News

6-8-26

Vic shares video of the RV-10 stall series.

6-5-26

Vic shares his method for doing first flights and the video of his first flight in the new RV-10 via a cockpit camera.

6-5-26

Vic shares  details on how he prepares for a first flight.

She is an airplane. Vic describes the steps to prep for the Airworthiness inspection,  which he received. Carol shows the completed interior.

5/10/26

Vic shows the fuselage of the RV-10 after the painting is finished.

4/1/26

Vic clarifies his approach to testing the replacement  Rotax pumps for the RV-12iS. Then he shows some painting tips.

3-29-26

Vic updates us on the progress on the RV-10 build-prepping for paint. He also shows the RV-12iS that he just purchased. He discusses a fuel pump failure on it.

2-17-26

Vic shares tips and options for the IO540 installation.

2-5-26

Carol shows how to cover the back seat cushion of an RV-10.

1-31-26

EAA webinar archive link for Vic Syracuse's 2026 Homebuilder's Week presentations

Getting Your Project Finished and Flying:

https://www.eaa.org/videos/6388380582112

Buying a Used Homebuilt:

https://www.eaa.org/videos/6388548078112

Common Builder and Maintenance  Errors:

https://www.eaa.org/videos/6388721745112

1-17-26

Vic speaks with Jimmy Brod of JB Aircraft Engines regarding the upgrades they made on the new RV-10 engine. Then he tells of his progress on the RV-10 build and finally, he shares his webinar schedule for Homebuilders week.

1-14-25

Great News  – Just in time for Homebuilders week, EAA is now carrying our Maintenance Handbook for Van’s RV Aircraft. Watch for their periodic sales. Price is $75. Here is the link: 

https://shop.eaa.org/products/bk-maintenance-handbook-for-vans-rv-aircraft-by-vic-syracuse?_pos=3&_psq=maintenancx&_ss=e&_v=1.0

 

1-4-25

Carol shares how she sewed the baggage door pocket and Vic updates on the wiring and pitot systems on the RV-10 build.

12-21-25

Vic walks us through the steps he has taken since the last video – wiring, control surface end prep, and the tools he used for them.

11-23-25

Vic shares the fill and sand efforts hes has made in the last several weeks 

11-13-25

Yesterday Vic was inducted into the EAA Hall of Fame for his contributions to the Homebuilt community.

10-25-25

Vic shares the Stearman run-up after ignition wire replacement.Then he shares a builder error on a RV-14 and shows how to glue fabric on an aluminum interior panel on the new RV-10.

9/30/25

Vic shares his ignition system and hose replacement on the Stearman. 

Carol discusses the front seat material choices she made for the RV-10 build.

9/6/25

Vic shares three interviews from the  54th National Stearman Fly-IN in Galesburg, IL

8/28/25

Vic reminds us of the correct fire extinguisher to use for aircraft fires and shares the results if the wrong extinguisher is used. Then he shares a few  loose jam nut experiences. Finally he shows the progress on the RV-10 build.

8/21/25

Vic updates on his progress with the new RV-10. He gives a few hints on upgrades to the door and seats. Then he introduces Jimmy Brod from JB Aircraft Engines and shares that he took the RV-10 Lycoming engine to Jimmy’s shop in Sebring, FL.

6-18-25

Vic shows his work on the fiberglass top. He also shows Aerosport Products he is using.

5-16-25

Vic updates us on the RV-10 build. Tunnel additions, misc panel info and covering side interior panels.

5-3-25

Vic  presented an EAA webinar on Flying to and Around Alaska Here is a link to watch the recorded video:

https://www.eaa.org/videos/6371881039112

4-13-25

Vic presents updates on the RV-10 build. The metal part of the fuselage is finished.

3-16-25

Vic updates on the RV-10 build progress. He shows the cut soundproofing pieces for the fuselage. Then he shows 3 upgrades from Airward and one from TCW Technologies.

2-24-25

Vic presents a quick update on the RV-10 build progress. Then he explains the DAR process for amateur built aircraft including record keeping, the registration process, technical counselors and when to contact the MIDO/FSDO or DAR. Our Alaska books are now in stock at Aircraft Spruce:

https://www.aircraftspruce.com/catalog/bvpages/alaskaflyingbook.php

2-13-25

                                             ***NEW RELEASE***

We just released our new book: We Flew to Alaska…and You Can Too!  A Pilot’s Guide for Flying to Alaska. It is available through LULU for $69.95

https://www.lulu.com/shop/vic-and-carol-syracuse/we-flew-to-alaska-and-you-can-too/paperback/product-2mqgdrw.html?q=we+flew+alaska&page=1&pageSize=4

2-5-25

Vic explains why he has 2 rudders in hand. Then he shows tips for installing leading edge lights and aligning wingtips on his RV-10 build.

1-24-25

Vic discusses the webinars he is presenting for EAA’s Homebuilders Week. Then he shows how he pressure tests the rv-10 fuel tank .

Vic shows a template he made for adjusting the fuel sender in the extended range tanks. He also gives organization tips for the process.

12/30/24

Vic shows how he is prosealing the extended range tanks from Sky Designs.

12/20/24

Vic shows the progress he’s made on the RV-10 wings and his reasoning for choosing the Sky Designs RV-10 extended range tanks.

11/30/24 

Vic details how to purchase  the Maintenance Handbook for Van’s RV Aircraft. He updates the RV-10 build progress and shows some issues with a RV-6 Pre-buy.

11-6-24

Vic shows how he inspected the Landing gear mount to comply with SB-00007 for his 2500 hr RV-10.

Vic shows us how he more efficiently uses tools in his new RV-10 build.

10-6-24

Vic shows the trim system he has put on previous 10’s and his RV-7A. Then he shows the tools that help keep the project on track.

9-30-24

Vic explains his new project a RV-10 slow build.

9-14-24

Vic shows us the highlights of the National Stearman Fly-In.

7-28-24

Vic replaces baffling and belleville washers on his RV-10

7/16/24

Vic starts a series on flying to Alaska with Part 1: Edmonton to Price George.  Click on the following tab for our Alaska trip planning and information to see all 12 of our Alaska trip videos.

https://baselegaviation.com/alaska-trip-planning-and-information/

6-13-24

Vic shares a couple of tips to prevent  heat damage to the lower cowl.

6-11-24

Vic shows how to replace intake gaskets and hoses, cylinder drainback tubes, sump oil drain o-rings. He also shows how to wrap the red cube to protect it from heat.   Finally, he shows where to apply mouse milk to the exhaust.

4-24-24

Vic shows how to install and time direct drive and retard Bendix mags with a sureSTART on an IO540

4-17-24

Vic and Andrew discuss the necessity of time/hour overhauls on Hartzell constant speed propellers. They should be overhauled at 2000 hours or 8 years. They also remind owners of hose life limits. Non teflon-lined hoses should be replaced at 8 years.

Then Vic introduces the Smart family who built an RV-7A and highlights Emily Smart who has worked her way to the right seat of a CRJ 90.

3-24-24

Vic discusses a recent Pre-Buy on an RV-7A. The Hartzell propeller had been cut down from 72″ to 70″ resulting in an unapproved Prop/engine combination.

He highlights  Van’s SL-00097 which has links to Hartzell Propeller technical documents.

http://www.vansaircraft.com/service-information-and-revisions/sl-00097/

3-1-24

Vic shows the latest shop findings.  Axial play on a pmag. https://emagair.com/service-notes/. He also shows the cause of sharp teeth on the starter ring.

2/18/24.

 Vic shows us the finished upgrades to his RV-10.

1-22-24

Vic shows the steps he uses to prep the RV-10 for winter flights. He also discusses his webinars for Homebuilders week.