Despite a flaccid economy, the Van’s Aircraft RV line is holding steady. Word has come that the 3000th RV-8 kit has been delivered. Tom Carter, of Big Fork, Montana, is the lucky recipient. The RV-8 was everything I wanted, he says. You look out both sides of a big bubble canopy. It can fly like a fighter or I can put it on autopilot and relax on a fast cross-country flight, too. I toured Vans factory and watching their computerized tools in action. The quality of the pre-punched parts was one of the deciding factors for me.Reportedly costing just $60,000 to complete, the first customer RV-12 flew on September 19. Built by Brad Stiefvater of Salem, South Dakota, the 12 reportedly weighs 727 pounds empty. I think Van’s estimate of 800 hours is more than plenty to get it done. I have not totaled up my numbers yet, but I am sure I am under that by 100 or so.With the final kit components heading out to builders, we’d expect a lot more 12s to launch skyward in the near future.For more information, visit Van’s Aircraft’s.
In Case You Missed It
Another Look at Fuel-System Testing
In light of additional research and input from manufacturers, Dave Prizio revises some of his previous recommendations on testing your fuel system.
Buying Used Lightning Detection
Avionics guru Larry Anglisano examines the market for used lightning-detection gear.
What’s New
This months column includes information on new anti-collision strobe lights and LED position lights, a micro belt sander, a smart servo controller for trim, a desktop model of the Cozy Mark IV and the announcement of a taildragger configuration option for the Eurofox SLSA.
