my SB RV-7 kit, there were no more bits to assemble, and ground checks were all complete. I have been flying a 1946 Cessna 140, so have some tail dragger experience, but the RV is […] Read More

Congratulations to Jaron on his new RV-8! He writes: I fly helicopters for the USAF, so finding time to balance the build, work, and family life has been challenging over the last five years. I started building after the start of COVID-19 in March 2020. After three assignments, two deployments, and countless TDYs, I finally […] Read More

Congrats to Alan on the first flight of his RV-8: On a cold (-9C) winter day after 2 yrs 9 months of building RV-8 SN-81792 finally took to the air. She flew as you expect an RV to fly, smooth and responsive. Great performance from the Whirlwind 3 blade composite prop….really stuffs you back in […] Read More

Congratulations James! Thanks for sharing your first flight story: First flight in snowy and cold Montana. Performance was outstanding and the plane trimmed very nicely. Quite a sense of accomplishment having putting it together piece by piece. A wonderful education. I want to thank my supportive wife Lisa, the Van’s staff that have kept the […] Read More

Congrats Dale! He writes: The first flight of N741WS took place on October 15, 2024. Lou Landucci did the honors of the first flight at Fairweather Field (TX42). All went well. Under the “Additional Pilot Program”, Lou has also acted as the Qualified Pilot and Dale Smith has flown as the Builder Pilot to accompany […] Read More

Ken and Sherry wrote in to let us know about the first flight of their RV-12iS! See their report: After roughly five years of building in our spare time, N190KS received her airworthiness certificate on November 12th, 2024. We were beyond thrilled, and at the first good weather window, Ken did the first taxi testing […] Read More

Congrats to David on his new RV-7! He writes: After a 5 year build effort, N961VJ completed its first flight. She flew straight, no heavy wing, and CHT’s in the 350’s. Couldn’t have done it without expert advice from Tom Berge, Everette Williston, Mike Kerzie, Bob Fouts, and the Guys at Van’s (Kevin, Tony, Sterling, […] Read More

Congratulations to William on the new RV-7! He writes: I’m very happy to get my RV-7 in the air! It flew great with no issues.

Congratulations Matthew! Everything went as planned on the first flight. The 20-minute flight was uneventful and the plane flies great!

Congratulations to Frank on his new RV-14A! He writes: On the 121st anniversary of the Wright Brothers first flight, our RV-14A took its first flight. We took off in light winds for its first hour of flying and to begin engine break-in and flight test. Really no serious squawks were uncovered and sure is a […] Read More