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FIrst FLights

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Renzo Corvetta’s RV-14A | Bolzano, Italy RV-14A #140169

Congrats to Renzo on his new RV-14A! He writes: My first flight took place November 28th, 2020, a severe VFR day in Bolzano in South Tyrol. The construction of my slow built kit took me just short of six years. It the process I took my time and continued my busy life without giving up […] Read More

Gary Kelson’s RV-8 | Novato, California RV-8 #83251

Congrats to Gary on his new RV-8! He writes: As a low time tailwheel pilot, I chose Barney Locke, retired airline captain and RV-8 owner, for the maiden flight at Petaluma airport. Pictured below are some of those who assisted me during my seven year build. The first flight, March 30th of 2019, was virtually […] Read More

Kevin Sanders’s RV-8 | Austin, Texas RV-8 #83148

Congrats to Kevin on his new RV-8! He writes: The first flight was uneventful and peaceful. Flew straight and level, and the whole day of the flight was very surreal. N557KV is instrument certified and has the Dynon 10 inch, HDX, Garmin 430, Dynon D3, and … wait for it… Dynon autopilot. Okay, maybe not […] Read More

Daniel Arkema’s RV-14A | Goodyear, Arizona RV-14A #140528

Congrats to Daniel on his new RV-14A! He Writes: It was a beautiful day in Phoenix, Arizona for a first flight. It’s been a dream come true to build and fly my own airplane. I couldn’t have done it without my family and the support of all those involved in the Van’s universe.

Jay Kurtz’s RV-6 | South Lakeland, Florida RV-6 #21242

Congratulations to Jay on his new RV-6! He writes: I got the plane inspected on monday after about a year of building and got a break in the late afternoon. No wind, 71 degrees and decided to do a couple of crow hops. Got off quickly, felt like it was ready, and kept going to 3000 […] Read More

Bob Costello’s RV-12 | Guntersville, Alabama RV-12 #120764

Congrats to Bob on his new RV-12! He writes: Dream of a lifetime comes true! What a thrill at takeoff, through the fast climb out and a few maneuvers. Anxiety naturally peaked as touchdown approached but upon reflection, there was nothing to worry about. What a great plane. Shout out and thanks to my wife and all […] Read More

Scott Lynton’s RV-8 | Sydney, Australia RV-8 #82482

Congrats to Scott on his new RV-8! He writes: After nine years of effort, VH-NZZ took to the skies just one day after gaining the Special Certificate of Airworthiness needed in Australia. Flown for the flight by test pilot and fellow RV builder/owner Glenn Bridgland, both the first and second flights on the same day were […] Read More

Mike Hathaway’s RV-6A | Kingsport, Tennessee RV-6A #22570

Congrats to Mike on his new RV-6A! He writes: This is my second RV-6 and it was an unfinished kit when I got it. 180hp and constant speed prop. First flight heavy wing and prop governor problems. Flew like an RV-6 with a heavy wing. I have enjoyed the problem solving and now it flies […] Read More

David and Andra Meyerson’s RV-14A | Carmel, New York RV-14A #140219

Congratulations to David and Andra on their new RV-14A! They write: First flight in November 2020, after a 3195 hour build. Plane flew great, quick acceleration and climb, trimmed up straight and level, ball centered hands off. The kit components and instructions were terrific, making this first flight a comfortable experience. Looking forward to wandering […] Read More

Tracy Trathen’s RV-7A | Edmonton, Alberta, Canada RV-7A #74619

Congrats to Tracy on his new RV-7A! He writes: After almost four years of build, C-GTCT took her maiden flight on November 23, 2020. As I lined up for take off after many minutes of checking and double checking everything, the nervousness went away as I was focused on the task of flying this machine that […] Read More

Brent Owen’s RV-8 | Hanover, Pennsylvania RV-8 #81656

Congrats to Brent, who recently completed his RV-8! He writes: This is my second RV. The first was an RV-9A. This one is an RV-8. Excellent short takeoff, very pleasant handling, no dramatic problems, but the three point landing was not as tidy as I would have liked. Previous pilots have commented on running out […] Read More

Rockwood Shepard’s RV-9A | Caldwell, Idaho RV-9A #92094

Congrats to Rockwood on the completion, and first flight of his RV-9A! He writes: I have always wanted to build a plane and the chance came up for me in 2012 while living in Colorado. Because of out of state work commitments, I had limited times to work. We moved to Idaho and I found […] Read More

Sarel vd Walt’s RV-7 | Johannesburg, South Africa RV-7 #71031

Sarel has completed his new RV-7! Congratulations to Sarel vd Walt with his flawless RV-7 maiden flight that took place on Friday the 13th of November flown by Johan van Zyl. Sarel started his project in January 2018 and his RV is based at Petit Airfield (Johannesburg, South Africa).

Bob Bower’s RV-6A | Everett, Washington RV-6A #24589

Congratulations to Bob who recently completed his RV-6A! He writes: In the capable hands of experienced RV pilot Dan Thomas (1,300 hrs in type), my RV-6A airplane slipped the surly bonds of Earth for the first time today. Paine Field air traffic control was very cooperative and accommodated Dan orbiting the airport at 3,000 feet […] Read More

Jon Wald’s RV-7A | Mojave, California RV-7A #71485

Congrats to Jon on the first flight of his new RV-7A! He writes: Truly a flawless first flight! It climbed like a rocket. Thank you to all that helped make this possible. It really takes a village. The Van’s community is amazing. I made some great friends and memories throughout this process. Excited to get […] Read More

Jeffrey Rich’s RV-10 | New Albany, Indiana RV-10 #41459

Congratulations to Jeffrey, on the completion and first flight of his RV-10! He sent in this report: A successful first flight doesn’t happen without the help of a LOT of people. As a community, we’re very fortunate to have so many vendors who understand the needs of the amateur homebuilder. I have the added bonus […] Read More

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