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FIrst FLights

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Kenneth Brown’s RV-10 | UK RV-10 #339-15651

Congratulations to Kenneth on his new RV-10! He writes: I started the build in December 2018 as I retired from the electrical contracting industry and spent ever day over the last 4+ years working on the build. A heartfelt Thanks to my good friend Stuart who has been with me throughout the build. I went for […] Read More

Ben Polwin’s RV-7 | Lincolnshire, UK RV-7 #74763

Congratulations Ben! He writes: I started the slow build project in October 2018 and I’m pleased to say it flew in July 2023! It’s had a year in a bit of limbo, flying in primer and the addition of a few modifications but now it’s painted I can say it’s finally finished! I’ve enjoyed fixing […] Read More

Nathan Backstrom’s RV-12iS | Hampton, Minnesota RV-12iS #121279

Congratulations to Nathan on his new RV-12iS! He writes: After 4 years and 1 month of building our RV-12iS flew for the first time. Except for needing to adjust the rudder tab, it flew straight and true. Thanks Van for the great airplane. It has been a great retirement project.

Rod Freed’s RV-6 | Mount Vernon, Washington RV-6 #20625

Congrats to Rod on his RV-6! It took me 35 years to get this thing flying. I would just lose interest for sometimes years at a time, but I always got back to it. I am so appreciative of Van’s that they were always there during that time for parts and help.

Adrien Gabolde’s RV-7 | France RV-7 #74828

Congratulations to Adrien on the completion of his new RV-7! He writes: Building the RV-7 was an amazing experience. The planning, the days spent in the hangar with my friend Xavier (also a builder), the questions, and solving (small) issues – I miss all of that today! On March 20th, after 4 years of building, […] Read More

Kevin L Davidson’s RV-7 | Marshall, IL RV-7 #73481

Congratulations to Kevin on the first flight of his RV-7! He writes: N575KD is based at KHUF in Terre Haute, IN. The airport was very accommodating with the first few flight circling above class D airspace. First five flights were conducted by Elliot Abel and he completed many of the EAA task based cards for […] Read More

Michael Stahl’s RV-8 | Omaha, Nebraska RV-8 #83685

Great work, Michael! He writes: Building this aircraft has been a journey of highs and lows and a test of patience and a lesson in persistence, flying this wonderful piece of engineering is well worth the price of admission. A big Thank You to everybody at Van’s Aircraft, Van’s AirForce and EAA Tech Councilor Bob […] Read More

Gregory J Miller’s RV-7A | Redlands, CA RV-7A #70274

Congrats to Greg on his RV-7A! He writes: Greg Miller finally flew his RV-7A for the first time on Aug 14, 2024. It was perfect morning with light and variable winds and cooler than it had been for weeks. I spent 43 minutes orbiting the field with a big grin on my face. The airplane […] Read More

Chris Siggins’ RV-7A | Mesquite, Texas RV-7A #74866

Congratulations Chris! I am proud to announce that serial #74866 took its first flight early in the morning on Sunday 8/11/2024. I was the test pilot and received 5+ hours of transition training from Alex DeDominicis, referenced from the Van’s website. He did an outstanding job, which gave me the confidence for my first flight! […] Read More

Noah Lorang’s RV-9A | Pittsburgh, PA RV-9A #93323

Cheers to Noah! Congratulations on your first flight. Exactly 700 days after the first kit arrived, N412BZ became a real airplane with a successful first flight out of Allegheny County Airport (KAGC). An hour of circling the airport revealed no squawks and an engine that was breaking in nicely. 85 hours of Phase I and […] Read More

Bob Fay’s RV-14A | Katy, Texas RV-14A #140603

Congratulations Bob! After 5 years building, I finally took to the skies with a very uneventful and smooth flight from Conroe/North Houston Regional Airport. I flew for about 25 minutes before returning for a nice landing. The airplane flew beautifully just like it was designed. I was so pleased with how easy it was to […] Read More

Paul Fisher’s RV-12iS | Pheonix, AZ RV-12iS #121326

Congrats to Paul on the completion of his retirement project! He writes: This is my retirement project. It took a bit longer than expected, both due to not putting as much time as expected and to COVID delays. First flight was about 1/2 hour at Glendale AZ airport. Biggest squawks were that the nose wheel […] Read More

Rick Glady’s RV-14A | Oneida, TN RV-14A #140949

Congratulations to Rick on his new RV-14A! He writes: Standard build. Flies great! Impressed with the performance. I worked with the Nashville FSDO for my AWC portal submission and inspection. They were very helpful and great to work with.

Homer Phillips’ RV-14A | Moriarty, NM RV-14A #140313

Congratulations to Homer on completing his first flight with his RV-14A. He shares: I started this project in October 2016 and after only 7 years 9 months, and 3108 labor hours (weekends only, slow-build), N861FM took to the skies for the first time. It is a solid flyer with no bad tendencies. It flies straight […] Read More

Joe Granito’s RV-7A | Albany, NY RV-7A #74732

Great work, Joe! He writes: Uneventful 30 minutes 4000 ft above the field at South Albany Airport (4B0). Uneventful except for my RV Grin. A tremendous satisfaction after almost 5 years of building. New YO-360-A1A Catto 3 blade Vetterman exhaust w/mufflers Full IFR Dynon panel with 2 10” touch screens. I recently returned from transition […] Read More

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