Gerry Humphreys - RV-7

About the RV7

The Van’s RV-7 and RV-7A are two-seat, single-engine, low-wing homebuilt airplanes available in kit form from Van’s Aircraft. Designed for aviation enthusiasts who enjoy building and customizing their own aircraft, the RV-7 series offers versatility and performance tailored to a variety of flying preferences. The RV-7 variant is equipped with a traditional tail-wheel, appealing to pilots who favor classic ground handling characteristics, while the RV-7A version features a nose-wheel setup, providing easier ground maneuverability through differential braking or rudder control at higher taxi speeds.

The RV-7 is engineered to accommodate larger engines, including the Lycoming IO-390, with power outputs up to 215 horsepower (160 kW), enhancing its performance capabilities. It boasts improved aerodynamics with longer wings, increased wingspan, and a larger wing area compared to its predecessors, contributing to better flight stability and efficiency. Fuel capacity has been increased to 42 US gallons (159 liters) from the previous 38 US gallons (144 liters) in the RV-6, allowing for extended flight ranges and reduced refueling needs.

Comfort is also a key feature of the RV-7, offering more headroom and legroom for both the pilot and passenger, alongside an increased useful load for greater versatility in carrying passengers and cargo. The construction process is streamlined through computer-assisted design with pre-punched rivet holes, which significantly reduces the average assembly time to approximately 1,500 hours for the builder. Additionally, the RV-7 shares many components with the RV-8 and RV-9 models, which helps lower production costs and simplifies maintenance. The RV-7A variant includes a hardened, solid steel nose-wheel strut welded to the engine mount, ensuring durability and reliability during ground operations. Overall, the RV-7 series is highly regarded for its performance, build quality, and the supportive community that assists builders throughout the construction process, making it a popular choice among homebuilt aircraft enthusiasts.

Specifications

History of RV-7

The Van’s RV-7 was introduced in 2001 as the successor to the RV-6, marking a significant evolution in Van’s Aircraft lineup. Designed by Richard VanGrunsven, the RV-7 was developed to address the limitations of the RV-6 and incorporate enhancements based on the extensive experience gained from producing over 2,000 RV-6 kits. This transition was part of a broader strategy to refine and improve Van’s two-seat aircraft, building on the foundational designs of the single-seat RV-3 and the two-seat RV-4 and RV-6 models.

Key improvements in the RV-7 over its predecessor included a larger rudder to enhance spin recovery characteristics, increased fuel capacity from 38 to 42 US gallons, and the ability to accommodate more powerful engines such as the Lycoming IO-390, which delivers up to 215 horsepower. Additionally, the RV-7 featured longer wings and a larger wing area, contributing to better aerodynamic performance and stability. Comfort for both pilot and passenger was also prioritized, with increased headroom and legroom, as well as an enhanced useful load, making the aircraft more versatile for various flying needs.

The introduction of the RV-7 not only improved performance and safety but also streamlined the production process. By sharing components with the RV-8 and RV-9 models, Van’s Aircraft was able to reduce production costs and simplify maintenance for builders. The use of computer-assisted design with pre-punched rivet holes significantly decreased the average assembly time to approximately 1,500 hours, making the homebuilding experience more accessible and manageable. Since its debut, the RV-7 has been celebrated for its reliability, high performance, and builder-friendly design, solidifying Van’s Aircraft reputation and continuing to be a popular choice among homebuilt aircraft enthusiasts worldwide.

Did You Know?

• The Van’s RV-7 was specifically designed to replace the RV-6 in 2001, featuring longer wings and larger fuel tanks to enhance its performance and spin recovery capabilities
• The RV-7 can accommodate larger engines like the Lycoming IO-390, offering up to 215 horsepower, allowing builders to customize their aircraft’s power based on their performance needs
• The RV-7 kit includes computer-assisted design with pre-punched rivet holes, enabling the average builder to complete assembly in approximately 1,500 hours
• The RV-7 shares many parts with the RV-8 and RV-9 models, which helps reduce production costs and simplify maintenance for builders and owners
• The RV-7A features a hardened, solid steel nose-wheel strut and utilizes differential braking or rudder control for steering, providing enhanced stability during taxiing

Performer Information

EI-HUM, known as “The Flying Cow,” is one of the most recognizable light aircraft in the Irish skies. Built, owned, and piloted by Gerry Humphreys, the aircraft is a regular participant at aviation events throughout Ireland. The Flying Cow is painted white with black spots, giving it a distinctive appearance that makes it easily identifiable during airshows and fly-ins.

Equipped with a white smoke generator, EI-HUM enhances its performances by producing visible trails that add to the visual appeal of its maneuvers. Rather than performing aggressive stunts, Gerry focuses on executing smooth and graceful basic aerobatic maneuvers such as loops, aileron rolls, stall turns (hammerheads), and barrel rolls. These controlled movements showcase the aircraft’s agility while creating impressive patterns of white smoke in the sky.

The Flying Cow has become a popular sight at Irish Fly-In events and airshows, standing out in a country where aviation events are relatively few throughout the year. Its consistent presence and visually engaging performances have made EI-HUM a favorite among aviation enthusiasts and spectators alike. Gerry Humphreys’ dedication to flying and maintaining The Flying Cow ensures that it remains a cherished highlight at Ireland’s aviation gatherings.