Van’s Aircraft Company is a small company based in Aurora, Oregon. The company was founded by Richard VanGrunsven in 1973 and has grown steadily into one of the most popular and successful kit airplane companies in the world. They currently have a lineup of eight models of aircraft, each meeting different needs and desires of homebuilders and pilots. The model I have chosen to build is the RV-7. A picture and some performance stats for the airplane are below:
RV-7 Performance Statistics (180 hp engine)
Solo Weight - 1,400 lbs
Gross Weight - 1,700 lbs
Speed - Solo
Top Speed - 210 mph
Cruise (75% @ 8,000 ft) - 200 mph
Cruise (55% @ 8,000 ft) - 180 mph
Stall Speed - 51 mph
Climb/Ceiling - Solo
Rate of Climb - 2,200 fpm
Ceiling - 20,500 ft
Ground Performance - Solo
Takeoff Distance - 275 ft
Landing Distance - 350 ft
Range - Solo
75% Power @ 8,000 ft - 775 sm
55% Power @ 8,000 ft - 950 sm
The airframe itself is constructed of metal, held together mainly by thousands of small rivets and a few bolts. It can hold two occupants and offers a great amount of utility and fun. It cruises fast and efficiently and is also aerobatic. I like that I’ll be able to share the airplane with other people and offer rides when the time comes. This model of aircraft will also allow me to land at nearly any airport, no matter how small or big, which is also a bonus. Overall, I think this airplane will be very satisfying for the type of flying I want to do.
