My very first rivet was set at a free workshop at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh. At the time, I really had no idea what I was doing, I just thought building an airplane sounded like something I wanted to try. That small moment turned into something much bigger when I officially started the project in May of 2022.
What followed was a long lesson in patience and endurance. There were plenty of nights where progress felt slow, and times where the project seemed overwhelming with the number of decisions still ahead. I spent countless hours researching, second-guessing, and trying to get things right. Through all of that, I’m incredibly grateful for my family, who stayed patient and supportive the entire way, even when the project seemed to take over a lot of my time and attention.
I started with essentially zero building experience, and along the way learned skills I never imagined I’d have: metal fabrication, riveting, wiring, and engine work. Each step came with its own challenges, but also a lot of small wins that kept me going. Over time, those small wins added up into a finished airplane!
The first flight is something I won’t forget. There’s just nothing quite like flying something you built with your hands. The first flight went great and the airplane flew wonderfully! With 25 hours on the plane now, I am consistently amazed at just how far those crates of metal parts and wrapping paper have come in 3.5 years.
More pics: https://www.vansaircraft.com/first-flights/thomas-diekers-rv-8/
What followed was a long lesson in patience and endurance. There were plenty of nights where progress felt slow, and times where the project seemed overwhelming with the number of decisions still ahead. I spent countless hours researching, second-guessing, and trying to get things right. Through all of that, I’m incredibly grateful for my family, who stayed patient and supportive the entire way, even when the project seemed to take over a lot of my time and attention.
I started with essentially zero building experience, and along the way learned skills I never imagined I’d have: metal fabrication, riveting, wiring, and engine work. Each step came with its own challenges, but also a lot of small wins that kept me going. Over time, those small wins added up into a finished airplane!
The first flight is something I won’t forget. There’s just nothing quite like flying something you built with your hands. The first flight went great and the airplane flew wonderfully! With 25 hours on the plane now, I am consistently amazed at just how far those crates of metal parts and wrapping paper have come in 3.5 years.
More pics: https://www.vansaircraft.com/first-flights/thomas-diekers-rv-8/
