AircraftOwner Online

N743DM, a VAN RV 7, received its Airworthiness Certificate on July 14, 2009 and I flew its first flight on August 12, 2009 complete with gear fairings. After 42 hours of flight, the plane went to the paint shop. Thanks to my wife Marge, my brother Scooter Becker, Marcus Goetting, Darrel Reilly, Paul Schmitt, and Bryan Decker, the plane was finished and flown in 11 months from the time the quick build fuselage and wings arrived at my house. Of course there were others that offered encouragement and support. I owe special thanks to Rick Huebner of Alton, ILL and Seth Hancock of Georgetown, TX, also.

The plane is powered with a Lycoming 0-320, 150 HP engine, CATO 2 bladed composite prop, and Saber Manufacturing Propeller attachments and nose ballast. It has dual B & C alternators, B & C Starter, a Vertical Power 50 electrical management system, Dynon D 180 with dual servo autopilot and heated Pitot Tube, a Garmin 430 W, a Garmin GI 106A, a Garmin GTX 327 Transponder, and a Flight Com Stereo Intercom System. There are additional back up steam gauges for Tachometer, Altitude, Vertical Speed, and Airspeed indications. There are many other extras including Grove Wheels and Brakes with flexible steel brake and fuel lines, and a Rocket Tail Wheel Steering Link to name a few.

The airplane is very quite for its type thanks to the insulation of the firewall, floor and the “closed” canopy design by Marcus Goetting. The seats, floor mats, and armrests came from Chicago Tool Upholstery Shop which adds to comfort and quietness. The performance and maneuverability of this plane reminds me of flying a jet.

Donald A. Becker
EAA 820400