Greg and Dianne Chapman’s RV-8A – First Flight! | Oklahoma City, OK RV-8A #80744

Greg writes in to tell us all about the first flight of his new RV-8A – Congratulations!

It was a long time coming but it’s finally flying. My wife Dianne and I ordered our tail kit at SUN & FUN International Fly-In & Expo in 1998. I was given a demonstration flight in an RV-8 and fell in love with the airplane.

The kits were well made and complete. The drawings and instructions were well laid out and clear, once we got used to identifying parts by number. And the builder support — those guys are great!

Dianne was a wonderful partner throughout the construction process, bucking rivets and providing that extra set of hands and eyes that is always so helpful. Her patience, perseverance, and unfailing support were indispensable. Thanks also goes to my good friend Matt Mouton who helped me get the engine mounted and landing gear installed. I was very fortunate to have top-notch technical councilors provided by EAA Chapter 1098 in Shawnee, OK. Gary Manning EAA 461380, and John Myers EAA 433823 kept me on the straight and narrow and answered so many questions. And the paint — all I can say about Calvin Gillis is that the man is a true artist!

The first flight was on October 16, 2018. It was exhilarating and flawless and the first landing was probably the best I’ve ever made. Thanks to transition training by Chris Droege of Boise, Idaho.

I can tell you for a fact that the “RV grin” is a real deal!!