Share this on: Aero-TV: Vans Aircraft Factory - Where the RV SportPlanes Begin - Youtube - aerotvnetwork Join ANN on a Tour of the Vans Aircraft Facility in Aurora, Oregon. The 60,000 square foot Vans Aircraft facility, located in Aurora Oregon, is a far cry from the companys beginnings. Over 30 years ago, in a small shop behind his house in Reedville, Oregon, Richard VanGrunsven pursued his love of aviation. While not working as a mechanical engineer, he spent his hours designing and building his first plane, a re-engineered Playboy airframe. Renamed the RV-1, the aircraft had a 125 hp Lycoming engine, bubble canopy, Hoerner style wingtips, and a set of cantilever aluminum wings.
