TCONROY
Well Known Member
Today our RV-7 made its first FLIGHT in the comfortable and experienced hands of Joe Blank who graciously agreed to be our test pilot.
Joe arrived in the morning and we went over the Advanced Flight Systems AF-5600 EFIS displays, the Garmin GTN-750 and GNC-255 GPS/NAV/COM radios and VP-X. We discussed aircraft systems, failure modes, and contingency planning. We also went through the Test Card agenda and discussed emergency procedures and different abort situations. Joe performed another extensive walk-around inspection and couldn't find an excuse not to fly .
Joe departed Aurora State Airport (KUAO), also home to the mother ship, and climbed to 4,000ft for about 45 minutes and maintained high power settings for the duration of the flight. He claimed it flew straight and true! About 30 minutes into the flight he performed 2 power-off stalls and said it broke straight-ahead at 45 KIAS both times. He then worked his way back down to the pattern and performed a medal worthy wheel landing. Despite owning his own RV-6 and flying the factory demo airplanes, I swear he had the RV Grin as he taxi'd in .
After Joe returned, we removed the cowl and did a careful inspection. No leaks or issues to speak of. We fueled up and then it was my turn to fly the machine I have spent so much time and effort on. I can't even being to explain how incredible it was when I saw the airport get further away below me. I looked outside that big bubble canopy and just grinned....this moment is the reason why I worked so hard. What a feeling!
I spent about 20 minutes up in the air and she ran like a champ. Engine instruments were rock solid and she stalled right at 45 KIAS as Joe had found in the previous flight. I taxi'd in and experienced the RV Grin.
We did another inspection, added some more fuel and my Co-Builder father took her up for about 20 minutes. He also discovered what the RV Grin was...
I want to take this opportunity to thank all the wonderful people at Van's Aircraft for their support over the 5 1/2 years we spent building. Joe, Gus, Ken, and Sterling were always happy to help when I would call with questions. I can't think of any other business that provides FREE support for their products for that long. Barb, Daryl, Dale, and Fedosia for keeping the front office running and kits/parts ready for pick-up on time. And to all the staff in the warehouse that manufacture, organize, and pack a bunch of metal together so guys like us can put it all together.
Dick...you have designed an absolutely wonderful airplane that flies incredibly well. You all ROCK!
There are so many people that have had a part in our project over the years. Rob Hickman from Advanced Flight Systems deserves a mention for his invaluable help and support over the years. He also builds one heck of an EFIS screen.
Doug Reeves, you have built a website like no other I have ever seen. You facilitate the gathering of a group of people who have a common interest and passion for building and flying these wonderful airplanes. I cannot even begin to count how many tips, hints, suggestions, questions, ideas, and explanations I have discovered or have had answered on this site. Thanks to all the folks like Mel, Vic, Jack, and that Mike guy that seems to never leave the VAF website....ever ! Send in your donations folks!
This project began in 2009 soon after I graduated college when I was a full-time flight instructor. I have had several aviation jobs since then have now reached my career aspiration as a corporate pilot. In that time I also found and married an incredible woman and together we have an adorable 15 month old boy (my future CoPilot). My point is, this airplane is a lot more than just a project I pounded rivets on; it tells a story of my life. There is a combined total of probably one year I didn't even touch the project when I was flying freight...when I got married...and when we had a baby. Life happens and no matter what gets in your way, keep building. Speaking of my wife, I couldn't have done this without her support. That is also why we have heated seats .
See you all at Oshkosh!
Joe arrived in the morning and we went over the Advanced Flight Systems AF-5600 EFIS displays, the Garmin GTN-750 and GNC-255 GPS/NAV/COM radios and VP-X. We discussed aircraft systems, failure modes, and contingency planning. We also went through the Test Card agenda and discussed emergency procedures and different abort situations. Joe performed another extensive walk-around inspection and couldn't find an excuse not to fly .
Joe departed Aurora State Airport (KUAO), also home to the mother ship, and climbed to 4,000ft for about 45 minutes and maintained high power settings for the duration of the flight. He claimed it flew straight and true! About 30 minutes into the flight he performed 2 power-off stalls and said it broke straight-ahead at 45 KIAS both times. He then worked his way back down to the pattern and performed a medal worthy wheel landing. Despite owning his own RV-6 and flying the factory demo airplanes, I swear he had the RV Grin as he taxi'd in .
After Joe returned, we removed the cowl and did a careful inspection. No leaks or issues to speak of. We fueled up and then it was my turn to fly the machine I have spent so much time and effort on. I can't even being to explain how incredible it was when I saw the airport get further away below me. I looked outside that big bubble canopy and just grinned....this moment is the reason why I worked so hard. What a feeling!
I spent about 20 minutes up in the air and she ran like a champ. Engine instruments were rock solid and she stalled right at 45 KIAS as Joe had found in the previous flight. I taxi'd in and experienced the RV Grin.
We did another inspection, added some more fuel and my Co-Builder father took her up for about 20 minutes. He also discovered what the RV Grin was...
I want to take this opportunity to thank all the wonderful people at Van's Aircraft for their support over the 5 1/2 years we spent building. Joe, Gus, Ken, and Sterling were always happy to help when I would call with questions. I can't think of any other business that provides FREE support for their products for that long. Barb, Daryl, Dale, and Fedosia for keeping the front office running and kits/parts ready for pick-up on time. And to all the staff in the warehouse that manufacture, organize, and pack a bunch of metal together so guys like us can put it all together.
Dick...you have designed an absolutely wonderful airplane that flies incredibly well. You all ROCK!
There are so many people that have had a part in our project over the years. Rob Hickman from Advanced Flight Systems deserves a mention for his invaluable help and support over the years. He also builds one heck of an EFIS screen.
Doug Reeves, you have built a website like no other I have ever seen. You facilitate the gathering of a group of people who have a common interest and passion for building and flying these wonderful airplanes. I cannot even begin to count how many tips, hints, suggestions, questions, ideas, and explanations I have discovered or have had answered on this site. Thanks to all the folks like Mel, Vic, Jack, and that Mike guy that seems to never leave the VAF website....ever ! Send in your donations folks!
This project began in 2009 soon after I graduated college when I was a full-time flight instructor. I have had several aviation jobs since then have now reached my career aspiration as a corporate pilot. In that time I also found and married an incredible woman and together we have an adorable 15 month old boy (my future CoPilot). My point is, this airplane is a lot more than just a project I pounded rivets on; it tells a story of my life. There is a combined total of probably one year I didn't even touch the project when I was flying freight...when I got married...and when we had a baby. Life happens and no matter what gets in your way, keep building. Speaking of my wife, I couldn't have done this without her support. That is also why we have heated seats .
See you all at Oshkosh!