First Flight: Phil Sprang’s RV-14 | Newnan, GA. RV-14 #141026

[DeltaRomeo]

Phil Sprang's RV-14 - Van's Aircraft Total Performance RV Kit Planes

Phil Sprang just flew his RV-14 for the first time. Here’s how he tells is: It was a Tuesday and that was my standard answer when people asked when I was going to fly it. After three and a half years of mostly solo building, I got to re-live the exact same feeling of my […] Read More

www.vansaircraft.com

"It was a Tuesday and that was my standard answer when people asked when I was going to fly it.​

​

After three and a half years of mostly solo building, I got to re-live the exact same feeling of my first solo flight more than 30 years ago. It was exhilarating and the plane performed as it should with no issues. The RV grin is real and involuntary.​

​

We were fortunate to acquire a box hangar a few years ago. One day, my wife Pam said “we have enough room for a taildragger.” We did, and the next day I ordered the RV-14 kit. An RV-14 would fit perfectly next to her Cessna 182.​

​

Once the kit arrived, I started building in our basement shop and moved the project to the hangar about a year and a half ago. While I mostly prefer to work solo, there were a core group of friends, fellow RV-14 builders, who stepped up to help when needed, without question. To these guys, I owe a sincere thank you! Most of all, my wife was there every step of the way. She provided support, without ever complaining, every day. I could not have done it without her. It was her idea after all.​

​

This aircraft is equipped with Sky Designs extended-range fuel tanks, wheel pants and baggage boxes. An Aerotronics-built, all-Garmin panel. Hoses and the Beringer 6-inch wheel kit were supplied by Aircraft Specialties. A BearHawk tailwheel. Aveo Engineering Zip Tips. FlyLeds landing lights. A Classic Aero Design interior. A Lycoming Thunderbolt engine swinging an MT three blade prop. The near future will include a flight to Gadsden, AL (KGAD) for an Evoke paint job.​

​

Everyone in the industry that supports this aircraft has been absolutely top notch!​

​

I’m looking forward to working through Phase I and putting lots of hours on this magnificent flying machine."​

 

[Mike S]

Phil, congrats on the new fledgling

 

[N10KE]

Phil has built a spectacular airplane. I've watched him over the past few years during my frequent trips to Synergy Air South. Can't wait to see the finished plane when the artists and craftpeople at Evoke do their magic.

Just for clarification - Phil did not build his RV-14 at Synergy Air South. His hangar is directly across from SAS at CCO.

 

[bertschb]

So happy to see this first flight! Phil has been very generous with his time sharing his experience, advice and encouragement to me as a new builder. My airplane will be better because of him.

 

[Brian Robbins]

Phil has out done all of us! Every detail during his build from his tools to his shop, to his design, workmanship, decisions, have been phenomenal and inspiring. I feel privileged to have been a very minor part assisting with this build, and Phil always keeps me going. Proud of you my friend! Couple of years behind you!

 

[Phil Sprang]

Thanks for the very kind words fellas.

 

[MIKE JG]

He's a pretty decent airline pilot too.....

 

[N10KE]

He's a pretty decent airline pilot too.....

Yes and now he will get to fly a real airplane versus the flying computer! And the new plane is a taildragger to boot.

 

[DanH]

Hey Phil, put on your pants...

 

[Phil Sprang]

Hey Phil, put on your pants...

Soon Dan. Very soon. I have to admit that when I read this the first time, I had to look down to see if I dressed myself properly.....and I was at work. The initial shock wore off, eventually.

 

[maverick7000]

Congratulations on your maiden flight! What is the approximate capacity of the long-range tanks?✈

 

[bertschb]

What is the approximate capacity of the long-range tanks?✈

68 gallons for the RV-14 Sky Designs ER tanks