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RV-12 First Flights: Photo Album

Latest postings of new 1st flights

Congratulations to:

Gary Steube(#51)
Wander Azevedo(#76)
Roger Barlee(#81)
Chuck & Pat Woods (#82)
Erich Kane(#83)
John Throcker (#84)
John Rattiff, Sam Sullivan, & Ed Burdick (#85)
Jim Olson, Ben Bradley, & Jim Clack (#86)

- for your first flights!

[Note: Ed Burdick's RV-12 was actually the 100th RV-12 to fly! When you read "85th RV-12 to Fly", think: ". . . that we know of"]

You have all been added to the Photo Album! All the photos look great!

There one more first flight that I am aware of, but I have no date of first flight. It is:
Larry Baker, Watsonville, CA.
If he or anyone else has details about their first flights, please post here or send to me at [email protected] Thanks!

Thanks for all the photos and info from everyone!

Don
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South African Dreambuild Team?s RV-12 Flies!

Dreambuild Team?s RV-12 Flies!

A great aviation moment was realised in South Africa as the second RV-12 took to the African Skies on 28 April 2011 after a concerted effort by the ?Dreambuild Team?, a syndicate of 10 dedicated aviation enthusiasts under team leader Rudi Greyling, a serial RV builder. This dedicated team effort, building only every 2nd Sunday at Springs airport, in less than a year, resulted in our endeavour taking to the skies! ZU-XII even made her first air show appearance a couple of days later, with a flyover on Workers Day 1 May 2011 at Tedder?s Airfield, a proud moment indeed.

A year ago Rudi approached the South African aviation community with a catchy ?I have a dream...? theme:

??A dream where men can build an airplane affordably,
?A dream where men can learn and fly affordably,
?A dream to share the privileges of the sky with more like minded men!?

Gathering chartered accountants, IT specialists, engineers and businessmen into a venture they hardly would never have tried themselves. Some have incomplete PPLs - as life intervened; others fly ultralights and three are novices. Rudi deemed the RV-12 as most appropriate for this build ? correctly so it turned out to be considering plans quality, build simplicity and excellent factory backup. With no-one knowing the others from Adam, what was most astounding is how we gelled into a team advancing through the build ? of the camaraderie experienced as five teams of two each took responsibility for various tasks ? always under the watchful eye of an expert. During the steep learning curve, where hours budgeted doubled, and our own awareness of all things aviation became an everyday part of our lives. Now at completion we are already leading to ?builders-withdrawal-symptoms?, prompting suggestions of possible future activity and more RVs and others in the pipeline.

Currently the 25 hours worth of proving flights are almost complete, then the ?learn to fly dream? will commence and come true for our group.

What a gem she turns out to be so far...in Rudi?s own words: ?She flies like a real little RV should!?

Thank you,
The Dreambuild Team

PS: The trials and tribulations of the Dreambuild Team can be followed from start to current on the following Aviation Forum Links:
South Africa: http://www.avcom.co.za/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=64&t=59137
International: http://www.vansairforce.com/community/showthread.php?t=55537

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Next?

So when will members of the group begin construction of the next (one or two) aircraft? Seems only natural to begin construction while you have the group together.:cool:
 
Keith

Keith,

I agree...since its labeled as a "Flight Test" I think we would all be very interested in the article itself.

thx Pete
 
IMHO, the Light Aircraft Association's air test on Keith's aircraft was much better written and far more comprehensive.

If Keith hasn't got it scanned, I'll do it in the next few days in case anyone wants a read.
 
I'd like to see the articles mentioned as well, both the UK Flyer and the Light Aircraft Association's air test.
Thanks
John
 
UK Flyer Mag

The editor has agreed that I can post the article in a couple of weeks, once he has no more hope of selling the current month's magazine.

I have also contacted the LAA seeking permission to publish their flight test.

Cheers...Keith
 
UK Flyer

The editor has agreed that I can post the article in a couple of weeks, once he has no more hope of selling the current month's magazine.

I have also contacted the LAA seeking permission to publish their flight test.

Cheers...Keith

Many Thanks Much Appreciated Look forward to reading them!
 
Light Aircraft Association RV-12 flight review

I now have a PDF of this article. Anyone know how I can make it available? Can I use the same mechanism as for posting pictures?

Once I have the technology, maybe it would be best to delete the relevant entries in this thread and create another one...

Cheers...Keith
 
Get a FREE account on Dropbox. Put the .pdf in your public folder, get the public link by right clicking on the file in the public folder. Put the link on VAF. You will see how-to-do instructions in your public folder after you access your account.
 
Article

Hey Keith,

Thanks for posting the article. It was very neat to read about the plane from a test pilot point of view. So you have lots of little extras in your cockpit and on the panel. What is everything?

Pete
 
That guy was sure pleased with the RV12! I liked the photo of the panel, I have gauges to install after mine is signed off, looks like that is where they will have to go.
 
cant get it

Hi Keith,
I would really like to read the article, but the download stalls. Must be doing something wrong. Maybe something to do with adobe
Any tips would be appreciated

Rod
 
Lets try this: Send me a private message with your email address, I will email you the document. Might just work.
Hi Keith,
I would really like to read the article, but the download stalls. Must be doing something wrong. Maybe something to do with adobe
Any tips would be appreciated

Rod
 
Same problem with me - the download just hangs. Frustrating!
I don't want to burdon Don unless he volunteers, so maybe Rod can forward it to me after Don sends it? (I am in Australia). If so I will send Rod my email address.
John


Quote:
Originally Posted by Ausflyer View Post
Hi Keith,
I would really like to read the article, but the download stalls. Must be doing something wrong. Maybe something to do with adobe
Any tips would be appreciated

Rod
 
Extras

In response to the question about extras in my cockpit...very little really.

There are three backup instruments on the panel, as required in the UK, and a placard on the map box door.

There's a "lifehammer" and a CO detector on the tunnel.

I ordered and installed the additional pocket, that is provided if you install two EFIS units. I installed a USB port there for Dynon downloads, and have mounted a video recorder, powered by a spur from the auxiliary 12v circuit.

The video camera is a Sony pencil camera mounted on top of the fin. The link below shows an example of the view from there. It will take a while to download. It's a 10-minute flight from the east of Scotland to the west coast at 600 knots!

http://dl.dropbox.com/u/19438089/Perth to Plockton in 10 minutes.avi

Cheers...Keith
 
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I have the UK 'Flyer' article and the LAA air test of Keith's machine in pdf format.

If anyone wants to try one of my copies then feel free to PM me your email address.
 
New 1st Flights added to Photo Album

Congratulations to:

Rudi Greyling(#87)
Paul Clohan(#88)
James Nelson(#89)
Jerry Greenberg (#90)
Steve Garrett(#91)
John Santee (#92)
Iain Donnelly (#93)

- for your first flights!

You have all been added to the Photo Album! All the photos look great!

Don
 
Doyle McClung's 1st Flight - #94

Congratulations, Doyle, on your first flight!

I understand you took to the air at Sky Ranch Airport in Baker, FL. SN 120225 N194DM.

It is nice to see that your wife Becky has already congratulated you! Thanks for sending me your photo. It has been posted to the Photo Album.

Don
 
Photos of John Sanatee's RV-12 (#90)

Thanks for sending your photos, John! Beautiful plane!
I have changed your # to 90, as you told me your first flight was on 2 June 2011, not 4 June. (Please correct me if I misunderstood.)

Your photos have been posted to the Photo Album.

Enjoy flying, and be safe!

Don
 
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Flight

In response to the question about extras in my cockpit...very little really.

There are three backup instruments on the panel, as required in the UK, and a placard on the map box door.

There's a "lifehammer" and a CO detector on the tunnel.

I ordered and installed the additional pocket, that is provided if you install two EFIS units. I installed a USB port there for Dynon downloads, and have mounted a video recorder, powered by a spur from the auxiliary 12v circuit.

The video camera is a Sony pencil camera mounted on top of the fin. The link below shows an example of the view from there. It will take a while to download. It's a 10-minute flight from the east of Scotland to the west coast at 600 knots!

http://dl.dropbox.com/u/19438089/Perth to Plockton in 10 minutes.avi

Cheers...Keith

Keith wonderful Video clip just shows how Great haveing ur own RV 12 is ..!! Well done!
 
Pink 12

I ran into this at OSH. A VERY nice "senior" lady had it built and painted just for her. She flew it up from Florida ALL BY HERSELF!

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Don,

Thank You so much for maintaining the Photo Album of Flying RV-12's.

It helps inspire all of us working on out airplanes to stick to it.

Thanks again,
 
First Flight...N912HM

I am posting some first flight pictures of my pal Hal Irvines RV-12 SN 120194 for him. The first flight was 5 August at Thun Field, Puyallup, WA. Thun is a hotbed of RV activity. These shots are actually the second flight. Pilot is Harold (Smitty) Smith, EAA Chapter 326 Tech Councelor. Hal is scheduled for transition training and will soon be flying the 12 himself.
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Tony
 
Just a quick note to announce another RV-12 has taken to the skies in the UK.

In perfect conditions, I took G-TWLV for its maiden flight this evening - she's a beauty! :)

Edit to say - thanks, Splitty! And...

A great weekend flying off the first 5 hour test period we have in the UK all in perfect weather and including a 2 hour flight and 15 landings. First flight was done solo then the others done with my two owner/builder/pilot partners (one at a time....!). Initial prop setting is giving (from a 500ft amsl runway) in excess of 1000fpm when heavy in the climb and 112 KIAS in the cruise at 5000rpm (2000ft amsl). May coarsen it off later but we'll see how we get on, we don't have big mountains to climb in the UK. Once the test flying is complete, it'll be off to the paint shop.

As every one said - flies just like the mini RV, okay it doesn't do the speed that my RV-6 did but it doesn't drink as much gas either! Keep building, it is more than worth it.

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Congradulations

Just a quick note to announce another RV-12 has taken to the skies in the UK.

In perfect conditions, I took G-TWLV for its maiden flight this evening - she's a beauty! :)

More info and pics to follow.

Well Done Now the Fun Begins I'm sure! Looks forward to your Pics..!
 
New photo of N399FP (#59)

Folks,

Frank Pavlovcic recently sent me a new photo of his RV-12. It is now posted as the second photo #59 in the Photo Album.

Don

PS As you all know, I am way behind posting new RV-12s. I hope to catch up in the next few days. My apologies to all you great new builders.
 
As you all know, I am way behind posting new RV-12s. I hope to catch up in the next few days. My apologies to all you great new builders.

Not a problem Don, I must thank you on behalf of all the RV12 builders for the time you put in to keep a great page going!
 
New 1st Flights posted!

Congratulations to:

Frank Zwart (new #93)
Bob Dimond (#96)
Ralph Clark (#97)
Denton Harjehausen (#98)
Alfonzo Munoz (#99)
Ignacio Robles (#100)
Hal Irvine (#101)
David Morgan (#102)
Harold Wolfe (#103)
Gary Kyler (#104)
Jerry Parr (#105)
Dick McEwen (#106)
Alan Coubray (#107)
Wesley Schierman (#108)

- for your first flights!

All of your great photos have been added to the Photo Album!

Also: Jim Cone's RV-12, N431RV, (#29) has a new owner, Howard Germon. And N431RV has new paint! A new photo has been added to Jim's 1st Flight photos.

Don
 
Four New First Flights Posted!

Folks,

Four new First Flights have just been posted. Congratulations to all!

#109 Len Hendleman, 11 Nov 2011
#110 Rick Morse, 22 Nov 2011
#111 Malcolm Belcher, 17 Jan 2012
#112 Ed Groot, 14 Feb 2012

In addition:

#105: Added co-builders' names
#74: New photo added
#91: New photos added
#55: New photo added

Enjoy!

Don
 
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New photos of #69 (SN 120168)

Dave Cooper just sent me two new photos of his RV-12. His is #69. He purchased N68CK (SN 120168) from Ken Scott, Builder (Van's Aircraft). Dave has named 120168 "Freedom Bird" and assigned a new N-Number: N869DC.

His photos have been posted to the Photo Album.

Thanks, Dave! Enjoy!

Don
 
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N412BR "SWEETIE" First Flight!

Today was the successful first test flight of RV-12 N412BR "Sweetie."

Sweetie was moved from the garage to the airport on Sunday April 8th, and the airworthiness inspection completed on Tuesday April 10th, registered as E-LSA.

This is kit number 412, assigned N412BR (from "Billy Ray" Hollifield - my actual name, and "Bravo Romeo" sounds better than "Bravo Hotel" over the radio!), and with a first test flight today (4/12) at 10AM CDT.
So - 4-12 / 4-12 / 4-12 !

The flight went great - no problems of any sort! 30 minutes, 2 landings. Not sure until the next flight, but she might not even need a rudder wedge.

Now, on to the detailed PAP checkout flights. Rather than do flight test #1 in the PAP, my EAA tech advisor wisely advised to "go up, feel out the plane, get comfortable, and land. Adrenaline usually prevents a bunch of detailed engineering data collection." Well, he was right! Stayed up 30 minutes, landed full stop, then did another T/O and full stop landing. It was WONDERFUL! I was also very glad I took the 5 hours of RV-12 transition training from RDOG and JETGUY in Denton Tx. a few months back. Thanks guys!!!

I believe that this is the first customer E-LSA Skyview example. (There is an E-AB in the UK with dual Skyview's - pics have been posted in this forum.)

Three pics below, taken the day before the inspection during taxi testing. You will note a few missing screws in the panel - because my next step was to adjust the potentiometers. They are all there now, as well as the rest of the interior. Abby at Flightline did a beautiful job!

SEE YOU AT OSH!

Oh - someone noted to me that the Ray Allen Stick Grips are upside down. I tested both ways and liked this best! From some other pics, seems I am not alone.

For many more pics, go to this public album: http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.151245628228677.26907.100000297210697&type=3&l=a2b29e894a

WHEW!!!
Bill Hollifield N412BR

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I am so happy for you Bill, congratulations on building a beautiful plane and getting it off the ground!
 
Congrats!

So happy for you Bill! Very exciting. Thanks again for all your support and experience as others continue to move to where you are now!

Be safe!:D
 
Great job Bill! Your going to love her. Are we going to have a four ship to Oshkosh? Oh, Thanks for the endorsement.:D
 
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