THE RV-12 FLIES !
November 09, 2006
Ken Scott
Just like we promised back in August, the RV-12 flew in October -- October 40th, to be precise. At about 10 a.m. this morning Van made the first flight our new airplane, launching into cold sky filled with layers of puffy clouds. With a 10-15 knot breeze, it certainly got off the ground easily and climbed well, passing almost inaudibly over a bunch of interested spectators—most of our engineering and tech support staff — about half way down the runway.
Van circled the airport at about 2000’, followed by Ken Krueger and Rian Johnson in the RV-9A. He sampled the flying qualities and slow flight characteristics…even from the ground we could tell the roll rate was pretty snappy. Van said it felt at least as quick as the RV-9. Stalls seemed gentle and conventional.
Of course, it had a heavy wing – some traditions just can’t be ignored.
It’s far too early to make any statements about what the airplane is like or what will do, or what the performance numbers may eventually be. We can report that when Van taxied in and opened the swing-up canopy, he was Grinning.........
http://www.vansaircraft.com/public/rv-12int3.htm
November 09, 2006
Ken Scott
Just like we promised back in August, the RV-12 flew in October -- October 40th, to be precise. At about 10 a.m. this morning Van made the first flight our new airplane, launching into cold sky filled with layers of puffy clouds. With a 10-15 knot breeze, it certainly got off the ground easily and climbed well, passing almost inaudibly over a bunch of interested spectators—most of our engineering and tech support staff — about half way down the runway.
Van circled the airport at about 2000’, followed by Ken Krueger and Rian Johnson in the RV-9A. He sampled the flying qualities and slow flight characteristics…even from the ground we could tell the roll rate was pretty snappy. Van said it felt at least as quick as the RV-9. Stalls seemed gentle and conventional.
Of course, it had a heavy wing – some traditions just can’t be ignored.
It’s far too early to make any statements about what the airplane is like or what will do, or what the performance numbers may eventually be. We can report that when Van taxied in and opened the swing-up canopy, he was Grinning.........
http://www.vansaircraft.com/public/rv-12int3.htm