RV-8 | Fastback


Welcome! This site chronicles the building, flying, and maintenance of my Van’s Aircraft RV-8—a two-seat, tailwheel, fully aerobatic, cross-country-capable aircraft designed to deliver “Total Performance.” I built the RV-8 from a kit over the course of 2,000 hours, and this blog is my way of sharing the journey with friends, family, and fellow builders. Building an airplane is a massive undertaking, and this is my way of paying it forward.

Along the way, I’ve expanded my ratings to include a tailwheel endorsement, CFI, CFI-I, Commercial Multi-Engine Add-on, and MEI. I also had the chance to pursue rotorcraft training—earning my Private, Instrument, and Commercial add-ons in helicopters.

If you’re interested in the technical side, I’m documenting all the work involved in the Show Planes Fastback build on a separate page—check it out here.

You’ll also find index pages organized by topic. All my flight activities, including helicopter training, are available here.

LATEST POST SUMMARY:

Two Year Anniversary! (5/22/2025) [143 Hours] - I haven’t barely posted since the first 6 months flying this airplane. But she has nearly 200 hours on her now and has flown all the way across the country. I think it is un-realistic for me to think that I will maintain every maintenance issue or flight on this site. I will however endeavor to […]
Sunrise Over Manhattan: Flying the Hudson River Corridor (11/29/2024) [2 Hours] - Flying the Hudson River Corridor at sunrise delivered jaw-dropping views of Manhattan—and a top-tier RV-8 memory.
Cross Country by RV-8: A Farewell Flight Before Foreign Service (7/1/2024) [40.3 Hours] - A 21-day cross-country adventure in the RV-8, from Maryland to Zion and back, filled with friends, flight challenges, and unforgettable views.
Oil Change and Misc Maintenance (7/19/2023) [3 Hours] -
Nose Oil Leak, Part Three: The Prop, the Paper Towels, and the Real Culprit (7/19/2023) [10 Hours] - After months chasing a phantom prop hub leak, the real culprit turned out to be a loose NPT fitting with the wrong sealant.
Low Oil Pressure (7/19/2023) [1 Hours] - The oil pressure has been on the low side of good since the first flight. Time to adjust the pressure relief valve.
Nose Seal: Part deux (7/3/2023) [3 Hours] - Investigating the nose seal oil leak.
Induction snorkel & oil cooler bypass (7/3/2023) [3 Hours] - Fiberglass relief to prevent cowl rubbing, and removing the leaky oil cooler bypass valve.
Maintenance and Tuning – First report (7/2/2023) [30 Hours] - Maintenance and tweaks in the first 7 hours of flying.
Flying & Performance – First report (7/2/2023) [6.3 Hours] - Taking a look at how the engine and airplane are performing with data analysis. Plus a few in-flight photos.
First Flight!!!! (6/15/2023) [1 Hours] - First flight of N22UP!!!!!
Airworthiness Inspection! (5/25/2023) - Inspection by my DAR for special airworthiness certificate - ISSUED!
Final Airworthiness Inspection Prep (5/24/2023) [8 Hours] - Inspecting everything one more time. Logbooks. Shop prep. Misc wrap up work.
FAA Updates to Phase 1 Testing – Task Based Testing Approved (5/18/2023) - New guidance allowing task-based testing during Phase 1.
Airworthiness Application (5/18/2023) - Paperwork for the airworthiness application.
Pitot Static & Transponder Certification (5/12/2023) [2 Hours] - Pitot static and transponder certification.
Weight and Balance (5/10/2023) [5 Hours] - Final weight and balance for N22UP prior to Airworthiness Application!
N-Number, Inspection Panels, & Misc (5/10/2023) [4 Hours] - Installing the N-Number, inspection panels, and other misc wrap up work.
Dynamic Prop Balance (5/10/2023) [3 Hours] - Using a DynaVibe classic to dynamically balance my propeller.
Magneto Washers & Weight and Balance Prep (5/4/2023) [2 Hours] - Installing new washers for the hold down on the magneto and installing covers for weight and balance.

 

View Blog Format