Best threads online • RV-10 for sale Spawns a Cirrus vs. RV-10 discussion (RV-List) • Engine choices for the 8 IO-390, IO-360? Oh my! (Rivetbangers) • RV-7 sliding canopy Conforming to the shape of the aft cabin. (Yahoogroups) • What would you do differently? A periodically emerging thread that emerges again. (VAF) • Landing gear bolts If you can't get a wrench on the nuts. (RV-List) • Antennas Grounding a wingtip nav (AeroElectric) • The bench A good workbench for electrical work.(AeroElectric)

FIRST FLIGHTS Jim Sinkbeil, Clarkston, WA. RV-10. 7/27/06 (More) Russell Daves, Lubbock, TX. RV-10. 7/28/06 (More) Chris Reilly, Sanford, FL. RV-7. 7/19/06. (More) Jim Bryan, Fremont, CA. RV-4. 7/22/06 (More) Mark Ritter, Austin, TX. RV-10. 7/22/06 (More) Tom Webster, Columbus, OH. RV-7A. 7/15/06.

Oh, Oshkosh!

Where to begin? The huge RV BBQ that established the mantle of the "largest gathering of RV builders at Oshkosh"? The unbelievable formation flying of RVers that had the pros dropping what they were doing? The RV-12? The Raptor? In the "Oshkosh Diary," I solve the dilemma by starting the day I got there and ending the day I left, which was today. (More)
AirVenture related links:
Images of the 15-ship formation.
Doug Reeves' reports from Osh (Scroll down)
EAA AirVenture image gallery
Bob Condrey's OSH updates (RV-10 List)
Dave Gamble's pictures
Osh highlights (Rivetbangers)
AOPA Oshkosh coverage
AvWeb photo gallery
RV wingnuts hold annual barbecue (ANN)
Post publication update: RVers win awards at Osh

Passenger in RV killed in Oshkosh accident
One person was killed Sunday when a warbird struck an RV while taxiing for takeoff on the final day of the Experimental Aircraft Association’s seven-day AirVenture 2006. (Appleton Post Crescent)

RV-12 makes debut at Oshkosh
It's not finished yet, but the plane Van's said wouldn't be at Oshkosh was at, umm, Oshkosh. Was it a hit? People looked at it, but few surveyed said they'd be buyers. Only three hands went up at the Van's dinner when Van asked who'd be interested in it. The demographic pouring over it at the tent -- obviously an informal survey -- seemed to suggest an appeal for older fliers. But during the week, Van bristled at the question of why it doesn't have flush rivets (it doesn't need them) and lamented the possibility that someone would put a too-large engine in it.
Related links:
Van's RV-12 literature (pdf)
RV-List discussion on the RV-12
More pictures of the RV-12
VAF discussionof the RV-12

Matched-hole tooling comes to the RV-8
Van's Aircraft has now added the RV-8 to the models featuring matched-hole tooling. "This kit is completely compatible with all wing and empennage kits since the beginning of time. All RV-8/8A Standard Fuselage Kit orders placed during and after Airventure 2006 will be filled with matched-hole kits," according to the company press release. (See release in PDF)

Fixing the RV-10 heat problem
At his forum on Wednesday, Van's did not at all dismiss the reported problem with heat build-up in the RV-10 "tunnel." He said it was difficult to replicate and ascertain its potential for seriousness in their own 10 because they don't fly the 10 in hot areas of the country. But some builders are concerned about a heat build-up where there are few lines. Glen Thompson is one of them, and he says it should be an AD. (More on VAF)
Related Links:
Russ Daves' tips for fixing the problem (RV-10 List)
OSH tunnel heat (RV-10 List)

A trip to Arlington
These write-ups about trips in RVs to far-away destinations -- especially the non-related RV activities once folks get there --provide tremendous builder motivation. Tom Velvick has created several pages of his phto-laden journey from Arizona to the Northwest. (More)