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FIrst FLights

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Bernhard Hartmann’s RV-14 | 48361 Beelen, Germany RV-14 #140772

Congrats to Bernhard, who writes: First flight was made at EDAC (Leipzig-Altenburg) . After postponing first flight due to weather condition, finally on morning of May 12th conditions were good. First flight was carried out by Rudolph Hankers, a very experienced test flight pilot. All major functions except of avioncs details were tested and worked […] Read More

Michael H Zimmering’s RV-14 | Emmett, Idaho RV-14 #140350

Congrats to Michael, who writes: I spent the last three months of my project at Bend Builder’s Assist, located on the KBDN airport, with Mike Robertson and his crew of extremely helpful and capable personnel. Aircraft certification occurred in mid March but due to bad weather I had to wait until the next month for […] Read More

Tony Franklin’s RV-7 | Naples, Florida RV-7 #74749

Congrats to Tony, who writes: First flight was great! Flew straight as an arrow and smooth. Looking forward to going through all the test cards. The engine is a Thunderbolt IO390 and prop is Hartzell composite. Very smooth combination.

John Garrett’s RV-8 | UK Bicester Airfield RV-8 #86333

Congrats to John, who writes: I chose to do the first flight myself, and following the application process to the LAA, I was granted permission, so on the 22 April 2023 GSJPC flew for the first time. Throughout the 30 min flight she flew as advertised there were no problems except minor snags such as […] Read More

Rod McGarrie’s RV-8 | Hoschton, Georgia RV-8 #83397

Congrats to Rod, who writes: A 7-year, 10-month build, slow build kit. After waiting a year for a hangar I finally flew with the first flight lasting 17 minutes. Other than the expected high engine CHT’s and a heavy left wing, the flight was noneventful. What a view and great speed! Thank you Vans, VAF, […] Read More

Scott Carmichael’s RV-12 | Prattville, Alabama RV-12 #120648

Congrats to Scott, who writes: First flight was October 30, 2020. Finally finished with a full vinyl wrap March 2023, after 247 hours of flying. Many thanks to Van’s Aircraft for providing a great kit and support. EAA Technical Counselor Dan Horton for advice and assistance. John Young for transition training and experienced copilot during […] Read More

Sindre Barstad’s RV-14A | Norwat RV-14A #140559

Congratulations Sindre! After 4 years and 3 months of building I was happy to do the first flight. No drama to report about – just a lovely feeling:) It’s slow (approx 3200 hours) built with the new Thunderbolt EXP 119 engine with 2xPMAGs, Hartzell 2 blade 74″ propeller, Garmin avionics, VPX for power distribution and […] Read More

Nick and Amber Campbell’s RV-12iS | Ogden, Utah RV-12iS #121485

Congratulation to Nick and Amber on the completion of their RV-12iS! They write: The first flight was amazing! The plane flies perfect – straight & level on the first take off! Building our own plane has been such a wonderful experience and we love our plane! We pulled our first rivet on 7/10/2022 and did […] Read More

Roy Wylie’s RV-10 | Gilbert, South Carolina RV-10 #41855

Congratulations to Roy on his first flight! He writes: As advertised first flight! 5.5 years of building culminated in a great 1 hr flight. It is an amazing feeling! The aircraft is SDS equipped, with GRT Horizon 10.1 instrumentation and Aerosport Interior. Thank you to everyone who helped, but especially to Dennis Ramsey who not […] Read More

Roberto Piovani’s RV-6 | Venice, Italy RV-6 #21397

Congratulations to Robert on the completion of his beautiful RV-6! He writes: I got an RV-6 project from other builder. His name is Alessandro Mainini. Alessandro has already built two RV-6 and he left the 3rd one in his storage for 20 years. I re-start to built this RV-6 project on august 2021 and I work […] Read More

Michael Fleming’s RV-7 | Joseph, Oregon RV-7 #74572

Congratulations to Michael on the completion of his new RV-7! He writes: Six years and four month and N526RM has taken flight. My highly capable friend Barney Locke made the first flight on March 27, 2023. My fun started the next day when I flew 6RM for its second flight…now I’m really smiling.

Michael Andorfer’s RV-7 | Fort Valley, GA RV-7 #73542

Congratulations Michael! He writes: On April 21st, 2009 I attended my first Sun-n-Fun and took my first ever flight in an RV. I returned back to the Van’s tent and ordered a tail kit. Fast forward 12 years and 9 months to Jan 7th, 2022. My project was finally complete and I flew my own […] Read More

Brett Herrick’s RV-6 | Columbus, Indiana RV-12 (original) #120765

Jeff Malcomb graciously agreed to perform the first flight and it went smoothly. The Phase 1 Flight Test and my transition training in it have both been completed. So, the focus has shifted to increasing my proficiency and finding a paint shop to paint it.

Rick Gracely’s RV-6 | Durham, NC RV-6 #20494

Congratulations to Rick on his new RV-6! He writes: Well, it took a little bit longer than I thought… Sitting at the end of a runway, about to launch into the air in something you made yourself. The plan was to exit the pattern straight ahead, climb to 3000 AGL, determine indicated landing speed and […] Read More

Chantereau’s RV-8 | France RV-8 #83129

Chantereau recently completed his RV-8! He writes: The first flight of my second RV-8 was delightful, as no issue occurred. I love to fly this beautiful and nimble plane. Thanks to Van’s Aircraft team.

Morgan Beving’s RV-7 | Aberdeen, SD RV-7 #70439

Morgan wrote in to let us know about the first flight of his RV-7! He wrote: My first flight was very exciting, but overall it went very well. I had done a fast taxi and was happy with the control I had so on my next pass I give it more power I was flying. I […] Read More

Michael Hunter’s RV-8 | Oswestry, Shropshire, UK RV-8 #83577

Congratulations to Michael on his new RV-8! He writes: Fist flight was conducted by inspector Nigel Jones. I was helped by RV-8 builder Paul Winters and inspired to build by Andy Hill. The further flight tests will be done by RV8 Team Raven pilot Mark Southern. It was a big day for me, overwhelming at […] Read More

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