Reading the fine print on a purchase contract for a new kit airplane is something that many builders overlook in the excitement of their new airplane. That could be a big mistake that comes back to haunt you.
Van's Aircraft
2025 was a good year for Van’s Aircraft
The company delivered around 1,200 kits worldwide, expanded its production line for the RV-12is LSA, and sent out the first wing kits for the backcountry RV-15.
Van’s founder to visit student build project
When high school students in New Hampshire began building planes, they didn’t expect the aircraft’s designer to be available for questions. But that’s what will happen when Richard VanGrunsven, legendary founder of Van’s Aircraft Co., travels to the Granite State next month to visit student plane-building workshops in Manchester, Lebanon, and Farmington.
Van’s RV-15 goes into production
Van’s began taking orders for the RV-15 — the company’s first-ever high wing — at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2025.
Van’s retires earliest models
After decades of offering the RV-3, RV-4, and RV-6, Van’s Aircraft is preparing to retire these models.
Dogs, a pandemic, and building an RV-7
Building an airplane for Dave Stone and his neighbor Abbie Sipos started with dogs and then the pandemic.
Been there, done that
The engine you choose will definitely impact the design of the cowling, engine baffling, etc., which is why your best source of engine choice and installation will be from “someone who has been there and done that.”
Larry Elliott’s Flying Zebra
It’s not often you see a zebra in Texas. It’s even more rare to see one flying — unless you live near Cleveland, Texas.
Picture of the Day: Friends complete RV-7A
Bob Jones submitted this photo and note: “N617RV was completed by seven owners with help from friends in August of 2023. The project took about three years. The aircraft is equipped a Lycoming IO-360 engine, two Advanced Flight 6600 displays, an Avidyne 440, an AV-30 backup instrument with magnetometer, and is certified for IFR flight. In the photo, the plane is just back from paint.”