VariantsAllRV-12iS 4
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What a Vans RV-12 costs, how far it flies, and what it costs to keep

PlaneFox tracks 11 Vans RV-12 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.

How far can a Vans RV-12 fly?

A Vans RV-12 flies about 425 nm, roughly 787 km, which is about 3 h 44 min in still air at typical cruise.

What does a Vans RV-12 cost to own?

A Vans RV-12 costs about EUR 919 a month to run, or about EUR 102 for every flight hour when it is flown 150 hours a year.

More questions about the Vans RV-12

How much does a Vans RV-12 cost?
The median asking price for a Vans RV-12 on PlaneFox is EUR 125,000, measured across the Vans RV-12 listings on the site today. Prices run from EUR 125,000 for older, higher-time airframes up to EUR 125,000 for newer, low-time aircraft. Year of manufacture, airframe hours, avionics and condition account for most of that spread.
What is the price range for a used Vans RV-12?
Vans RV-12 aircraft listed on PlaneFox range from EUR 125,000 to EUR 125,000, with a median asking price of EUR 125,000. Late model years with low airframe hours and a modern glass panel sit at the top of that range; early airframes with high hours and analogue instruments sit at the bottom.
How many Vans RV-12 aircraft are for sale right now?
PlaneFox lists 11 Vans RV-12 aircraft for sale right now, gathered from the broker and dealer sites it watches. The count moves through the week as those sources are re-read. Because PlaneFox reads the same listings repeatedly over time, it also shows which have cut their asking price and which have sold.
Where can I find a Vans RV-12 for sale?
Every Vans RV-12 PlaneFox can see is on this page — 11 of them, gathered from the broker and dealer sites it re-reads continuously. Most are listed in United Kingdom (1). Each listing links straight through to the seller, so a Vans RV-12 in another country is worth considering rather than filtering out.
What should I check when buying a used Vans RV-12?
On a used Vans RV-12, check airframe hours, engine time since overhaul, avionics generation and damage history before anything else. PlaneFox recommends a pre-purchase inspection by an EASA Part-145 shop that knows the type, which typically costs EUR 1,500 to EUR 3,500. Under 1,500 airframe hours is low-time and above 3,500 means budgeting for higher maintenance; most piston engines run a 2,000-hour TBO, so past 1,500 to 1,700 hours since overhaul expect the overhaul within one to three years at EUR 25,000 to EUR 45,000. Read the full logbook history for prop strikes, gear-up landings and structural repair, and confirm ADs and SBs are complied with.

About the Vans RV-12

Aircraft overview

The Vans RV-12 is a two seat, low wing light sport aircraft from Van's Aircraft of Aurora, Oregon. The prototype first flew in 2006, and customer kit deliveries began in the late 2000s. Unlike the larger RV family members, the RV-12 was designed specifically around the U.S. Light Sport Aircraft rules, with a 1,320 lb maximum gross weight, fixed tricycle landing gear and a maximum level flight speed within the LSA limit. It is commonly found as an Experimental Light Sport Aircraft, an Experimental Amateur Built aircraft, or as a Special Light Sport Aircraft built to Van's approved configuration. Its importance in the used market comes from combining RV handling qualities with simpler operation, modern avionics and comparatively efficient ownership.

Performance & specifications

Typical performance is centered on a cruise speed near 115 to 120 knots, depending on propeller, weight and engine installation. Published range is commonly around 500 nautical miles with reserves, making the RV-12 suitable for regional trips as well as training and local flying. The aircraft uses a 100 hp Rotax engine, originally the carbureted Rotax 912 ULS on the RV-12, with the fuel injected Rotax 912 iS Sport used on the later RV-12iS. Useful load is typically in the high 500 lb range, though individual aircraft vary by equipment and build quality. Service ceiling is published at about 13,800 feet.

Cabin & avionics

The RV-12 has side by side seating under a forward hinged canopy, with good outward visibility and straightforward cockpit access for a low wing aircraft. Baggage space is behind the seats, and the removable wing design is a notable feature for owners considering storage or trailering. Avionics are usually modern glass panel installations rather than legacy round gauges. Many aircraft have Dynon SkyView systems supplied through the Van's avionics packages, often with integrated engine monitoring, ADS-B equipment, autopilot and transponder. Garmin G3X Touch installations are also seen. Garmin G1000 and Garmin Perspective are not typical RV-12 fits.

Buying & value

Buyers should confirm whether the aircraft is an RV-12 or the later RV-12iS, since the engine, fuel system, cowling and avionics package may differ. Important checks include builder documentation, compliance with Van's service bulletins, Rotax maintenance records, gearbox and rubber replacement history, fuel tank condition and wing removal hardware. Common upgrades include ADS-B, autopilot, improved lighting, wheel fairings and updated avionics displays. On PlaneFox, current RV-12 listings show an average asking price of about EUR 125,000, with the visible range also at EUR 125,000 to EUR 125,000. In the used market, the type sits among modern LSA aircraft with strong kit support and a large owner community.

11 Vans RV-12 aircraft are for sale on PlaneFox today.

See all 11 listings