VansAirforce's massive contribution to the 10,000 milestone

[rv6ejguy]

Great post Bob.

[jcarne]

This website, strike that, this community was not only a factor in deciding which plane to build IT WAS the reason I decided to build a Van's aircraft. I remember just over a year ago researching three different planes and I kept coming back to Van's simply because I knew there were going to be questions that needed asked and this website was the answer. Thanks Doug for all you do here! Off to Paypal to show my thanks!

[Flying Canuck]

I am not part of the 10,000, but almost certainly will be part of the next 200. I was introduced to Van's Aircraft through the inclusion of the RV-6A in Microsoft Flight - it also turned out that the first real RV I saw/flew in was the exact 6A that Microsoft Flight's plane was modeled from. But I digress. When I was considering building, I had a number of options on the table, but it was the fact that the user community (VAF) for Van's was an order of magnitude larger than anyone else that cemented my decision. This place is awesome, I don't know if I could have figured out my build without it. The small suggested contribution to DR for this is as worthwhile as anything I've spent on my build, probably even more so.

[David Paule]

Without VAF, I wouldn't have decided to build an RV at all. I wouldn't have ever considered an RV-3B, much less bought the kits. And certainly wouldn't have gotten as far as I have, nor would I have met some really great folks and made some new friends.

Thanks, DR!

Dave

[Pat Stewart]

I had just started my first build of four when I met Doug out at Hicks Airport. At the time I believe I was Jay Pratts best non paying customer. I stopped by Jays almost daily to ask questions. Doug started telling us about this website he was starting and of course we all jumped in as soon as he launched it. Although living within 5 minutes of Jay provided access to the top RV builder in the country, Doug's site was growing and reaching people all over the world who did not have a buddy like Jay. Not long after my job took me away from Texas, Doug's website was the tool that allowed me to build the next three.

I have said many times that Doug and the website he created with out any doubt
Is the number 1 reason why Vans sales have exploded in the past 15 years. Thank you Doug, there are thousands of builders out there that could not have made it without this site.

Pat

[Captain Avgas]

Originally Posted by ShortSnorter

In regards to the OP; A poll would be very interesting to see how much influence VAF had on either a prospective builder or buyer.

+1 for me having VAF as the tipping point for an RV.

Great suggestion Ryan. I have started a poll on this topic in a separate concurrent thread. Go and vote.

[bruceh]

Without the internet, I would have never tried building an airplane. Builder weblogs got me started. VAF to me was always a huge factor getting questions answered, and just a daily habit of reading it and getting educated about things you would never even think of asking.

I never had one question here that I couldn't find an answer to (or at least get several opinions). VAF was my go to tech support. In fact, I never called Van's during my build to ask any questions.

[Jaypratt]

The Plane!
The RV series sold me. Attending OSH since 1980, watching the home built kit industry evolve. The completeness and maturity of the kits closed the deal.
I started a RV6 before I owned a computer. 1995. Also had no idea how many like minded people were out there!
VansAirforce.net has been a tremendous plus all these years. The site has helped so many of us build and get to know each other.
Never got help and friendship like this in other ?type club? aviation anything.

When building 1995. The original Butt Cracks found me and started coming by my build. Wow! What a ride it?s been! Thank You!
If I would have been two years earlier I would have been an original BC. Better late than never.

[airguy]

The builders logs that I reviewed while in the "dreaming stage" are absolutely the tipping point that pushed me into the pool. I wouldn't have found those without VAF, no doubt. I'm sure I made quite a pain of myself asking question during the early years.

[Captain Avgas]

I have today started a new thread with a Poll titled: "How influential was the existence of VAF in your decision to build an RV". This poll is only open to BUILDERS.

I have deleted the Poll I started several days ago which was open to both builders and buyers of RVs because the logic was flawed.

So if you voted previously and you still qualify please go back and vote again. I'm trying to get as many voters as possible so that the statistics have substance.