EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2016: Experimental Aircraft - Vans RV Series

Fred Harl and Carmelo Turdo

The Aero Experience continues our coverage of EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2016 Experimental Aircraft with Vans RVs!  The Vans RV series virtually personifies the EAA vision of member-built aircraft filling the skies, and there is no doubt about the popularity of the aircraft with over 8,000 kits completed and many more under construction.  The RV series of home-built aircraft began with the RV-3 single-seat from the fertile mind of Richard VanGrunsven (Van), which remained in production until 1996 (the new RV-3B is currently available).  Following success with the RV-3, the two-seat models followed with the RV-4 through the RV-14 models.  Our previous post featured the RV-8 airshow performances from FlyJiveFly and Rifle Airshows, and we now include those RVs on exhibit at the Vans tent and those that were observed flying during the week of EAA AirVenture 2016.

EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2016: Experimental Aircraft - Sonex

Fred Harl and Carmelo Turdo

EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2016 featured a large exhibit from Sonex Aircraft.  The Sonex display was full of colorful examples of the signature shapes we have come to expect from the company led by John Monnette. 

Aircraft included here are the Sonex and Waiex, Onex, and SubSonex with its mini jet engine.  Bob Carlton flies the SubSonex in airshows around the country, and St. Louis area pilot John Murphy has flown the third customer-built example recently.