First Flight: Shannon Carter’s RV-7 | Denver, CO RV-7 #72463

[DeltaRomeo]

“I’m please to inform you that N526SJ (kit #72463) took to the skies on a clear and beautiful day. I purchased the tail and wing kit (along with tools) from Tom Maxwell in February of 2008. Although it’s been a somewhat slow build, I’ve enjoyed it, and can hardly believe it’s done. I received the Special Airworthiness Certificate on Wright Brothers Day 2025 and have spent the last couple of months in transition training. The plane flies great and I look forward to being a flyer/builder. A big thank-you to wife, Jan who put up with having airplane parts in the basement, garage, and elsewhere (until she insisted I get a hanger). Although I did the vast majority of the work myself, no one builds one of these by themselves (Hanger neighbors, Websites, Van’s Air Force, magazines etc.).

As others have said: “Keep pounding them rivets.” It’s worth it!”

Shannon Carter's RV-7 - Van's Aircraft Total Performance RV Kit Planes

Shannon Carter’s RV-7 flew for the first time. Here’s more: I’m please to inform you that N526SJ (kit #72463) took to the skies on a clear and beautiful day. I purchased the tail and wing kit (along with tools) from Tom Maxwell in February of 2008. Although it’s been a somewhat slow build, I’ve...

www.vansaircraft.com

 

[[email protected]]

“I’m please to inform you that N526SJ (kit #72463) took to the skies on a clear and beautiful day. I purchased the tail and wing kit (along with tools) from Tom Maxwell in February of 2008. Although it’s been a somewhat slow build, I’ve enjoyed it, and can hardly believe it’s done. I received the Special Airworthiness Certificate on Wright Brothers Day 2025 and have spent the last couple of months in transition training. The plane flies great and I look forward to being a flyer/builder. A big thank-you to wife, Jan who put up with having airplane parts in the basement, garage, and elsewhere (until she insisted I get a hanger). Although I did the vast majority of the work myself, no one builds one of these by themselves (Hanger neighbors, Websites, Van’s Air Force, magazines etc.).

As others have said: “Keep pounding them rivets.” It’s worth it!”

Shannon Carter's RV-7 - Van's Aircraft Total Performance RV Kit Planes

Shannon Carter’s RV-7 flew for the first time. Here’s more: I’m please to inform you that N526SJ (kit #72463) took to the skies on a clear and beautiful day. I purchased the tail and wing kit (along with tools) from Tom Maxwell in February of 2008. Although it’s been a somewhat slow build, I’ve...

www.vansaircraft.com

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Congratulations - a great conclusion to a big project! We have just the main wheel and (soon) tailwheel fairing to add 8-10 knots to an already efficient airframe.

 

[wirejock]

Congratulations! Mine took 13 years. First flight Oct 10 @ FNL.

 

[N890GF]

Congrats! welcome to the -7 flying club, my "quickbuild" kit took me 10 years! In the few hours i've flown so far though, it really is a blast and was totally worth the time! I hope you enjoy it as much as I am!