[DeltaRomeo]

Bob Devore from Van's just emailed me that Steve Formhals of Helotes, TX emailed in his database listing. His was #5,000.

Way to go Van's!!!!!

 

[Rosie]

 

[brianwallis]

It's an -8!

Ladies and Gents
the 5000th RV to be built and flown and recorded in Vans Database was
N628RV. It was built by a repeat offender Mr Steve Formhals

(copied from Vans website)
Received February 13, 2007
From: Steve Formhals

Although it has been a few months and about 142.1 Hours of flight time (But who?s counting!), RV-8 N628RV finally flew for the first time on April 30, 2006. The kit was originally begun in Kansas, moved to New York and then to San Antonio where I finally purchased it from the second owner. So far, it has actually covered more distance as a kit than it has as a finished aircraft, but I?m working on that. Statistics are: ECI Titan IO 360, Hartzell Blended Airfoil prop, 2 Blue Mountain EFIS G3s and AP, Electronics International engine gauges and interior by Classic Aero. I thought the RV-6 that I built previously was a wonderful machine and I have not been disappointed in any way with the new RV-8. It is truly amazing!

All of the raving about RVs is true. I am already looking forward to another RV project, even though I still need to get this one painted!

Steve Formhals
Helotes, TX.
FLYING RV-8 N628RV
[ sf3543 at att.com ]


CONGRATULATIONS TO EVERYBODY!!!!!!
BEST
Brian Wallis

 

[Geico266]

Congratulations, to all of those who have built RV's as part of the fleet of 5,000. You have contributed to the most successful "amateur" built airplanes in the history of mankind.

Orville & Wilbur would be proud.

Do I hear 10,000?

 

[jsherblon]

What do all of these aircraft have in common?

Cirrus - all models
Diamond Aircraft - all models
Piper Comanche
Cessna Cardinal
Beech Musketeer series
Grumman AA-1 & AA-5
Maule - all models
Taylorcraft - all models
Bell 47 helicopter
Every Boeing 700 series model from the 707 to the 777

Answer: According to Airliners.net, the total production for each of these is less than 5000 aircraft.

 

[svanarts]

That's really great news for Van's. That means I'll be able to buy my next aircraft kit from them too! For me the glass is totally full. However, I can't help but feel we RV'ers are becoming a little common now. We're the spam cans of the experimental world if there is such a thing.

OTOH, with that many RV's in the world maybe it's time to start thinking about forming an actual political association a la Cessna Pilot's Association, or EAA, or sumsuch.

I actually like Spam by the way. Thank you Hormel!

 

[DeltaRomeo]

snip...
OTOH, with that many RV's in the world maybe it's time to start thinking about forming an actual political association a la Cessna Pilot's Association, or EAA, or sumsuch....snip

Been tossing this around for a few years, Scott. I've owned www.RVOPA.org for many years just in case it ever gets to that <g>. Never know where it'll end up!

Best always,
Doug