AirVenture 2012 - Tribute to Richard VanGrunsven

40th Anniversary of Van's Aircraft Company

Monday was Van's day at AirVenture.  It kicked off with a parade of RVs fly-by.   The first plane was the brand new, top secret RV-14.  Until this point, no one knew what it would be.  Would it be a motorglider?  A twin?  An improved single-seater?   What it is, in the words of Van's Ken Scott, is "a cross between a big person's RV-7and a two-place RV-10."    
  
After the RV-14 came the Light Sport RV-12, and then the four-seater RV-10, flown by Chip Lock.  Here Chip taxiis by as the Auntie Ju yanks and banks at low altitude. 
  
Then came the 9, the 8, and my favorite, the RV-7 pictured here. 
  
Then the 6, and 4 flown by Tony Spicer, picutred here.  The Auntie Ju is still having fun down low. 
  
Then the 3 and finally the RV-1, flown by Van himself. 
  
Team RV did the "We're not worthy" thing as Van taxiied by in the RV-1.  (Photo from Team RV Facebook page)
  
Then theyt all congratulated Van. 
  
All the RVs were moved into Phillips Square, Van said a few words, then presented the keys to the RV-1 to Rod Hightower, the President of the EAA.  The EAA will keep the RV-1 in airworthy condition and display it in the EAA Museum. 
  
Your's truly standing next to the historic RV-1.  Did Van ever imagine this all would happen 40 years ago as he spent countless hours alone building this airplane?
   
The next day I went to the Theater in the Woods to see the awards ceremony for Van.  The large audience gave multiple standing ovations. 
   
 
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