Mike Whitescarver’s new RV-8A | Maumee, Ohio RV-8A #81254

Mike sends this report of the first flight of his RV, which took place in October:

After 18 years of slow but enjoyable construction of my RV-8A, N926MW finally took to the air on October 13, 2018 with fellow RV-8A builder and pilot Tim Fitzpatrick doing the initial test flight. The next day I flew it for the first time, and I’m happy to report it flew beautifully, no squawks, and months later I am still grinning!

Equipped with a Lycoming O-360-A1A, Sensenich fixed pitch prop, and GRT Sport EFIS, it is perfect for my mission of day/night VFR fun and travel. I’m looking forward to many long cross country trips after flying off the phase one hours.

I’d like to thank all who helped make this dream a reality, starting with all the members of EAA Chapter 582, with special thanks to all the RV builders who encouraged me and lent a hand whenever needed. These include Van’s own Tony Kirk, Bill Sallee, Wayne Clark, Tom and Denny Lawrence, Tom Ridge, Gary Obee, Wally Rojem, Paul Jaffray, Karl Kazmirski, and Randy Abramczyk. I’d also like to thank my sons Chris and Sean and daughter Amy for their help with riveting, moral support and more when needed, and my son-in-law Tim Wilson for the excellent fiberglass work and paint job. Thanks to Gordon Comfort for my first RV ride that put me on the path to building and flying my own.

Congrats, Mike!