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RV-8 | Fastback
I am building a Van’s Aircraft RV-8, a single engine, two seat, tail-wheel, fully aerobatic, and cross country capable plane that strives to achieve “Total Performance.” I’m based out of Carroll County Regional Airport in Westminster, Maryland and a member of EAA Chapter 1384. This blog exists for two reasons; first because the FAA requires builders to substantiate that they performed the majority of the work (51% rule), and second as a way to share the experience with friends, family, and other builders. Building a plane is a huge undertaking, and this site is my opportunity to pass it forward.
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! - (143 flight 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
- Sunrise Over Manhattan: Flying the Hudson River Corridor - (2 flight 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 - (40.3 flight 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.
- Stall Testing -
RV-8 stall testing notes from the early test-flight period.
- Oil Change and Misc Maintenance - (3 maintenance hours)
Oil change and miscellaneous RV-8 maintenance notes from July 2023.
- Nose Oil Leak, Part Three: The Prop, the Paper Towels, and the Real Culprit - (10 maintenance 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 - (1 maintenance 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 - (3 maintenance hours)
Investigating the nose seal oil leak.
- Induction snorkel & oil cooler bypass - (3 maintenance hours)
Fiberglass relief to prevent cowl rubbing, and removing the leaky oil cooler bypass valve.
- Maintenance and Tuning - First report - (30 maintenance hours)
Maintenance and tweaks in the first 7 hours of flying.
- Flying & Performance - First report - (6.3 flight hours)
Taking a look at how the engine and airplane are performing with data analysis. Plus a few in-flight photos.
- First Flight!!!! - (1 maintenance, 1 flight hours)
First flight of N22UP!!!!!
- Airworthiness Inspection! -
Inspection by my DAR for special airworthiness certificate - ISSUED!
- Final Airworthiness Inspection Prep - (8 build hours)
Inspecting everything one more time. Logbooks. Shop prep. Misc wrap up work.
- FAA Updates to Phase 1 Testing - Task Based Testing Approved -
New guidance allowing task-based testing during Phase 1.
- Airworthiness Application -
Paperwork for the airworthiness application.
- Pitot Static & Transponder Certification - (2 build hours)
Pitot static and transponder certification.
- Weight and Balance - (5 build hours)
Final weight and balance for N22UP prior to Airworthiness Application!
- N-Number, Inspection Panels, & Misc - (4 build hours)
Installing the N-Number, inspection panels, and other misc wrap up work.
- Dynamic Prop Balance - (3 build hours)
Using a DynaVibe classic to dynamically balance my propeller.