First Factory-Built Van's RV-12 Delivered

First Factory-Built Van’s RV-12 Delivered

Mark Phelps

Thursday, June 06, 2013 at 08:01 PM ET

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** George Longino**

Key Takeaways:

George Longino became the first owner of a factory-built, fly-away Van's RV-12, marking a historic moment for both him and the aircraft manufacturer.
Van's Aircraft, previously known for its successful kit aircraft business, has made a significant strategic move into the production aircraft market by offering factory-built Special-Light Sport Aircraft (S-LSAs).
Longino, reinvigorated by flying and not wanting to build a kit plane, was the first to sign up for a factory-built RV-12, preferring a ready-to-fly aircraft.

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George Longino is probably not your classic “early adopter” type. But a collection of circumstances make him the first owner of a fly-away, factory-built Van’s RV-12 — and just maybe, a historic figure.

Van’s Aircraft decided to enter the production aircraft market after decades of building kits. Founder Richard Van Grunsven has established the most successful kit aircraft factory ever, and the move to factory production of fly-away S-LSAs (Special-Light Sport Aircraft) represents a leap of faith for the Aurora, Oregon, company.