First Flight: RV-6 N601RV
by Scott Hersha

N601RV is not a homebuilt project anymore. It is a certified (in the experimental owner-built category) aircraft.  Stan Faske from the Cincinnati FAA FSDO gave it a final inspection and issued the appropriate paperwork on July 3, 2003.  Two days later on July 5th the aircraft joined it's natural element and flew like a homesick angel.  As of now, I have 5 hours on it and everything is working well.  A couple minor squawks have been worked out and I'm still breaking in the overhauled engine.  Engine performance, temperatures, pressures, etc. are right where they should be.  I haven't flown with the landing gear fairings on yet, but it is quite fast without them.

Takeoff roll is much shorter than what I'm used to and initial climb is very good. I haven't started collecting actual numbers yet.....I'm just out having fun.  As soon as I get the airspeed indicators and altimeters calibrated, I should have the piston rings seated, and I'll put the fairings on and start crunching numbers.  My 40 hour test phase seems like a lot of hours, but I have a lot to accomplish in that time.

I'd like to thank chapter members who supported me, especially Tech Counselor Howard Wells, who inspected the airplane 4 times, rebuilt my mag, and then got it working when we were trying to time it.  I also want to thank Tech Counselor Gary Collins who along with Howard, inspected the airplane, helped Howard and I weigh it and then gave it another 'final' inspection again along with Howard.  Gary has been a source of good information and advice when I needed it.  When I get the test phase over I'll be offering rides during our flyouts for those who may be interested in building/flying RV airplanes.

Was it worth it?  Well...it was a long project, twice as long as expected and cost nearly twice what I thought it would.  It sure is fun to fly and when I get it all painted and I get a chance to enjoy the versatility of it, I'll let you know.  Memories fade, even frustrating ones and I really do enjoy building.  But I think flying is where it's at.  I'll let you know my 'was it worth it' answer in about a year.

Scott Hersha