First Flights – page1

I received an E-mail today that a (local to us) builder had completed his RV-9A and had made his first flight. It was, as they say, pretty much textbook as far as the results, but a huge day for Barry. His son Chris, who is studying video journalism at WWU, just happened to be there with video cam in hand to document the event. The young man should have a bright future in this field... Congrats Barry! Enjoy! Joe

Subject:     First Flight of N624BT
From:         Barry
Date sent:  Sun, 16 Jun 2013
To:            Joe at Van's Aircraft

Joe,

I had my first flight yesterday in my RV-9A. Everything went perfect. Thanks for all your help. My son also put a video together highlighting the days activities. Enjoy.

http://vimeo.com/68499343

RV-9A
N624BT
Engine: Aero Sports Power
Prop: Fixed pitch Sensenich
Paint: Did it myself in my shop, Stewart Systems
Panel: Advanced Flight Systems 5600 for pilot, 3400 for copilot, Tru Trac AP
Interior: Classic Aero

         Barry Jespersen
         [ bjespersen at comcast.net ]

From: Håkan Langebro
To: webmaster@vansaircraft.com
Subject: First flight N456HL
Date sent: Mon, 17 Jun 2013

RV-7A N456HL first flight 6-11-13!!

Dual Dynon skyviews, 2 axis autopilot, Garmin 240 audiopanel, Garmin SL30 NAV/COM, ICOM 210 COM, GARMIN GTX 327 Transponder. Cowl flap and James short cowl.

Lycoming O-320 D3G 160hp, Whirlwind GA200L ground adjustable prop.

         http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AJuQ68tccTQ

         Hakan Langebro
         #72282
         Simi Valley,CA
         [ hlangebro at hotmail.com ]

Subject: First flight
From: Alfred Dube
Date sent: Sun, 16 Jun 2013
To: webmaster@vansaircraft.com

RV-7A N762AD ser 72846 flew for the first time July 2012 all is good, great aircraft!!

Fred Dube
[ fred_flies at comcast.net ]

From: Tom VanderHeyden
To: webmaster@vansaircraft.com
Subject: First flight
Date sent: Fri, 14 Jun 2013

RV-7 Ser #73555, N497TV
First Flight Oct 14, 2012
Engine YIO-360-M1B
Dynon Skyview 10”, Dynon D6, Garmin 530W

         Tom VanderHeyden
         Naples, FL
         [ tvheyden at gmail.com ]

Date sent: Thu, 6 Jun 2013
From: Alan & Wendy Wieder
Subject: N984AW First Flight
To: webmaster@vansaircraft.com

What began taking shape in Dayton, OH nearly 7 years ago, weathered a 2-year hiatus while I was stationed overseas has finally come to completion after 2,692 manhours. N984AW (9A for Alan Wieder) took to the skies 2 May 2013 and I've been smiling ever since.

It is powered by a Mattituck TMX IO-320 and Sensenich FP. Panel has a Dynon 7" Skyview, Transponder, GPS, Autopilot and Engine monitoring system, ICOM A210, and PM3000 intercom.

Heartfelt thanks to my wife, Wendy, and daughter, Kaitlin, for their support, understanding, and shooting the skin rivets I couldn't reach solo. Also, thanks to my Tech Counselor/Flight Advisor/first flight Test Pilot, Gary Ludeke, and John Stahr of Artistic Aviation.

Lastly, thanks to Van and all his folks for a great airplane and great support.

                                

         Alan Wieder
         Eugene, Oregon
         [ wiederaj at yahoo.com ]

From: David Roseblade
Date sent: Tue, 04 Jun 2013
Subject: Builder 25735 (RV-6A) First Flight
To: webmaster@vansaircraft.com

Gents,

After many years (12+) of building - G-OMDB flew today for the first time. My special thanks to my Wife Stephanie, my Inspector Bob Boyt and the Test Pilot Andy Hill.

The aircraft is a standard "Slow build Aircraft" fitted with a Superior O-360 engine, Sensenich metal Propellor and Classic Cockpit Instruments.

It began it's life in Dubai (United Arab Emirates) then completed in France and is now in England - A truly International Aircraft...

Also, thanks for the support of the Van's Engineering team! 

          Onwards and Upwards!
          David Roseblade
          [ davidroseblade at me.com ]

From: Dan Harstine
To: webmaster@vansaircraft.com
Subject: N481RV First Flight complete
Date sent: Mon, 3 Jun 2013

Roll up the Hobbs. Another Vans aircraft takes flight. N481RV left the surly bonds of earth on March 17th, 2013. Flies like an RV, light and nimble. Awesome view. Pilot friends say it flies like a little sports car. Congrats to Vans on a wonderful product. Easy to build and a loads of fun to fly. Excellent support from Vans during the build process and all the friends at VAF. Dynon…. Not so much. Dynon could use some improvement of their bedside manner. We are looking forward to building the RV-14 as soon as we have the green light from the spouses. Meanwhile, we will have a blast boring holes in the sky.

          Dan Harstine
          [ dan at 4warsawhomes.com ]

From: Tom Roberts
To: webmaster@vansaircraft.com
Subject: First Flight
Date sent: Sat, 1 Jun 2013

After six and a half years of building, at 1730, May 29, 2013, RV-4, N88TU became an airplane. Kit number 2956 had two previous owners and was moved twice before landing in our hangar. It was close to becoming beer cans. It required some rebuilding and a lot of new building. Nearly everything had to be fabricated and invented. It was a bit more challenging to build than our RV-7A was. It is powered by a 160 hp O-320 with a Senseniche, ground adjustable, carbon prop. It has one conventional mag and an E-Mag firing the plugs, and a four-pipe Vetterman exhaust giving it a distinctive sound . The panel is a single seven inch Dynon Skyview with an SL40 radio, and a Garmin 496 as backup. The Skyview incorporates the flight instruments, GPS, mode S transponder, engine monitor, dual axis autopilot and soon, ADSB traffic and weather. The seats are Oregon Aero with Hooker harnesses.

Tango Uniform weighed 987 pounds in primer and flew straight with no heavy wing. The kit was purchased by the first owner in 1992. It is so happy to be alive.

Tommy Turner, the guy in the middle of the photo, did the first flight. My brother, Don did the second. That’s him taxiing with the big grin.

                                

          Don and Tom Roberts
          Peachtree City, GA and Columbia, SC respectively
          RV-4, S/N 2956, N88TU
          RV-7A, S/N 70489, N5088N
          [skiandtom at sc.rr.com ]

From: Bob Buckley
To: webmaster@vansaircraft.com
Subject: First Flight of N313CZ ... rather belated announcement
Date sent: Fri, 31 May 2013

RV-7 - Serial #71122 - 'Cruz Blue' - N313CZ
First flight was conducted way back on the morning of July 19, 2009 @ KFLY. (Meadowlake Airport, Peyton, CO - 20 mi NE of Colorado Springs). The plane flew perfectly but, the engine instruments ran hot as I screwed up the AFS setup. Regardless, huge RV Grin! Thanks to Loyd Remus who flew wing in his RV-4. This was a 7 year project that got stalled early on. However, it was completed within about a year upon resumption.

Tip up canopy
1019 lbs Empty Weight
Wing root/gear fairings by Fairings, Etc., Phoenix, AZ
Installed by Burrall & Shawn Sanders, Free Flight Composites, KFLY
Incredible Paint by Gene Kear, Kear Aircraft Refinishing, KFLY

Pumped up Lycoming O-360 by Joe Folchert, Aircraft Cylinders &
Engines, Greeley, CO. Whirlwind 200RV Constant Speed Prop with
Jihostroj governor Dual P-Mags

Panel by Bill von Dane . whereabouts unknown .
Advanced Flight Systems AF-3500
5 pt Sport Hooker Harnesses.
Upholstery Jean Jenkins, KFLY

Construction assistance by Loyd & Shaun Remus, RVBuilder, KFLY Maintenance by Jamie Treat, CO15 (Kelly Airpark, El Paso County, CO) All manner of Technical & Personal Support provided by Mr. Lee Wolford, KFLY.

What a great flying airplane . no better bang for the buck . and great looking, too! ;)

          RV-7 Cruz Blue '09
          Pitts S-1S Ol'e Blue '77
         [ BwanaBawb at Comcast.net ]

From: Christopher B. Rise
Subject: RV-7A N162CR 72053
Date sent: Thu, 30 May 2013

Vans,
I wanted to notify you that I have completed my RV-7A and have flown the aircraft. First flight was on 24 May 2013. Serial number 72053 ; N162CR

Chris
Fleming Island, FL
[ christopher.b.rise at cbp.dhs.gov ]

From: Victoria Leroux
Subject: First flight
Date sent: Tue, 28 May 2013
To: webmaster@vansaircraft.com

We began building RV-12, N899VL, s/n 120657 on May 5, 2012 and the first flight was on May 3, 2013.

The test pilot was my friend and dear husband, John Leroux. Also, my great thanks and appreciation to Dave Shaw, his help was invaluable to me. N899VL flies like an RV - light and fun!

                                
             Test pilot is John                                      Back to KCOD

          Thank you all,
          Vicky Leroux
          [ victoriaaleroux at gmail.com ]

From: Stephen McGirr
Subject: First flight of N1991M
Date sent: Tue, 21 May 2013
To: webmaster@vansaircraft.com

Hello and greetings to you all at Vans Aircraft,

I am very pleased to tell you that after 32 months of building, my son, (co-builder and co-conspirator, Doug) and I watched as Mike Seager took N1991M up into the cloudy grey Oregon skies for a first flight on Saturday, May 18, 2013.

The specs on the plane are:
Vans RV-7 (slider canopy style), 180 hp IO-360 Aerosport engine with one Slick and one Pmag, constant speed Hartzell prop, dual AFS 4500 EFIS in a panel expertly crafted at Aerotronics, Sportsman 2 side panels and leather seats by Classic Aero. Paint by John Stahr of Artistic Aviation.

Very fervent thanks go to Wally Anderson of Synergy Air, John Stahr of Artistic Aviation, Gary Wirrel and Jason Smith of Aerotronics, Rob Hickman at Advanced Flight Systems, Sue and Bart at Aerosport, and Luke D at Classic Aero. There are many others, of course, especially my wife Sue, who had full veto power over all color and interior finish choices.

          Steve McGirr
          Eugene, OR
          N1991M
          [ stevejmcgirr at gmail.com ]

Subject: First Flight
From: Ian Bell
Date sent: Tue, 21 May 2013
To: webmaster@vansaircraft.com

I am happy to report the first flight of my RV-8, serial No 82772, Registered VH-IBV. It flew straight and level and met all my expectations and more. It was a great kit to construct. Thank you Vans.

I must say a big thank you to Simon Pike of Temora N.S.W for all his help and
also to my wife for her support and patience during the 5 1/2 year build.
Engine - Y10-360 M1B
Prop - Hartzell constant speed blended aerofoil
Avionics- Dynon Skyview
Garmin GTR 225 com
Sigtronics intercom
Hooker 5 point Harnesses
Classic Aero Leather seats
Empty weight- 1084 lb

Regards ,
Ian Bell
Tumbarumba N.S.W. Australia
[ iangbell03 at gmail.com ]

From: Rob
To: webmaster@vansaircraft.com
Subject: ZU-FOL
Date sent: Mon, 20 May 2013

Dear Vans

At 08h30 on 18 May 2013 RV6 ZU-FOL took to the air from Stellenbosch Airfield near Cape Town South Africa.

Airplane particulars
SER No. 60247
Wt 1023 lbs
0320 160 HP
MGL Mini EFIS
Sensenich fixed pitch prop

         

         Kind regards
         Rob Oxley
         [ oxleyrob at iafrica.com ]

Date sent: Sat, 11 May 2013
Subject: RV-10 Maiden Flight
From: Lee Harvey [ hotwaste at gmail.com ]
To: webmaster@vansaircraft.com

Yesterday, 05/10/13, 5:04 p.m. N116GH took off on its maiden flight from EDCJ. The 7-years project ended up being an aircraft.

The first flight was a pleasure and turned out with on issues. All systems performed as expected. I enjoyed it much.

S/N 40424
Empty weight 1642 lbs
Lycoming IO-540 D4A5
AFS AF 3500 EFIS and EMS
Quick build

The paint scheme is stolen from Glenn Scherrer (Thanks Glenn).

I have to thank all peolpe in the US N/W who helped making this dream come true. Special Thanks go to John Cox and Mike Seager.

          Hans-Dieter Aue
          Germany

From: Michael Ashura
Subject: RV-6 First Flight
Date sent: Wed, 8 May 2013
To: webmaster@vansaircraft.com

RV-6 SN 60474 N647M flew for the first time today, May 8, 2013. All went well, #2 cylinder may need baffle trimmed. Left wing slightly heavy only trim discrepancy noted. 0-320 with Aymar- Demuth prop, Dynon Skyview operated superbly. Data logging shows beautiful circles around SEZ Sedona airport!

Thanks to my wife, Mary and daughter, Hope, for listening to all my airplane babble through the years. Also, a big thank you to Alex De Dominicis for the excellent transition training which made today possible --accident-free.

Mike Ashura
[ ashuramj at hotmail.com ]

From: Steve Elders
To: Gus Funnell @ Van's
Date sent: Wed, 8 May 2013
Subject: Vans RV-8 G-RVSR

Morning Gus,

Thought you should be the first to know in Vans that my RV-8 took to the skies on the May 6th and everything was fine. I have not flown it yet as I have a nominated test pilot but he tells me it's great!

I'll send some pictures later but please add me to the Hobbs meter.

Meanwhile thanks for all your help and everyone else at Vans. It' s been a great experience and when I saw the end result flying overhead. I suspect there was a Vans' smile from ear to ear!

Best regards,
Steve
[ steve.elders at greenray.co.uk ]

Date sent: Tue, 7 May 2013
From: Paul Dannebrock
To: webmaster@vansaircraft.com
Subject: First Flight RV-9A N884RV

The first flight of RV-9A, 90884, N884RV took place on May 4,2013 after 9 years of construction. Test pilot Dan Maloney said she flies wonderfully and is hands off in perfect trim at cruise speed.

This was a slow build kit with a 150hp Lycoming engine, Catto 2 blade prop, Grove wheels and brakes, Dynon-6A EFIS, EI engine instruments and Flightline Interior. Empty weight is 1058lbs.

Perseverance is definitely needed to complete a project of this magnitude and having a wife as supportive and understanding as mine, well, I couldn't be luckier. Thank you sweetheart!

To all my friends at the Royalton Airport I can now fly with you to breakfast as Dansville is in my test area.

Lastly, I want to say thanks to Van's Aircraft for the outstanding product and support they provide. These planes are truly remarkable.

          Paul Dannebrock
          Lockport NY
          [ dannebrock at roadrunner.com ]

From: Harry Hopkins
Subject: (Fwd) G-CHFG first flight!
Date sent: Fri, 3 May 2013

Another for your Hobbs.

Harry Hopkins
[ harry.hopkins at talktalk.net ]

----- Original Message -----
From: Alistair Stenhouse
Sent: Thursday, May 02, 2013
Subject: G-CHFG first flight!

RV-6 G-CHFG made it into the air (4 times) in the very capable hands of Will Greenwood. Don't know if this qualifies as the "slowest build" but it must be not far off! 12+ years!

Serious "RV grins" are in order tonight!

Alistair Stenhouse

Subject: First flight #72909
From: Loren Schreck
Date sent: Thu, 2 May 2013
To: webmaster@vansaircraft.com

On November 12, 2012, N374LK took to the skies with my brother, Smokey, flying chase and good friend and riveting buddy on aerial camera duty. Flight was uneventful with only a slightly heavy right wing to squawk.

Lycoming IO-360-A1A
WW200RV
Dynon Skyview
Garmin GNS430, SL40, 796
Classic Aero interior
GLO paint
Slow build

Can't thank Doug Reeves at VAF enough, what an amazing resource, tech support from my brother, Ron and Rich Jankowski. Thanks to Bill Hearne for his countless hours in the shop pounding rivets, to my supportive wife who continued to smile through the numerous Aircraft Spruce deliveries and to the good Lord. Looking forward to the adventures our new airplane is about to bring.

          Loren Schreck
          [ lschreck at consolidated.net ]

From: Brian Forsyth
To: webmaster@vansaircraft.com
Subject: first flight RV-9A C-GTZG
Date sent: Tue, 30 Apr 2013

Pete and Brian built another one (sister ship to C-GZMZ), first flight fall 2012. Differences on this one include a (KISS) glass panel, new O-320 with two blade Catto prop, steps for the aging aircrew, and we didn’t have to ask as many questions.

Biggest performance difference is the prop, improved takeoff and climb, same top speed, and you can slow this one down.

This all started in 2002, when we decided at SnF that an RV8 was too big a project, so we would ‘just’ do a 9. As Pete would say, it’s a slippery slope....

                                

          Peter Eisenbach [ wannafly at tbaytel.net ]
          Brian Forsyth [ eldorado at tbaytel.net ]
          Thunder Bay, ON, Canada
          RV-9A 90576 C-GZMZ 600+ hrs
          RV-9A 90200 C-GTZG 53hrs

From: Peter McCoy
Subject: N35PM First Flight RV-9A
Date sent: Sun, 28 Apr 2013
To: webmaster@vansaircraft.com

Dear Vans- After seven long years as an airplane project, N35PM took to the skies on April 27, 2013! Here is what I wrote in my Log Book.

1 landing. 1.3 hours on the Hobbs (includes taxi time)

First flight of my experimental Vans RV-9A. The day started with an early trip to airport. I left the house at 5 am, so I could be at the airport for the forecasted clear and calm morning. Once there, I installed my new iridium fine wire plugs. After speaking with Aero Sport Power and Precision Eagle we had determined these would help get my engine running smooth and strong! Went out to the runway and did four high speed taxi tests. Also took the plane over to the one hill on the cable airport ramp. With the plane pointing uphill on the ramp, I did another full throttle engine run up. I had done this before, but just wanted to be sure the engine had proper fuel flow in take off attitude. Back to the end of the runway and I did two Left & Right checks of the Eagle EMS. The checks showed both engine computers running great. One quick clearing turn to verify no one in the pattern...... a few thoughts of am I really ready..... and I took runway 24 for departure. Skies were clear, wind was calm, no one else in the pattern. Must be time to go. My friend Greg had come out to the side of the runway, with a radio and camera, to watch. I hadn't planned on Greg being there, but he knew I was ready to fly so he came to watch when he heard me calling out my runway taxi tests. With seven years of building now behind me, I took to the sky. Take off was normal. Engine running smooth. Climb, climb turn. I stayed over the top of the airport in a tight pattern for two circles. As the altitude increased to 3,500 agl, I started larger circles heading out towards the local mountains, North of the airport, before turning back over the runway. I was closely monitoring the engine and all was well. I flew for 35 minutes at full throttle and then very slowly did a power reduction to flap and landing speed to practice slow flight. The plane flies great. Fast (155k True Airspeed). Straight and true in trim. Just one word to describe it...... AMAZING!

Engine: Aero Sport Power (Lycoming Parts) IO-320-D2EMS
Electronic Ignition and Fuel Injection: Precision Eagle EMS
TruTrak EFIS & Full Auto Pilot
Garmin SL30, ICommA210 Radio's
PSEngineering PM9000EX Audio Panel
Garmin 330 Transponder with TIS
Garmin 696 Mounted in panel
Vans Builder # 91335
RV Grin!

Photos and additional comments and can be viewed at: www.myrv9.com

Peter McCoy
[ pmccoy at iCloud.com ]

From: Vernon Millard
Subject: First Flight Report
Date sent: Fri, 26 Apr 2013

Hi all just to let you know that with little effort G-DVMI took to the sky on the 29 March 13. A freezing cold day we managed just 30 mins but all was fine (slight right wing heavy and low fuel pressure indication which I know is the gauge). The weather broke last weekend with +20 degrees so a further 6 hours of air testing, job complete. To all, thank you once again regards Vernon/Tim/Tony.

Just thinking of what to build next?????

          Vernon Millard
          [ v.millard at btinternet.com ]

From: Jeff Trabold
To: webmaster@vansaircraft.com
Date sent: Fri, 26 Apr 2013
Subject: RV-6 #21684 First Flight - April 14, 2013

I started building in Septemberof 1991. After 22½ years and 2500 hours, RV-6 #21684 finally was airborne on April 14th2013. First flight was from the Toledo Express Airport (KTOL) in Swanton Ohio. The 6 now has 10 hours on the Hobbs.

I did my transition training in March with Jan Bussell in Okeechobee Florida so no real surprises on the first flight. Thanks for your patience Jan! My landings still aren’t that great but I haven’t bent anything.

The 6 has an Aero Sport Power O-320-D2A160 hp engine, Sensenich fixed pitch prop, and basic VFR instruments. I use a 7” Samsung Galaxy Tab (not shown) with a moving map app as a navigation system- works excellent.

Much thanks to my wife Connie who went along with this crazy scheme. I love you. She’s now an expert at driving rivets. The RV’s ‘N’number is 920JC. Nine-twenty is my wedding anniversary. I better never forget!

Also, much thanks to Van’s builder support.

         Jeff Trabold
         [ jtrabold2 at charter.net ]

From: Grant Haymore
To: webmaster@vansaircraft.com
Subject: RV-8 N862GH is flying
Date sent: Thu, 25 Apr 2013

Hello Fellow RVer's,

What better thing to do when you turn 50 years old, then finish your airplane and fly it. Well that day arrived for me on April 20th 2013, serial #81776 RV-8, became a REAL airplane.

The details. RV8 quickbuild (started 2002), New Lycoming IO-360 A1B6 200 HP, Hartzell constanst speed prop, Vans steam gauges, rear mounted battery. The only real change to plan was installing the throttle, prop and mixture control on the right hand side to satisfy my predominant left-handedness.

First flight went without a hitch. A testiment to following the build instructions and training. I gently and slowly advanced the throttle all the way forward. The tail came up and the plane continued straight down the runway, a little back pressure and I was airborne in this machine put together in the garage. All the temps stayed in the green. The new Lycoming purred at full power for the next 45 minutes. Controls were solid, smooth and a pure delight. The plane inspired confidence. I performed a simple straight forward stall to establish approach speed. The landing was fine, (room for improvement).

Lot's of thanks to my wife Sheri, kids Aubrie, Natalie, Holly and neighbors, that have always encouraged me to keep working on the project. Fellow RVer's Todd Hoopes (RV6A), Mike Guarino (RV8), Frank Macey (RV8), Corey Marler (RV7A emp), Hal Benjamin (RV4). Close friend Bruce Mason. Flight instructors Wayne Larson for my flight review and tail wheel endorsement and Mike Seager for my transition training. Jenny Estes from Nation Air insurance, that trusted me. Vans Aircraft company and all the "behind the scene" people that made a great, build-able kit. THANKS!

LOW TIME pilots or NEW pilots: Continue reading...I got my private pilot rating 25 years ago. Flew a piper tomahawk for a couple of years and racked a whopping 100 hours.

          Grant Haymore
          [ wingshaymore at hotmail.com ]

Date sent: Tue, 23 Apr 2013
Subject: G-WOWI RV-7 First flight 72893
From: Peter Wood
To: webmaster@vansaircraft.com

Hi,

Friday 19th April 2013, another first flight! Thank you Vans!
Reg: G-WOWI
IO 360 M1B fixed pitch Sensenich.
James Cowl & plenum, camlocs.
AF3500, Garmin 695, Trutrak Digiflight 11VS, VPX, Andair quadrant, Garmin 328, Funkwerk ATR833A, Aeroleds.
Classic Aero interior in synthetic leather/suede.
1080lbs unpainted

Flown from Compton Abbas, Dorset, UK
EGHA
www.comptonabbasairfield.co.uk

         Peter Wood
         [ peter at p3md.co.uk ]

From: Joe & Jan Connell
To: webmaster@vansaircraft.com
Subject: RV-9A Completion...
Date sent: Mon, 22 Apr 2013

The first flight of RV-9A, 90216, N95JJ, took place on August 6th, 2012 after 12 years of construction. The test pilot was Tom Irlbeck.

The plane has an Aero Sport Power O-320-D2A 160 hp engine with a P-Mag + Slick mag and a Sensenich fixed pitch prop. Besides traditional gages there is a Dynon D10A EFIS, a Garmin SL-40, a Garmin GTX-320A, an AFS Sport AOA, a JPI EDM-700 engine monitor, and a PM-1200 intercom.

I’m very grateful for my wife, Jan, especially for her encouragement, patience, and assistance. (She drives rivets far better than me!) Dick, John, Ken, Jerry, Steve, Paul, and 3 Toms helped move the plane from the basement, rig the wings, performed a lot of heavy lifting, and provided a lot of cheerleading. I found I spent far too much time planning the building rather than doing it. It’s a great aircraft!

                                

          Joe Connell
          Stewartville, MN
          [ jconnell at fmwildblue.com ]

From: Don Fraser
Subject: RV-7A
Date sent: Wed, 17 Apr 2013

I have attached a shot of our RV7-A ( now three years old ) over the mouth of the river Murray in Sth Australia. The Murray is Australia's longest river.

          Don Fraser
         [ dfraser at esc.net.au ]

This RV-7A was just added to our database as having flown, even though its been flying for 3 years.
Thanks Don for the email and photo.
webmaster@vansaircraft.com

Date sent: Sun, 14 Apr 2013
From: Markus SOllberger
To: webmaster@vansaircraft.com
Subject: First flight report

Hello there

We are very proud to announce the first and successfull flight of our RV-8 HB-YNT, Serial 82467. It was a pleasure to experience the balanced flight characteristics and performance! The RV-grin is now a reality for us as well!

Some paragraphs about the aircraft:
Type: RV-8
Engine: YIO-360-M1B
Avionics: Chelton Flight Systems EFIS SV Sport
Propeller: MT, MTV-12B
Registration: HB-YNT (Switzerland)

Please find attached two pictures of this great day. It was an honour to be the pilot of the first flight and i'd like to thank especially the people at Van's for their support over all the years and everybody who helped to make this project a success story, thanks!

          Kind regards
          Markus Sollberger
          Switzerland
          [ sollbergair at bluewin.ch ]

From: Robin Taylor
To: rvsqn@yahoogroups.com and forwarded to Van's Aircraft
Sent: Saturday, April 13, 2013
Subject: Wow, it flies

At 1700 this evening (Friday) the wind finally dropped at Dunkerswell to allow RV-9A G-RTRV to make its maiden flight in the very capable hands of Dave Silsbury. After a twenty minute flight Dave said it flew beautifully and he had no issues. To me on the ground it looked and sounded superb. I am in no way an engineer and the build has been a real challenge, so to see it fly today was a hugely emotional and satifying experience. I think the Vans smile will come when I get to fly it myself.

I could not have built it without the support of many people and I would especially thank the members of this forum for the many problems they have solved for me. I managed to take some poor video which is on Youtube via the link below.

http://youtu.be/JvMAeELRpYc

Many thanks
Robin Taylor

Subject: First Flight: Vans RV-12 N355EJ (Serial #120454)
From: Jesse Juarros
Date sent: Fri, 12 Apr 2013
To: webmaster@vansaircraft.com

My big day was on 12/21/12....that is when I took to the sky with my newly built RV-12 for the first time!!! After spending 1250 hours in my garage building it, N355EJ (Serial #120454) was finally up and away. The pictures below show me sporting the famous "RV Grin" after my first flight and the finished product. The RV-12 is truly a spectacular airplane and a real pleasure to fly.

I want to thank my family and friends for all their help and support during the building process, EAA Chapter 723 for graciously accommodating me during the test flying process, the Van's Aircraft team for creating such an incredible airplane and backing it up with helpful and knowledgable staff, Corona Air Paint for their meticulous attention to detail on the paint job, and Mike Seager for his outstanding transition training program!

Now...back to flying and RV Grinning!

          Sincerely,
          Jesse Juarros
          [ jjuarros at gmail.com ]

From: Bernie Weiss
To: webmaster@vansaircraft.com
Subject: first flight
Date sent: Wed, 10 Apr 2013

Vans,

Attached is a photo of the first flight of my new RV-9.

It is piloted by Tom Berge our local Tech Counselor (who always has time to help everyone). Tom is also a transition pilot for Vans model aircraft. The flight took place in Minneapolis MN, at the Anoka airport on April 7, 2013. Tom reported that the plane had a heavy left wing and needed right rudder. The serial number is 92043. I am a member of the local VansAirforce chapter which is lead by Doug Weiler.

Many members of the club including Pete Howell, Doug Weiler and Alex Peterson were critical to the planes success. This is my second Vans aircraft, the first being a RV-7A. Turns out I missed building as much as I loved flying. (of course once I started building again I realized that there was a whole lot of work involved in building an airplane).

Thanks to all at Vans for a super product and super support. To quote one of my favorite lines from your technical assistance desk, “you are building a tractor, not a swiss watch, make it fit”

          Bernie
          [ bweiss at hubavtech.com ]

From: Les Kearney
To: webmaster@vansaircraft.com
Subject: A Plane is born - RV-10 C-GCWZ
Date sent: Mon, 8 Apr 2013

After 6 years and 178 days, RV-10 C-GCWZ took to the air at Camrose Airport in Alberta, Canada. First flight was thrilling, uneventful and went exactly as planned.

Many thanks to Van’s for creating this wonderful airframe.

          

          Cheers
          Les Kearney
          [ les at kmcl.ca ]

From: Don Mack
Date sent: Fri, 5 Apr 2013
Subject: First Flight
To: webmaster@vansaircraft.com

RV-6A kit 22307 took 19 years from beginning to end. First flight was 4/24/2011. I don't remember ever sending Van's anything.

Part of the reason for the long gestation time is that it was built with my father, brother and we were enjoying the process and comradery so were not driven to the end goal.

It's been flying for two years. Built for VFR fun flying.
Equipment:
Lyc O360 with Sensenich metal prop and Airflow Performance fuel injection
Dynon D10A EFIS
Garmin 327 transponder
Garmin 296 GPS in the panel
Microair com
Flightline Interior

         Thanks
         Don Mack
         [ don at dmack.net ]

Date sent: Wed, 03 Apr 2013
From: Bob Bogash
To: Gus at Van's
Subject: RV-12 First Flight

Hi Gus,

RV-12 120302 N737G made its First Flight today - April 3 - without any problems noted. I was the driver.

Thanks for your help, and please advise my pal Joe Blank.

Thanks,
Bob Bogash
Hansville, Washington
[ rbogash at centurytel.net ]

Date sent: Mon, 1 Apr 2013
From: Karl Mayer
To: webmaster@vansaircraft.com
Subject: first flight rv12 / 120394

Hi,

My day was on October 29th 2011. During my first flight; the plane was really amazing. Now, I have flown more than 130 Hours and I'm really surprised how well this plane soars.

It really fly’s like vans is writing. I made some changes such as constant speed prop, airbox, cockpit, and elevator extensions. All seems working well.

Also, many thanks to Hans for guiding me and to Wolfgang for added help. Thanks also to my wife who didn't see much of me for 11 months (this was my building time). Again, this is a great plane.

          Thanks
          Karl Mayer
          Austria
          [ karl.mayer at hahnkarl.com ]

From: Fred L Langston
To: webmaster@vansaircraft.com
Subject: first flight
Date sent: Thu, 28 Mar 2013

Yesterday, 3-27-2013 I officially got the RV grin after a fabulous first flight of RV-4, S/N 2748. She flew hands off, and was straight and true at touch-down.

Utmost thanks to Grand Champion builder Paul McReynolds for his expert assistance and building skills, to Charlie Brame for flying chase in his RV-6A, and to all the Wednesday RV San Antonio Lunch bunch for lending advice and tools.

N70PM is still in gray epoxy primer. Engine is Lycoming O-320 , 160Hp. Plane was built as a day VFR sport plane, and has a number of design upgrades. Finished EW is 939 lbs. Only 39 more hours to go.

Sincerely, and ecstatic
Fred L Langston.
[falangston at hctc.net ]

Date sent: Wed, 27 Mar 2013
Subject: First Flight #91110
From: David Wilson

Hi Guys,

G-CGXR RV-9A flew for the first time today from Carlisle Airport (EGNC) in the UK. The test pilot was delighted with her and said she appeared to be fully in balance.

Youtube Maiiden Flight
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DLlb3rN1dP4&feature=youtube_gdata

David Wilson
[ davidwilson2112 at gmail.com ]

Date sent: Mon, 25 Mar 2013
Subject: Reporting in--first flight of N73HR, SN 120332
From: Robert Reese

Beloved Van's folks,
For your official tally:
Rob and Haruko Reese's RV-12, N73HR, S/N 120332, had its first flight today, March 25th, 2013 out of the Georgetown, Texas airport (KGTU). My favorite wife Haruko's favorite official transition training pilot, John Albury (JetGuy on the VAF fora) did the honors, with his co-conspirator Colin Richardson (RDOG on the fora) in the chase plane, N1212K, with Haruko riding shotgun. It was flying so nicely that John's 30-minute first flight extended to about two hours. A delightful 3 years, 1 month build time (mostly Saturdays--I'm still gainfully over-employed).

Haruko will be flying it soon--while I still need to learn how to fly. How many RV builders build the plane for their pilot-wives????

Rob Reese
[robjreese at gmail.com ]

From: Burt Jacobs
To: webmaster@vansaircraft.com
Subject: First flight rv-7 SN 73151
Date sent: Mon, 25 Mar 2013

Hello all,

N726BS, Serial number 73151 flew on March 23, 2013. All the usual goodies, Mattituck IO-360, Dynon, Hartzell CS, Stewart paint. Empty weight 1087 with paint and full interior.

Trained with Mike Seagar, first flight held no surprises. Actually one of the more docile tail draggers I’ve flown in spite of it’s high speed.

Well done, and thanks for the fantastic product!

          

          Burt Jacobs
          [ bsjacobs at live.com ]

From: Dimitri Paolacci
To: webmaster@vansaircraft.com
Subject: First Flight RV7 I-RVBL serial 73782
Date sent: Mon, 25 Mar 2013

Built from standard kit beginning 14 september 2010 first flight 24 march 2013
Engine Lycoming 360A1A
Tonini constant speed prop
Analog avionics.

Only 18 minutes on first flight but everything was ok.

Thank to Van's for the perfect kit and many thanks to Umberto that made the dream true!

          Dimitri Paolacci
          [ dimitri at rv7.it ]

From: David Oakes
Subject: RV-7A first flight Kit # 72022
Date sent: Mon, 25 Mar 2013
To: webmaster@Vansaircraft.com

I am David Oakes from Central Indiana and I started with prebuilt wings and tail in June 2010, built by Steve Miller Of Kansas and received the fuselage kit from Van's in July of the same year.

She flew first flight on March 22, 2013 from Shelbyville, IN (KGEZ). I installed I0360 and C/S prop I purchased from Mark Culpepper of Tennessee. I chose Dynon dual Skyviews with a Garmin SL 30, and a Vertical Power Breaker system.

I wish to thank Van's for a great kit and airplane, the late John Marshall, Dan Catherman IA and my wife, Donna who was "Rosie Riveter" for me and her patience with me during the build.

Now to fly off the time requirement and continue with the RV "Grin."

          Sincerely,
          David Oakes N1243A
          [ dw1oakes at gmail.com ]

Date sent: Sun, 24 Mar 2013
From: James Richardson
Subject: New RV-12 flying
To: webmaster@vansaircraft.com

RV-12 serial #120438, N48ZG is now flying.

Built in Oklahoma by John Nys and son, first flight was on 9-18-12. Resides near Blair, Neb. now.

Dick Richardson
[ dickrich68134 at yahoo.com ]

Date sent: Fri, 22 Mar 2013
From: Chuck Olmsted
Subject: First Flight RV-7 N254CK
To: webmaster@vansaircraft.com

I would like to report the first flight of my new RV-7. On February 14th. she took to the air from Sulphur Springs Airport (KSLR) and flew just as you would expect. Perfect!! No heavy wing and no rudder tab needed.

Equipped with a Superior XP-0-360, duel P-Mags and a Catto 3 blade prop, it is the smoothest engine/prop combo I have ever flown behind! AND FAST!!! With minimum testing done at this time, I'm getting an IAS of 182 MPH at 4,500 ft. Confirmed by GPS and another plane in formation. Empty weight is 1048 lbs. with all the paint except the cowling. The only problem so far is a jumpy Amp meter Gauge, a problem I have seen others have with the Van's or Isspro gauges.

My thanks to all the guys and gals at Van's and a very understanding wife!

          

          Chuck Olmsted
          [ chucksterxa17 at yahoo.com ]

Subject: The RV Grin in an RV-12
From: Roger Harker
Date sent: Thu, 21 Mar 2013

Walt Niemeyer now has the 12 and a 10. Both painted the same.

          Roger Harker
          [rgharker at msn.com ]