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  #1  
Old 02-17-2015, 05:28 AM
GTWreck GTWreck is offline
 
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Locust Grove, GA
Posts: 97
Smile N10GT First Flight

I had read with great anticipation in the RVator magazines about the development of the RV-10 prototype. In March 2003, my daughter was born and I knew I was going to need more than 2 seats to fly the family around. When the RV-10 was announced at OSH in the summer of 2003, I placed my order immediately. I took delivery of my tail kit on Nov 1, 2003, with serial number 40036. I honestly thought I'd be done in 2-4 years. In the process, I moved to an airpark, had another kid, bought two other airplanes, one of which I still have (anyone want to buy a 1987 Mooney 205?), and traveled a lot for work. I'm very blessed to have the support network around me to complete this task. Between having a wonderful, patient wife who thought I'd never finish, and several neighbors from whom I've borrowed countless parts and tools.

On Sunday, N10GT took to the skies after an 11+ year building odyssey. I am now a third generation homebuilder. My father has built an RV-6A and an award winning RV-8. My grandfather built an Emeraude (which I recall him building when I was went to visit when I was about 7 years old) and an RV-8. Along the way, my father's vast experience, advise, and helped get me through the build process. I can never thank him enough for all his efforts.

I'm very fortunate to have a DAR live right down the street from me. Vic Syracuse did my inspection and also served as a Qualified Pilot under AC90-116. It was incredibly helpful to have someone of his experience level with me for the first flight.

Taxiing down the runway, I did a mag check and at the end of the runway, turned around and fire walled it. The plane broke ground in about 500 feet and climbed quite nicely to 3000 feet. CHTs settled in nicely (354-386F), which is fantastic for a factory new engine. Oil temps settled in at 187F. Left wing is a little heavy, which I was able to trim out to fly pretty much hands off. Even without wheel pants or leg fairings, I was getting TAS of 155-160 knots. ADS-B traffic on the G3X (via GDL-39 and GTX-330ES) was fantastic and immediately useful as it helped up pick out a 172 that was crossing our flight path on the decent for landing. A couple other minor squawks to take care of, but overall, it was a very successful first flight, especially since I greased the landing! Now, if only the weather would cooperate so I can go fly again!









The classic post-first flight RV Grin.


My Dad and I.


More pics and videos can be found here: http://www.aaronsims.photography/Air...9603&k=hTZsfKz
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Aaron Sims
RV-10 (2015 Bronze Lindy)
RV-6A (sold)
Home Field: Mallards Landing (GA04)
Locust Grove, GA
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  #2  
Old 02-17-2015, 05:41 AM
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aturner aturner is offline
 
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Clarion, Pennsylvania
Posts: 550
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Nice work Aaron, that is a good looking airplane. I know that more than a few RV-10 builders can relate to your story and having and raising kids while building the airplane, it may slow down the process but makes it richer at the same time.

-Andy
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-Andy Turner
RV-10 N784JC
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  #3  
Old 02-17-2015, 06:06 AM
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bugsbunny bugsbunny is offline
 
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: Wisconsin
Posts: 95
Default Congrats

Really enjoyed your story, congratulations
On a sweet looking bird.
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Don Schwartz
RV 9-A
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  #4  
Old 02-17-2015, 06:19 AM
vic syracuse vic syracuse is online now
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Join Date: May 2005
Location: Locust Grove, GA
Posts: 2,627
Default Congrats!

Aaron has done a wonderful job on building his RV-10 and making the first flight. It's been really neat watching him and his Dad over the years--- a whole family of RV-builders!

Vic
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Vic Syracuse

Built RV-4, RV-6, 2-RV-10's, RV-7A, RV-8, Prescott Pusher, Kitfox Model II, Kitfox Speedster, Kitfox 7 Super Sport, Just Superstol, DAR, A&P/IA, EAA Tech Counselor/Flight Advisor, CFII-ASMEL/ASES
Kitplanes "Unairworthy" monthly feature
EAA Sport Aviation "Checkpoints" column
EAA Homebuilt Council Chair/member EAA BOD
Author "Pre-Buy Guide for Amateur-Built Aircraft"
www.Baselegaviation.com
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  #5  
Old 02-17-2015, 06:19 AM
rv4ross rv4ross is offline
 
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: Locust Grove, GA
Posts: 55
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Watched you take off and no doubt in my mind it wanted to fly. Congrats to you and your Dad for a job well done. I really do like the option of having a qualified pilot with you, well don Vic.

Ross Scroggs
RV-4 #3911
Locust Grove, GA
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  #6  
Old 02-17-2015, 07:13 AM
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flion flion is offline
 
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Flagstaff, AZ
Posts: 2,653
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Congratulations and thanks for posting this. I haven't been able to work on my project this winter for various reasons and this was just the inspiration I needed. Here's hoping you have many hours of enjoyment flying your beautiful plane.
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Patrick Kelley - Flagstaff, AZ
RV-6A N156PK - Flying too much to paint
RV-10 14MX(reserved) - Fuselage on gear
http://www.mykitlog.com/flion/
EAA Technical Counselor #5357
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  #7  
Old 02-17-2015, 07:17 AM
gtmule gtmule is offline
 
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Macon, GA
Posts: 499
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Aaron,

Congrats and THWG!

Your 430W is finally flying in Macon (thanks in part to Vic, who did the annual that got it back in the air)
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RV-7, Niner Fife Victor
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  #8  
Old 02-17-2015, 07:26 AM
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pierre smith pierre smith is offline
 
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Louisville, Ga
Posts: 7,840
Default Congratulations

Vic is the type of guy that FAA advisory wants in the airplane. Good move.

Best,
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Pierre Smith
RV-10, 510 TT
RV6A (Sojourner) 180 HP, Catto 3 Bl (502Hrs), gone...and already missed
Air Tractor AT 502B PT 6-15 Sold
Air Tractor 402 PT-6-20 Sold
EAA Flight Advisor/CFI/Tech Counselor
Louisville, Ga

It's never skill or craftsmanship that completes airplanes, it's the will to do so,
Patrick Kenny, EAA 275132


Dues gladly paid!
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  #9  
Old 02-17-2015, 07:34 AM
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DiscoverThruCruisin' DiscoverThruCruisin' is offline
 
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: Locust Grove, GA
Posts: 108
Thumbs up Congratulations!

Aaron,
I was watching from my hanger pad while you and Vic taxied out. I could feel your excitement. Sounded beautiful as you took off, climbed out, and circled during the first flight. Now let's all go to Cedar Key again with you and the family in that 10! Congratulations!

Rebecca
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  #10  
Old 02-17-2015, 07:49 AM
krw5927 krw5927 is offline
 
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Wichita, KS
Posts: 1,958
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CONGRATULATIONS Aaron!!!
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Kurt W.
RV9A
FLYING!!!
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