Van’s Aircraft has officially entered the Light Sport market with the flight of its RV-12. During AirVenture 2006, the staff of Van’s informed the crowd that the LSA, to be known as the RV-12, was in the works. They predicted first flight in the fall of 2006. On Nov. 9 Van’s CEO Richard “Van” VanGrunsven made good on the promise and took the RV-12 on its first flight in the skies over Aurora, Ore.
The proof-of-concept aircraft has a nosewheel and sports the distinctive Van’s tail. The RV-12 falls into the Experimental LSA category, which means it will be available as a kit and builders will have to comply with the 51% rule.