Back in late 2001, a dodgy looking video was given to me by a friend of mine who said " I think you'll find this interesting".

As soon as he'd gone, I hotfooted down to another friend's house to request the use of her video machine (our household is one of 3% apparently without a TV) on which to watch....whatever.

 It turned out to be a promotional film for Vans kit-build Aircraft.  Not quite what I had expected, but nevertheless turned out to be life changing.

Being something of a connoisseur of aircraft handling qualities, I was particularly fascinated by the sport planes depicted in the film.  Little fighterish machines with exciting perfomance figures and aerobatic to boot.  Rather like meeting the girl of your dreams, I did allow myself the thought that this could be the one.

Timing is everything, and what with having a large (empty) workshop at the back of our house, an ex WW2 aerodrome within walking distance, a need to invest some money and some spare time, there was no option.  The first kit (of four) was ordered within days and the adventure had begun.  Specialist tools would be required (Gloster Air Parts can supply all these items) for a further investment, and could be sold on completion.

The RV8 was the aircraft of choice for its tandem seating under a sliding bubble canopy, its tailwheel Mustang-like appearance and its capacity for a 200-horse injected engine/constant speed prop combo for top performance figures.  Despite the sporty image, this aeroplane also promised to be a great tourer.  With a basic weight of around 1100 lbs and a MAUW of 1800 lbs, you are left with 700 lbs of useful payload.