A new group of Vans Aircraft enthusiasts has formed to restore the original RV-1 airplane of founder Richard VanGrunsven, which is the progenitor of the RV line of kit aircraft. The plan is to restore the recently located airplane and then take it on tour so that others in the aviation community can see it, winding up at EAA AirVenture 2012, where the aircraft will be presented to the EAA Museum. The core group of the “Friends of the RV-1” include R.L. “Hoot” Gibson, R.E. “Ernie” Butcher, Paul Dye and Louise Hose. They believe that with careful attention and effort, the RV-1 can be made airworthy for the 2012 fly-in season.
The aircraft is now located at “RV Central” in Forth Worth, Texas. This will serve as the central location for the restoration effort by builders, vendor and RV supporters.
If you want to learn more about the project or would like to volunteer, visit www.RV-1.org. Regular updates will be posted there.
