Randall & Craig Grubbs RV-10 | Heber Springs Arkansas RV-10 #40791

Randall and Craig Grubbs just celebrated the first flight of their RV-10. Here’s what they say:

My first flight was amazing. My additional pilot Bobby Gilliam, a CFI (and also adorned with multiple ratings and experience) casually said “kick this thing and let’s go.” The dual-electronic Barrett IO-540 with an MT three-blade prop roared to life with authority and utter smoothness. Quickly off and climbing, the leap into the sky was breathtaking.

Honestly, everyone on the ground cried when we lifted off. It’s been a long awaited labor of blood, sweat, tears, and love. The build, pretty much one night a week for Craig and myself, took some serious time and effort as it was a slow-build kit. With several long breaks and gaps in the building process, (life happens, too) we pressed on as we could.

So after 14 years, in 2023, she went in pieces to the paint shop (Rose/Wood completions) Mena, Arkansas. Final assembly occurred at Heber Springs, Arkansas (KHBZ). The paint is world class. Thank you to so many innovators for helping my dream come to life. Van’s, Garmin, Astronics, SteinAir, Fliteline interiors, Barrett performance, Vertical power, M/T propeller, FlyEfii, Airflow performance, and many others whose products are awesome. To the Van’s Air Force community and builders assistance, much thanks. EAA Chapter 165, North Little Rock, which is where I met Bobby. Kudos to my son Daron’s moving company and CC towing and their rollback who transported everything to the paint shop and back. Much gratitude to my brother Craig, who helped me continually through the build. We have great times together. He cried the most watching me lift off. Most gratitude to my wife and her belief in me. I adorably refer to her as my NAG-A-VATOR… She loves to fly.

We flew about 35 minutes evaluating each movement, sound, and instrument. Then settling in to enjoyment, and slowly relaxing. Bobby remarked several times about how smooth it flies. My first time to fly a stick went well, and takeoff and landing were phenomenal. I’m giving credit to the plane, not myself. She (Escarlita, as we call her) is very fast, responsive, and smooth. She trims out perfectly and flies straight. Soooo happy. Can’t wait to see the capabilities. Thanks Van’s!