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Vans RV-15 Spring '25 Update
- Thread starter bertschb
- Start date
I don't know if it's mentioned in this video specifically, but yes. It also seems like they intend to factory build, and together these things seem to imply an E-LSA build path would be available as well.
I have to say I'm very impressed with what I saw in that video. I was and still am a little skeptical that they need a kit in a general design that is so well covered by others, but I do think the -15 will make all of the rest up their game.
The design team is working really hard to get it right the first time. I wonder how many other kit manufacturers have put so much work into a new design.
60 gallons fuel will be great. I really like all the details I am seeing, and also the fact that I get to see the details. Looking forward to OSH.
60 gallons fuel will be great. I really like all the details I am seeing, and also the fact that I get to see the details. Looking forward to OSH.
The repeated mention of floats perked up my interest. I wonder if they’ll be aftermarket or a Van’s offered kit.
From the perspective of this having high potential to be a MOSAIC ELSA/SLSA, this is an interesting niche (more compelling than carrying bicycles IMO) to optimize for. Setting aside any big rule changes before the final rule, one distinction in light sport is that seaplane operations are CFI endorsement and not an additional rating.
They already said they were partnering up with somebody on floats early on with specific considerations being made, I'm not sure which video it was in.
I picked up they plane to finalize the emp this fall, so we're looking at 2026 at the earliest for kits ... which works for me since I decided to build another 14 while we wait ... glutton for punishment I guess ...
I picked up they plane to finalize the emp this fall, so we're looking at 2026 at the earliest for kits ... which works for me since I decided to build another 14 while we wait ... glutton for punishment I guess ...
There are other designs that compete with most of the other RVs..........and yet.............look at how many RVs are flying/under construction compared to ANY other of several/many designs! When I was in the market for an E/AB, I had narrowed it down to the Glasair TD (
) and the Lancair 
oops:
). Let's see......who is still making any of those airplanes.......?
I was wanting to build a CubCrafters EX-3 before starting on my RV-8. I love the outdoors, I thought it would be a great platform to explore the world in. Then I realized that insurance on the EX-3 would be 10k a year or so... so what else was out there? Vans came to mind - I wanted a plane I could do something fun with, a reason to fly - so the RV-8 and aerobatics via IAC competitions gave me that. If the RV-15 was out at the time, I probably would have built that. I got the Sky Designs 6x6.00 wheel kit for my plane so at least I can explore the flat dry lake-beds of the southwest in my RV-8 even if I don't have proper tundra tires.
