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FIrst FLights

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Mike Buettgenbach’s RV-12 | Derby, Kansas RV-12iS #121220

Congratulations to Mike who recently completed and flew his RV-12! He writes: First flight (and second flight) was on Sunday, 9/25/22. Absolutely perfect. . . No squawks, no heavy wing, even the stall vane was right-on. Certainly brought a smile. Great airplane. Greg H once told me: “That’s a kick-a$$ airplane!” . . . yup, […] Read More

Teodor Sacaciu’s RV-7A | Willis, Texas RV-7A #74788

Congratulations to Teodor on the completion of his second RV! He writes: Hello there,  This was my second RV. I built the first RV-6A in 2000 and decided to build the RV-7A during the Covid. The sad thing was that I had to wait a whole year for a hangar but finally thank God I […] Read More

Klaus-Peter Morhard’s RV-7A | EDTW, Black Forest, Germany RV-7A #71249

Congratulations to Klaus-Peter Morhard, who writes to share with us the first flight of his RV-7A! Hallo Zusammen, Fast ewig habe ich an meiner RV-7A gebaut, da ich einen LOM M332C eingebaut habe und nun echt zufrieden bin. Nachdem die Schallpegelmessung erfolgreich abgeschlossen ist, wollte ich mein Flugzeug fertig melden. Jeder Flug war einfach toll […] Read More

Frederic Magare’s RV-9A | Kyle, TX RV-9A #91380

Congrats to Frederic on the maiden flight of his RV-9A! He writes: First Flight was straight forward with no control issues to report. In the weeks leading to the first flight, I found that I was experiencing a great deal of anxiety. I could not sleep the night before and preparing to go to the […] Read More

Scott Hersha’s New RV-6 | Cincinnati, OH RV-6 #22595

Congrats to Scott Hersha, who finished and flew this new RV-6! He writes: I built this airplane from a used kit that was started in 1992. I’m at least the third builder (probably more), and I purchased it from a young man in Oregon who is a Van’s Aircraft engineer. He (Taylor) had it for […] Read More

Robert Haag’s RV-4 | Aalen, Germany RV-4 #RV4/600R 001

Congrats to Robert Haag on the completion and first flight of his custom RV-4! He writes: Maiden flight with the “New Generation” modification of an RV-4. Powered by an Rotax 915is and equipped with a rescue parachute system. From the first second you get a smile on your face that lasts forever. Best regards from […] Read More

Kevin Jackson’s RV-9A | Spicewood, Texas RV-9A #91421

The first flight of RV-9A N326KM occurred at Spicewood Airport near Austin Texas on 8/17/2022. The aircraft performed very well with trim nearly perfect. This was my second RV completion (RV-7 N320KJ, 71363, first flew 5/12/2006). I always thought the 9A would be a great aircraft – it is! A special recognition goes to Skip […] Read More

Joe Bryant’s RV-3 | Great Falls, Montana RV-3 #11480

Congratulations to Joe and Noel on this amazing accomplishment! They write: After 10 years of on and off building, my RV-3 took to the skies on July 29, 2022. The test pilot, Noel Simmons, reported the plane flew hands off at 185 mph. Will be getting the paint job done in September. The paint will […] Read More

William Stewart’s RV-8 | Chicago, IL RV-8 #001

Congratulations to William on his new RV-8! He writes in with a short report and photo: My first flight was just one trip around the patch but that was enough for the RV Grin.

Shawn Gray’s RV-7 | Camas, Washington RV-7 #74673

Shawn recently flew his RV-7 for the first time! He writes: N726RG flew great on her first flight. High overcast and no wind conditions at Grove Field(1W1). Glad my father and one my best friends were there to see it. Great feeling. RV Grin 😁!

Steve Hicks’ RV-14 | Shropshire, UK RV-14 #140413

Congratulations to Steve! He writes: The adventure with G-STRV began in Oct 2017, when slow build parts began to arrive in Shropshire, UK, and my friend Tim Nicholas has been a faithful rivet partner throughout the build. The first flight took place from Sleap Airfield where G-STRV will live, and she felt “right” the moment […] Read More

Trevor Fleming’s RV-7 | Airdrie Alberta, Canada RV-7 #73850

Trevor recently completed his RV-7! He writes: A little late to report, but I’ve been having way to much fun! First flight was almost perfect other than the standard heavy wing. A quick tweak and I now have over 50 hours problem free and loving every minute of it. My wife and I have enjoyed […] Read More

John J Meyers’ RV-12 | Lancaster, Ohio RV-12iS #121157

Congratulations John! He writes: Since the first rivet was driven 3 years, 7 months, 3 weeks, and 1 day ago, N683JT left the earth for the first time the morning of 7/22/22. It was a 47 min flight that reached an altitude as high as 5,168 ft, and achieved a ground speed that went up […] Read More

Gavin Hill’s RV-8 | Johannesburg, South Africa RV-8 #80995

Congratulations Gavin! He writes: This beautiful RV-8 started life out as an early QuickBuild kit that was purchased from the original builder in 2018. After leaving the Van’s factory in 1998 and through many hours of blood, sweat and tears together with good friends, Reyno Coetzer, Mike George and Peter Steyn she was completed in […] Read More

Michael and Colleen Verkaik’s RV-8 | Oakdale, California RV-8 #83342

Congratulations to Michael and Colleen! They write: First flight of our RV-8, sporting the initials in our tail number in memory of our two brave and beloved sons, took place on Friday July 9th 2022 in Eugene Oregon. The aircraft performed exactly as advertised and capped a journey of friendship and experiences that wil last […] Read More

Steven Gross’ RV-10 | Rockville, Maryland RV-10 #40377

Congratulations to Steven on the completion of his second RV! He writes: Built an RV-9A, completed exactly 4 years ago – construction took 25 months. Proud owner of a 2 plane RV air force with completion of the RV-10, Independence Day, 2022.

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