Feature

UK RV-8 G-HILZ First Flight

by Rob Riggen

Andy and Ellie Hill (both first-time aircraft builders started their Van's Aircraft RV-8 quickbuild in November of 2005. After just under 2 years of building they've had a successful first flight!

Building was kept standard to Van's Plans. Equipment includes:

• Superior XP-IO-360, 2 x Magnetos
• Hartzell Blended Airfoil VP Prop
• Aft Battery for CG
• Dynon 180 and some steam backup
• Manual Trim
• Rear Seat Throttle and Rudder Pedals
• Larger tyres than Van's (for UK strips)

Painted weight is 1106 pounds.

Airtime of Bournemouth performed extensive fiberglass finishing and they were very involved in the choice of colours and design of the scheme. The aircraft sports a very sharp-looking metallic finish.

Stan Hodgkins performed the first flight on October 29th, 2007 from North Weald (famous ex WW2 fighter base just to North East of London). There were only a few issues to be worked out before a second flight was undertaken that same day. Ellie rode along in the back as Official Test Observer / note taker. This was Ellie's first ever flight in an RV...

For their day jobs Andy and Ellie are both British Airways Airbus captains.

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