What a Fournier RF-3 costs, how far it flies, and what it costs to keep
PlaneFox tracks 2 Fournier RF-3 aircraft for sale and re-reads every one of them from the broker and dealer sites it watches, so the figures below move when the market moves. Every number on this page is measured from those live listings, not taken from a published price guide.
What does a Fournier RF-3 cost to own?
A Fournier RF-3 costs about EUR 559 a month to run, or about EUR 68 for every flight hour when it is flown 150 hours a year.
More questions about the Fournier RF-3
How much does a Fournier RF-3 cost?
What is the price range for a used Fournier RF-3?
How many Fournier RF-3 aircraft are for sale right now?
Where can I find a Fournier RF-3 for sale?
What should I check when buying a used Fournier RF-3?
About the Fournier RF-3
Aircraft overview
The Fournier RF-3 is a French single-seat motorglider designed by René Fournier and produced by Alpavia in the 1960s. It followed the earlier RF-1 and RF-2 concepts, but should be considered a distinct production model with its own structure, systems and handling record. The RF-3 first appeared as a practical touring sailplane with an engine, combining long, efficient wings, light wooden construction and simple operating costs. Its importance lies in helping define the European motorglider category: an aircraft able to self-launch, cruise modest distances and still offer genuine soaring capability when the engine is shut down.
Performance & specifications
Typical published RF-3 figures place cruise speed at about 86 knots, with a range of roughly 270 nautical miles, depending on fuel, propeller, aircraft condition and operating technique. The type has a service ceiling of about 14,700 feet. Power is normally provided by the Rectimo 4AR 1200, an air-cooled Volkswagen-derived four-cylinder engine rated at 39 hp. Maximum takeoff weight is commonly listed around 838 lb, with useful load in the low 200 lb range, so pilot weight, fuel planning and installed equipment matter more than in many larger touring aircraft.
Cabin & avionics
The RF-3 has a single-seat cockpit under a clear canopy, with sailplane-like visibility and a compact instrument panel. It is a simple VFR aircraft, not a platform associated with integrated avionics such as Garmin Perspective or Garmin G1000. Typical equipment includes basic flight instruments, engine gauges, a compass and often soaring instruments such as a variometer. Many surviving examples have been retrofitted with a modern radio, transponder, ELT, GPS or compact electronic flight display, but installation quality and weight impact should be reviewed carefully.
Buying & value
Prospective buyers should treat the RF-3 as a vintage wooden motorglider rather than a conventional light aircraft. Key inspection areas include spar and wing structure, glue joints, fabric covering, moisture history, control cables, landing gear condition, canopy condition and the availability of engine and propeller support. Complete logs, documented repairs and evidence of specialist maintenance are particularly important. Common upgrades include modern radios, Mode S or ADS-B equipment where required, improved engine monitoring and updated soaring instruments. On the used market, the RF-3 typically appeals to buyers seeking a rare, economical single-seat motorglider with vintage character, rather than high cruise speed, heavy payload or all-weather utility.