Popular Van’s RV-8 to Commemorate 30 Years of Flight

Company will celebrate its all-aluminum homebuilt aircraft at EAA AirVenture.

Meg Godlewski

Tuesday, July 01, 2025 at 01:14 PM ET

Verified

Edited By:

Travis Tingle

The Van's RV-8 with the P-51 Mustang-esque tail is a favorite in the experimental community. [Courtesy: Van's Aircraft]

Key Takeaways:

Van's RV aircraft are a highly popular series of low-wing, all-aluminum homebuilt experimental aircraft, estimated to comprise one-third of all experimental aircraft in operation.
The Van's RV-8, a prominent model known for its tandem seating and enjoyable pilot experience, is celebrating 30 years since its release in 1995.
The enduring popularity of Van's designs is attributed to Richard VanGrunsven's philosophy of continuous refinement, enhancing comfort and performance with each new model.

See a mistake? Contact us.

If you have the opportunity to visit EAA AirVenture (July 21-27), make sure to head to the experimental aircraft display and marvel at the multiple rows of Van’s RV aircraft.

The low-wing, all-aluminum homebuilt aircraft with the P-51 Mustang-esque tail are favorites in the experimental community. One of the most popular versions, the Van’s RV-8, celebrates 30 years of flight this year.