Van and me

15 Apr 2004 Van and me

Update 20210918: I didn’t install the Eggenfellner Subaru engine, so any post that references that can be ignored or used as a cautionary tale about how to avoid wasting many years and $50k.  Had I listened to Van at this meeting, I would have been flying years earlier.  I did send a formal written apology to him for being an idiot!

I had the honor of talking to the designer of my airplane, Mr. Richard VanGrunsven, a.ka. Van, founder and owner of Van’s Aircraft, at Sun ‘n Fun in Lakeland, Florida, USA today.

I caught him quite early in the day, before the crowds arrived, and we chatted for a good 30 minutes. Quite a nice guy, and still very passionate about his airplanes, and his customers.

I wanted to get a picture of him in front of the RV8 they had at the show, since that’s the plane I’m building. We mostly discussed engines, since I brought up the fact that I’ll be installing an auto conversion – the Eggenfellner Subaru. He is a very strong believer in the Lycoming engines, that’s for sure. I’ll leave it at that! 🙂

I wish I had noticed that he had his eyes closed so I could have gotten another photo. A photographer friend of mine says to always take two or more pictures – I’m starting to learn why.

Update: 2005-04-17

I got Van to pose with me again this year: