Richard VanGrunsven
Richard "Van" VanGrunsven learned to fly in 1956 at the age of 16. An engineer and aircraft designer, he founded and developed Van's Aircraft, Inc. into the acknowledged leader in kit aircraft. He often speaks and writes about flying skills and safety. A life in aviation, including thousands of hours piloting both powered aircraft and sailplanes, has given him plenty of time to consider what makes pilots unsafe…or safe. He prefers the latter.
Error Chain
The takeoff might better have been described as a launch. With the new 150-hp Lycoming engine in my 700-pound RV-3, it was off in...
Unusual Attitude
Vans Aircraft founder Richard VanGrunsven considers flight safety, and how improving our building and piloting skills would do more to reduce the number of mishaps than additional regulations would.
In Case You Missed It
Flight Review: The Wittman W10 Tailwind
The apparently simple lines and construction of the Wittman Tailwind belie a thoughtful sophistication that even todays aircraft designers can appreciate.