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FIrst FLights

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First Flight Reports

Scott Burke’s RV-12iS | Kalispell, MT RV-12iS #121337

Congratulations to Scott on the completion of his RV-12iS! Got our airworthiness certificate on 6/21/23 and got a perfect day on 6/23/23 to take flight for the first time. Everything went great and flew exactly as expected – fantastic. Thanks to Van’s for a great kit, excellent instructions, and fantastic support!

Bob and Ben Gilbert’s RV-10 | Omaha, NE RV-10 #41934

Congratulations to Bob and Ben on their new RV-10! They write: After 4 1/2 years building, it’s difficult to describe the feeling when the wheels leave the ground for the first time. One giant puckering smile is all we could muster. Flight went as planned, orbit over the field, watch the engine temps, bring it […] Read More

Ben Barron’s RV-14A | Fall City, Washington RV-14A #141054

Congratulations to Ben on his new RV-14A! He writes: Thanks to the help of Darin, Harry, Randy, Jeff, Renato, Dave, Dynon, Van’s and my best friend and wife of 37 years Kathy N632KB was built in 20 months. The plane is absolutely amazing. It is a big step up from my first (and only) other […] Read More

Ken Lightsey’s RV-10 | Corsicana, Texas RV-10 #41399

Congratulations to Ken on his new RV-10! He writes: One month shy of five years in the making, I was able to complete the construction of my RV-10 and accomplish the first flight. It lifted off the runway easily and flew perfectly straight. The controls were very light and responsive. As I orbited above the […] Read More

Peter L. Barrett’s RV-8 | Westminster, Maryland RV-8 #82892

Congratulations to Peter on the first flight of his RV-8! He writes: First flight of my RV-8 Fastback, N22UP, took place on the evening of June 13, 2023 at Carroll County Regional Airport (KDMW) in Westminster, Maryland. N22UP is powered by a Lycoming IO-360 A3B6D 200HP Angle Valve engine behind a Whirl Wind 74 HRT […] Read More

Paul E Bell’s New RV-9 | Granbury, Texas RV-9 #92293

Congrats to Paul, who writes to tell us: “First flight was 1 Jun 2023 @ 8am. Smooth as silk! Flies straight and true. Many fellow pilots, builders, and family were on hand for its inaugural flight. Thank you to my tech counselor and friend Kevin Ross for his support. Also thanks to my wife Phyllis […] Read More

Jeffrey Turner’s RV-14 | New Richmond, WI RV-14 #140546

Congrats to Jeffrey, who writes: I am happy to announce that the first flight of my RV-14 went very well. She rotated earlier than I expected and flew hands off, with only a couple of minor squawks. A big thank you to my family and friends who helped and supported me with this build. Especially […] Read More

Don Eisele’s RV-14 | N57 Pennsylvania RV-14 #140329

Congrats to Don, who writes: First flight was flown by my good friend and fellow builder, Matt S. It was a beautiful, clear October day, and N1477M leapt into the air authoritatively! The airplane performed flawlessly for the approximately one hour duration. The only squawk was a minor oil leak found after removing the cowling.. […] Read More

Benjamin Bott’s RV-14A | Bulverde TX RV-14A #140794

Congrats to Benjamin, who writes: First flight was on my Birthday. I have to say what a Birthday to remember! The aircraft flew in trim with no issues. My wife and I started on the fourth of July in 2020. She was with me every step of the way and I couldn’t have done it […] Read More

Bernhard Hartmann’s RV-14 | 48361 Beelen, Germany RV-14 #140772

Congrats to Bernhard, who writes: First flight was made at EDAC (Leipzig-Altenburg) . After postponing first flight due to weather condition, finally on morning of May 12th conditions were good. First flight was carried out by Rudolph Hankers, a very experienced test flight pilot. All major functions except of avioncs details were tested and worked […] Read More

Michael H Zimmering’s RV-14 | Emmett, Idaho RV-14 #140350

Congrats to Michael, who writes: I spent the last three months of my project at Bend Builder’s Assist, located on the KBDN airport, with Mike Robertson and his crew of extremely helpful and capable personnel. Aircraft certification occurred in mid March but due to bad weather I had to wait until the next month for […] Read More