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LIVE MOSAIC Town Hall (Archived): www.airborne-live.net

Fri, Sep 25, 2009

First Customer Built RV-12 Flies

Van's Entry Into LSA Market

Brad Stiefvater of Salem, SD became the first customer to complete and fly a Van's Aircraft RV-12 kit. On September 19, Brad trailered his new white and blue airplane to the big runway at Madison, SD (the RV-12 is designed for trailering, with easy-to-remove wings), and after a satisfactory taxi test, he flew.

The airplane flew well. Brad reports the empty weight of his painted airplane is 727 pounds (about three pounds lighter than Van's prototype) and says "I think Vans 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."

Reported cost to build was $60,000.

Stiefvater's RV-12

The RV-12 is Van's entry into the Light Sport Aircraft market. A roomy, two-seat all metal airplane powered by a Rotax 912 engine, it has enjoyed enthusiastic acceptance.

Almost 300 kits have been delivered since the airplane was introduced in April, 2008. Several more RV-12s should be flying within the next month or two.

FMI: www.vansaircraft.com

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