FIrst FLights

Congratulations to Kurt on the first flight of his RV-14A! He writes: Wow, what a thrill. I had 500 hrs in an RV-10 (purchased, not built by me) but I didn’t expect the difference in the feel of the power, shorter take off distance, or faster climb rate. Otherwise flew hands off, slight nose down […] Read More

Congrats to John who recently completed his RV-12iS! He writes: Flew off home runway. Everything went great. Flew hands off. My runway is a one way strip 3600ft elevation. Aircraft handled it beautifully. This is my 2nd RV build. Very pleased with the Super Technical support and Parts folks.

Congrats to Todd on the new RV-14! He writes: No issues on first flight. What a thrill. Looking forward to years of enjoyment.

Congratulations to Cody who writes to let us all know about the recent first flight of his new RV-14A! After nearly eight years of building, N4VD took flight on October 27, 2020. Thanks to Van’s good build instructions and kit quality, there was only one minor squawk. The airplane roared off the runway and flew […] Read More

Congrats to Barry, who recently completed and flew his RV-12iS! He writes: This is my second RV12 build (technically the third if you count the One Week Wonder, but I had a lot of help with that one). The first was completed in 2016, was a joy to fly, and had accumulated 430 hrs total […] Read More

Congrats to John on his new RV-4, which he recently flew for the first time! He writes: A little late for the first flight report (whoops!), but better late than never! Flys like a dream. You don’t get in the plane, you strap the plane onto yourself! RV-4 modified with a fastback.

Congrats to Ryan on the first flight of his RV-4! He writes: A wonderful experience with a lot of fantastic help along the way. A very proud RV4 owner. Powered by an O360 with a Hartzell blended aero foil prop. She flies like she is on rails. Thank you to Van’s for all the support. […] Read More

Douglas wrote to tell us that he completed his RV-6 marathon! RV-6 slow build of 29 years has to be a record. Performance exceeds expectations. Equipped for IFR with autopilot, extreme paint, carpet, plush seats with heaters it weighs 1119 pounds. Many thanks to a lot of people who taught me the skills necessary to […] Read More

Congratulations to Ron and Michelle on the first flight of their new RV-12iS. They wrote to tell us: After many enjoyable years of construction, a near perfect plane took to the air on a near perfect autumn evening in Oregon! What started out as an RV-12 nine years ago emerged as an RV-12iS equipped with […] Read More

Congratulations to Tinti and Guille on the first flight of their new RV-7, they wrote to report: “Let man know, that man can.” Atlantis Expedition.   Nothing in aviation is comparable to the sensation of flying a self-built airplane. From the south of Argentina we are very happy to inform that “Proyecto Correcaminos” flies! For […] Read More

Congrats to Dave on the first flight of his magnificent RV-7! He writes: After 16+ years of blood, sweat, tears and a little salty aviator language now and again, RV-7 #71748 officially went from “project” to “airplane” on 18 October 2020 at the Nashua, NH airport (KASH). Handling was pure RV – light and precise […] Read More

Congrats to Vaughn on the new RV-6! He writes to tell us all the story: The original builder of this plane passed away before he was able to see his dream come true. In 2018 the opportunity to buy a project found its way to me and I decided to take it on. I have […] Read More

Congratulations to Mike on two occasions, which happened to coincide: Finishing and flying his RV-8, and for 50 trips around the sun! He writes to tell us all the story: So today was an awesome day for a couple of reasons. One it was my 50th birthday, and second I got to fly my RV-8 […] Read More

Congrats to Tom on his new RV-7, which he recently flew for the first time! He writes: Started my build with the tail. After nearly completing it I found a already started kit that I purchased, brought back to Wisconsin from Texas and finished, with the AW Cert on August 15, 2020. Finished paneling and […] Read More

Congrats to Charlie, who recently completed and flew his new RV-6A. He writes: This is a very unique story. But first I want to give most of the credit to my fantastic wife Sandi who has been so supportive. She spent many hours helping me. My RV6A is a “slow build” kit that is powered […] Read More

Congratulations to Rosa on this new RV-6 in Italy! Rosa sent in this message: Very happy to fly this incredible RV-6 With Lycoming 200HP! Test fly with no problem and now I hope long cross country with my adorable RV-6. I got this kit from a friend who had to stop for various problems and […] Read More

Tim writes to let us know about the first flight of his new RV-9A! I was exposed to RV’s at Oshkosh ‘85 and got hooked, but it took until 2012 before the time and money were right. The build took 8 years of steady progress. Great kit with fun challenges and a lot of learning. […] Read More

Congratulations to Poul Erik Bech, on the completion and first flight of his RV-12iS! He sent in this report: On the 11 of October 2020 my RV-12iS had its first flight. No problems so far. I started to build two years ago and it has been a pleasure to build the RV-12iS. It is the […] Read More

Congrats to Stefan, who recently built his third RV, and his second RV-14A! He writes: I can‘t exactly explain what went on in me… that made me build a third RV. It was probably a number of different reasons, for example people like Daryl Sahnow (top sales man from Van‘s, now retired and still a […] Read More