Milestones: Landmark Van’s

Van’s Aircraft began selling RV–3 plans in 1973. On average over the past 44 years, the company said, a new RV has taken to the air every 1.6 days.

“RVs have been part of the aviation scene for over half of the ‘personal aircraft’ era, which began in the late 1920s,” said Dick VanGrunsven, founder and CEO. “Over that period, RVs have morphed from interesting fringe-area curiosities to GA mainstays. I cannot overemphasize the importance of the countless builders and pilots who have supported each other, and created a community that is now an aviation icon.”

Porter wasn’t planning to build his own airplane when a member of that community, another pilot at Eastern West Virginia Regional Airport, gave him his first ride in an RV. “I hadn’t really thought about it previously,” he said. “I was impressed with the performance.” He also said he envied the capabilities of lower-cost Experimental avionics, and although he was restrained in equipping his RV–7’s panel, “it’s still far more modern than most of the GA fleet I’ve been involved with.”

Porter started flying lessons in 2001. “I got bitten pretty hard, I guess, because I just rolled through the CFI ratings,” he said. Porter flew full-time briefly as a commercial pilot, and instructs occasionally today.

Like most Van’s customers, he started with the empennage kit. “It’s a limited financial commitment, and you can find out if it’s something you enjoy.” His father-in-law helped him finish the interior of his garage, which made a nice workshop.

Porter sold his Piper Warrior while building the RV. “I used it for fun and family trips,” he said. “I noticed I always wanted to make little improvements, but I was butting up against the fact that an owner [of a certified airplane] can only do so much. I think that’s why homebuilding appealed to me.

“The fact that numerous people around this small West Virginia town—people that you know around the airport—have completed aircraft gives you confidence,” Porter added. “They had every tool imaginable, and they were very generous with their time and knowledge. Without them it would have been very difficult for me to complete the project.”

Gary Russell of Martinsburg, whose hangar is near Porter’s, was a source of inspiration for the project. “Dave’s got a nice airplane and he’s really worked hard on it,” said Russell, who started his own RV–7 about the same time. “My work stopped my build, so I would just come out here and help him at nights and on weekends.” Russell plans to resume work on his airplane soon.

Porter spent about 2,000 hours on the project—right in line with estimates—over three and a half years, while working full time and raising two daughters. “My family was incredibly supportive all the way through,” he said.

“I enjoyed the building process,” Porter said. “That’s due in large part to the community.” He said his airport community provided a great deal of support, especially members of EAA Chapter 1071—of which Porter currently is president—adding that the Van’s online community is strong and he had no concerns about getting support. “Van’s Aircraft itself does a very good job with customer support. The employees at Van’s have been great every time I talk with them.”

The effort culminated November 24, when he lifted off for the first flight. “It was a little nerve-wracking, but kind of fun, too,” he said. “The anticipation of the event is in some ways more stressful than the actual event.”

In early January, he was about 15 hours into his planned 40-hour test period; the airframe still needs to be polished, he said, and he plans to paint the airplane eventually. Porter offered a suggestion for aspiring builders: “On a personal level, I think you just have to be very stubborn that you’re going to finish what you set out to do.”

Email [email protected]