When I first saw a Van's Aircraft it was an RV6. It looked great sitting on the ground. What an awesome plane. I then started researching Van's site and found the new and improved 7. That was for me I thought. Well, I went ahead and ordered the 7 preview plans kit. The only thing I was considering then was do I build a tilt up or a slider?

I jumped into this not being a pilot, not even ever ridden in a small plane before, except the glider, and also having a fear of flying. But that wasn't going to deter me. I wanted to build and fly a plane. I made arraignments to get some time in a Grumman Trainer. This plane seemed to have some of the same features as the RV.

As I soon found out, I didn't know anything about flying. However, I did learn fast that having a tail dragger meant higher insurance rates, additional training costs and dealing with the possible ground loop. I also started to realize some of my own limitations as to what kind of flying I would be doing and aerobatics would probably not be in the near future.

It wasn't easy changing my mind from the 7 to the 9A. Every time I visited the guys at Chapter 448 I would here something to make me think I should build the 7 or why the 9 is better. I'm sure I lost a few nights sleep worrying about it. Then, I read a posting or an email that said,"listen to the voice inside you and build a plane that fits you now, not the kind of flying you might be doing in the future". This really helped. I felt comfortable with my final decision and sent back the 7 plans and ordered the 9A.

As I gain hours I gain confidence in flying. I may find myself pushing and testing my limits and someday I may want an aerobatic plane. In fact I have already been eyeing the RV8. However, that is in the future and for now the 9A suites me fine!