I haven't been very active on BT lately. I sold my E35 before an overseas move to London UK. However, I've been building an RV-7 for 5 years, and it recently slipped the surly bonds. While I really miss my Bonanza, this RV is an amazing aircraft! Phase 1 testing is showing 168 ktas on 8 mph LOP or 170+ on 10 gph ROP. I can't wait to pass the 100nm fence imposed by the FAA.

Thanks for letting me lurk here and remain a part of the amazing BT community.

[youtube]https://youtu.be/_Leb7pclv4c[/youtube]

Congratulations! That’s a huge and intense first step into fitting your new skin. You’ll be wearing it like your favorite slippers in no time.

Chris,

A BIG CONGRATS!

The feeling must be almost overwhelming!

And, OMG, the 195 HP engine is gonna be WOW!

Thanks for sharing.

(I miss my RV-6... )

Outstanding! I loved the family photos during the build.

Oh yeah, and it's aerobatics!

[youtube]https://youtu.be/vio__2AgiLE[/youtube]

Congratz man! These are wonderful airplanes. If I didn't have a baby, I'd still have my Harmon Rocket. Vans nailed the controls on these machines; perfect!

Sweet! Looks like you also qualify for the Polished Bird forum!

viewtopic.php?f=7&t=153861&start=30&hilit=Polished

I approve of your aircraft and music choices. I'll own an RV one day!

I have a soft spot for RVs. Congratulations on a great achievement!

I’ll never forget the first flight in my -4. It went off without a hitch, but I was on full alert. I always thought I approached every flight as if something could go wrong, but a first test flight in an experimental teaches you what that truly means.

If you don’t have a blast with that aircraft, you should probably take up boating.

Cheers!

M

I know this is a Beech forum and I've been on this site for years. Sold my Deb in 2013 and bought a RV-8. Sold it and bought a RV-7. Sold it and bought a RV-8 with 200hp and CS prop. Absolutely amazing aircraft all! I've flown many, many types over the years including the P-51. The RVs are about as close to perfect as you get and, to me, rank right up there with the T-38 as far as pure, unadulterated flying joy.

Congrats on your first flight. You own a real gem.

I know of an individual who sold his RV10 to get back into a Bonanza.

Thank you all for the kind words. It's been an amazing journey! I've done a lot of different flying over the years in many difference aircraft, but the first flight in an aircraft you built with your own hands... there's nothing else like that.

Paint goes on in Oct. I'll have to get BT feedback on the many schemes I am considering.

Very cool story. RVs are awesome. Building your own plane is cool.

KJ

Congrats Chris! Huge accomplishment

Congratulations!! That's a huge accomplishment and says a lot about you.

Anyone that builds an aircraft has my admiration. I might build the aileron but I want to buy the rest of the plane.