WETUMPKA AL- One of the most popular prototype homebuilt aircraft in the world landed at the Wetumpka Airport this week, the RV-1. About 40 EAA Chapter 822 members and guests turned out on Thursday to view the one of a kind aircraft and enjoy a cookout.
The first legs of the RV-1 Tribute Tour has begun with the completely restored aircraft on its way to Sun N Fun, then up the East Coast, cross country, ending in Oshkosh. The aircraft will be presented to the EAA during AirVenture in July for permanent Museum display. This first modified plane was recently found and restored to its original condition by Friends of the RV-1.
RV-1 stops at Wetumpka Airport during Tribute Tour. Image, Dave Ramsey
In the early 1960s while in the Air Force, Richard VanGrunsven bought a homebuilt airplane kit called a Stits Playboy. While it looked sporty, it had poor performance. He modified the plane with a different engine, a new canopy and new wingtips and it flew much better but still had high landing speed and wasn't very fast. Thus began VanGrunsven's journey which led him to found a company, called Van's Aircraft that manufactures kits for those who want to build their own airplane.
Locally built Rans aircraft with the RV-1 and a departing Cub at Wetumpka Airport. Image, Dave Ramsey
From that first modified Stits Playboy, has grown a company that proudly claims to be the most successful in the world. There are more than 7,500 Van's airplanes around the world and there are 2,000 more under construction.
Departing Wetumpka AL, it is headed to Columbus GA, for display at Thunder in the Valley air show and then on to Lakeland FL for Sun and Fun. A group of volunteer ferry pilots is taking turns flying the RV-1 on its last mission. Van has agreed to fly the airplane into Oshkosh. -Special Report to Alabama Aviator, FMI: Watch EAA Webinar - The history and restoration of the original RV-1 with a very special guest, Dick VanGrunsven.