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Richard VanGrunsven

Richard VanGrunsven
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Richard "Van" VanGrunsven learned to fly in 1956 at the age of 16. An engineer and aircraft designer, he founded and developed Van's Aircraft, Inc. into the acknowledged leader in kit aircraft. He often speaks and writes about flying skills and safety. A life in aviation, including thousands of hours piloting both powered aircraft and sailplanes, has given him plenty of time to consider what makes pilots unsafe…or safe. He prefers the latter.

Error Chain

The takeoff might better have been described as a launch. With the new 150-hp Lycoming engine in my 700-pound RV-3, it was off in...

AKIA Industry Insights

Advice to designers and one designer's response.

Unusual Attitude

Vans Aircraft founder Richard VanGrunsven considers flight safety, and how improving our building and piloting skills would do more to reduce the number of mishaps than additional regulations would.

In Case You Missed it

2011 Engine Buyer’s Guide

We take another look at the current offerings of traditional aircraft engines. Compiled by Marcie Moody with text by Marc Cook.

A Soldering We Shall Go (Part 2)

When last we left our discussion of soldering, we touched briefly on each of...

What’s the DAR’s Role?

Question: I know that you are active on the Van’s Air Force (VAF) site,...

3D Printing to the Rescue!

Saving a $1,000 headset by making a new earcup bracket.