PlaneFox tracks 1 Fournier RF-4 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.
A Fournier RF-4 costs about EUR 984 a month to run, or about EUR 105 for every flight hour when it is flown 150 hours a year.
The Fournier RF-4 is a single seat touring motor glider designed by René Fournier in France and produced mainly as the RF-4D by Sportavia in West Germany. The type first flew in the mid 1960s, with production concentrated from 1966 into the early 1970s. Built of wood with fabric covering, it combined a sailplane style wing, a small piston engine and a retractable monowheel landing gear. Its importance lies in its unusual blend of economical powered flight, soaring capability and approved aerobatic use, making it distinct from the later two seat Fournier RF-5.
Typical RF-4D figures place cruise speed around 85 to 90 knots, with a range in the region of 350 nautical miles when operated as a powered touring aircraft. The service ceiling is commonly published at about 19,700 feet, although practical operations depend strongly on aircraft condition, propeller, loading and weather. Maximum takeoff weight is about 860 lb, with empty weight commonly around 615 to 630 lb, leaving a modest useful load suitable for a pilot, fuel and limited baggage. The standard powerplant is the Rectimo 4AR1200, a Volkswagen based, air cooled four cylinder engine producing about 39 hp.
The Fournier RF-4 has one seat under a clear canopy, with a narrow sailplane like cockpit and simple flight controls. Visibility is generally good, and the flying environment is closer to a powered glider than to a conventional light aircraft. Baggage space is limited, so buyers should assess the aircraft as a personal sport and touring machine rather than a utility aircraft. Avionics are normally basic VFR equipment: airspeed, altimeter, engine instruments, compass, variometer, VHF radio, transponder and often a portable or panel mounted GPS. Integrated suites such as Garmin Perspective or G1000 are not typical for this type.
Used Fournier RF-4 aircraft appeal to buyers who value low fuel burn, vintage character and light handling. Pre purchase inspection should focus on wooden structure condition, fabric covering, glue joints, wing attachments, landing gear mechanism, canopy condition and engine supportability. Documentation is especially important, including airframe history, repair records, weight and balance data, and any aerobatic use. Common upgrades include modern radios, transponders with ADS-B capability where required, electronic engine monitors, improved electrical systems and refreshed fabric or paint. In the used market, the Fournier RF-4 is a niche collectible and sport motor glider, usually valued more for condition, originality and airworthiness than for avionics equipment.