Ronald Mortellito’s RV-9A | Somerset, NJ RV-9A #92309

Congratulations Ronald! He writes:

My Van’s RV-9A slow-build project was the perfect retirement activity. In a bit over 4 1/2 years from my basement to the garage and ultimately to the hangar, I had a beautiful aircraft. My wife and my 15 year old neighbor occasionally pitched in when I needed help reaching those impossible rivets. Special thanks to them and a few other friends. EAA Tech Advisor inspections along the way provided me with the positive feedback I needed to continue with pride in the accomplishment. FAA Airworthiness and Repairman Certificate was the green light to leave the nest. A CFI who owned an RV-7A conducted the first flight and engine break-in. His praise of the aircraft’s stability and handling was more than I had hoped. I took the controls for the first time later that day and immediately knew how I would keep myself active for the rest of my life. RV grin? You know it.

Here’s a one minute video: