After two years, nine days, and a total of 1,100 hours dedicated to building, N820JN finally took to the skies for its maiden flight yesterday. This milestone marks the culmination of countless hours of hard work, perseverance, and teamwork.

Throughout the build, I was particularly concerned about the handling qualities of the RV-9A. To prepare myself, I flew a friend’s RV-7A several times, which helped me become more familiar with the aircraft’s characteristics. Ultimately, the RV-9A proved to be a pleasure to fly—its handling was exceptional, offering both stability and nimbleness on the controls.

My friend Rick, an experienced RV builder, joined me as the second pilot for the first flight. Together, we climbed to an altitude of 8,000 feet to assess the airplane’s performance and handling. During the climb, cylinder head temperatures (CHTs) were higher than expected, we need to check the air dams on the front cylinders. I conducted a power-off stall with a clean configuration to evaluate low-speed handling, and afterward, we flew to PYM to practice landings.

First and foremost, I want to thank my wife Nancy, whose belief in me and unwavering encouragement kept me going, especially during moments of frustration. I am also deeply grateful for the remarkable support from the “Usual Suspects” at the airport. Whenever I needed a tool or part, a simple text would bring a group of these friends to assist. Special thanks go to Rick Brown, who was at the hangar nearly every day over the past few months, helping me finish the build and prepare for flight. His expertise and dedication were invaluable.

The airplane performed admirably during its first flight, although it exhibited a right-wing-heavy tendency, which is common among RV aircraft initially. There are a few issues, or “squawks,” that I need to resolve before the next flight:
• Address an oil leak from the oil cooler fittings.
• Check and adjust the pitch trim setting, as I had to maintain significant nose-down trim while flying level.
• Consider modifying the dam in front of the #2 cylinder to improve temperature management.

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A childhood dream became reality when two passionate builders brought this outstanding aircraft to life. A perfect blend of cross-country performance and pure flying fun.

The first flight of D-EXFL, performed by builders Florian Gruenberg and Lars Schoettler, took place in Bad Neuenahr – Ahrweiler (EDRA), Germany, marking a milestone moment after countless hours in the workshop.

This Van’s RV-8 features a sleek Showplanes fastback canopy, FlyEFII electronic fuel injection, and a Profinity SkyButler iPad mount — combining classic design with modern innovation.

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Taking to the skies in a plane you’ve built with your own hands – even if you started with a kit – is an incredibly exciting and rewarding experience. It brought back memories of the thrill of my first solo flight, which took place decades ago.

After three-and-a-half years of work (a slow build, and I won’t hide the headaches caused by the problems that have cropped up over the years), I have finally realized my dream. I am very pleased with the flight performance of my RV-14A and can’t wait to finish the flight tests and obtain the final certification so I can fly around Europe this summer.

Thank you to everyone who has supported and helped me.

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My very first rivet was set at a free workshop at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh. At the time, I really had no idea what I was doing, I just thought building an airplane sounded like something I wanted to try. That small moment turned into something much bigger when I officially started the project in May of 2022.

What followed was a long lesson in patience and endurance. There were plenty of nights where progress felt slow, and times where the project seemed overwhelming with the number of decisions still ahead. I spent countless hours researching, second-guessing, and trying to get things right. Through all of that, I’m incredibly grateful for my family, who stayed patient and supportive the entire way, even when the project seemed to take over a lot of my time and attention.

I started with essentially zero building experience, and along the way learned skills I never imagined I’d have: metal fabrication, riveting, wiring, and engine work. Each step came with its own challenges, but also a lot of small wins that kept me going. Over time, those small wins added up into a finished airplane!

The first flight is something I won’t forget. There’s just nothing quite like flying something you built with your hands. The first flight went great and the airplane flew wonderfully! With 25 hours on the plane now, I am consistently amazed at just how far those crates of metal parts and wrapping paper have come in 3.5 years.

The post Thomas Dieker’s RV-8 appeared first on Van's Aircraft Total Performance RV Kit Planes.

After nearly four years of building and three months of waiting after passing the designated airworthiness (DAR) inspection, I finally got N731VF in the air. It was a beautiful day and a beautiful first flight. No issues what so ever except my less than stellar landing. The RV-10 is way nose heavy compared to my RV-6A.
Now I just need to get out there and complete Phase 1 so I can start traveling the country in this wonderful bird.

The post Eric Vickery’s RV-10 appeared first on Van's Aircraft Total Performance RV Kit Planes.

After four-and-a-half years and 3,200 hours of building, N284MA had its first flight yesterday! Other than the oil door popping open on takeoff and high CHT on Cylinder 1, it was a good flight. Flew for 30 min at 4,500 ft to assist with break in, did some slow flight to check handling, then came back to land. I did my transition training last year with Alex De Dominicis and the last bit of landing practice last Friday really helped.

First, I want to thank my wife Melissa who believed in me, helped me with hundreds of hours of riveting, and encouraged me to keep going when I got frustrated. I also want to thank my friend Kurt Rutkowski who was at the hangar almost every day the past few months as I finished up the build and prepped for flight. His experience was invaluable.

The airplane flew great, no trim or rigging issues that I can tell so far. There are a few squawks I need to address before the next flight: 1) Stiffen up the oil door (I used two of the Cessna style latches), 2) re-check the nose breakout torque as there was a bit of shimmy at high speeds, and 3) consider cutting down the dam in front of CHT 1 to see if I can improve the temperatures.

The post Bob Watzlavick’s RV-10 appeared first on Van's Aircraft Total Performance RV Kit Planes.

I first learned about Experimental Amateur-Built aircraft shortly after joining the U.S. Marine Corps in 1989. Over the years I read magazines and books about homebuilt airplanes, attended EAA AirVenture Oshkosh, and spent countless hours dreaming about what it would be like to build and fly one myself.

In 2009, I visited the Experimental Aircraft Association museum in Oshkosh. Walking through the exhibits, I realized how small my own aviation experiences seemed compared to the innovation and accomplishment on display. Standing there, I made a decision: I was going to begin the journey to build my own airplane. I even bought a “Dream it, Build it, Fly it” T-shirt in the gift shop to commemorate the moment.

That decision began a project that would take 4,914 days (almost 13.5 years) and 5,286 hours of work in the shop from the first construction step to the first flight. Along the way I learned riveting, metal fabrication, fiberglass and carbon fiber work, electrical system design, and painting. Most importantly, I learned endurance. Like many builders, I faced setbacks and moments of frustration, but encouragement from friends and family kept the project moving forward.

Yesterday, I taxied my RV-8 onto the runway for its first flight. After pushing the throttle forward, the airplane leapt into the air and climbed away. I spent the first few minutes intensely focused on the flight path and engine parameters, fully aware that trouble might be lurking.

About fifteen minutes into the flight, at 4,500 feet and 170 knots, I finally allowed myself to relax a little. That was the moment I realized the airplane didn’t just fly—it flew beautifully. I looked down at the label we placed on the panel:
“Handcrafted by Rob and Amy Krieg.”

That’s when I started smiling, and I haven’t really stopped since. I’ve heard this moment called the “RV Grin,” and now I understand exactly what they mean.

This airplane would never have been completed without the support of my wife Amy and the many friends who helped along the way. We made thousands of decisions together during the build, and their advice and encouragement carried the project through every stage.

The first flight was just the beginning. There are still many test hours ahead and a short squawk list already waiting in the hangar. But after more than thirteen years of building, I’m finally enjoying the “Fly” portion of Dream, Build, Fly.

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After 12 years building at four different locations, finally we could take off in calm weather. The take off thrust was impressive, within seconds we were airborne and the plane flew really well. The only issue we had was cylinder 1 CHT running hot even with a shallow climb angle and we had to keep reducing power to avoid overheating. Once we got control over the temps we had a fantastic 25-minute first flight. This is the start of the next adventure of flight testing and traveling across Europe. And who knows, AirVenture?

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I’m please to inform you that N526SJ (kit #72463) took to the skies on a clear and beautiful day. I purchased the tail and wing kit (along with tools) from Tom Maxwell in February of 2008. Although it’s been a somewhat slow build, I’ve enjoyed it, and can hardly believe it’s done. I received the Special Airworthiness Certificate on Wright Brothers Day 2025 and have spent the last couple of months in transition training. The plane flies great and I look forward to being a flyer/builder. A big thank-you to wife, Jan who put up with having airplane parts in the basement, garage, and elsewhere (until she insisted I get a hanger). Although I did the vast majority of the work myself, no one builds one of these by themselves (Hanger neighbors, Websites, Van’s Air Force, magazines etc.).

As others have said: “Keep pounding them rivets.” It’s worth it!

The post Shannon Carter’s RV-7 appeared first on Van's Aircraft Total Performance RV Kit Planes.

I wanted a project that I could enjoy with my sons. Building an RV was a great way to spend quality time learning some things together….not the least of which was patience .

The plane flew beautifully, and phase one is progressing nicely. I’m incredibly grateful to my wife and sons for their help and support. A special thank you to RV builders Brad Rife and Mike Sherman, as well as Urban Schroder, for their advice, assistance, and encouragement. The RV-14A is a fantastic kit! Keep building!

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