10 September 2008
The UK’s first Van’s RV10 four-seater homebuilt has made its first test flight from the <a href=’http://www.laa.uk.com/’ target=’_blank’>Light Aircraft Association</a>’s (LAA’s) home base at Turweston. In the hands of test pilot Stand Hodgkins it is reported to have exceeded its expected performance figures.
The aircraft – registered G-RVIO – has been built by LAA chairman Roger Hopkinson, who had previously built a Vans RV6-A (a two-seater). It took 34 months to complete.
The RV10 represents the top end of the LAA’s remit and, says the LAA, it “stands up very well against the sleek Cirrus SR tourers but at a fraction of their price”.
Final painting is currently under way, and the aircraft is expected to be fully operational in a few weeks.
