Aircraft overview

The Vans RV-6 / RV-6A is a two-seat, side-by-side, low-wing kit aircraft from Van's Aircraft, developed as a roomier companion to the tandem-seat RV line. The RV-6 first flew in 1985, with the RV-6A nosewheel version following soon after. Kit production ran through the 1990s and into the early 2000s, before the RV-7 series took over as the direct successor. Its importance is practical: the RV-6 / RV-6A established Van's Aircraft as a major force in the amateur-built market, combining metal construction, responsive handling, cross-country capability and aerobatic strength in a compact airframe.

Performance & specifications

Performance varies with engine, propeller, build quality and equipment, but most RV-6 / RV-6A aircraft are powered by Lycoming O-320 or O-360 series engines in the 150 to 180 hp range. Typical cruise speeds are commonly around 155 to 170 knots, with well-built 180 hp examples at the upper end. Fuel capacity is normally 38 US gallons, giving practical range in the region of 600 to 700 nautical miles with reserves, depending on power setting. Gross weight is typically 1,600 lb, and useful load often falls around 600 to 700 lb. Published service ceiling figures are commonly about 20,000 feet for higher-powered examples.

Cabin & avionics

The cabin seats two occupants side by side under a sliding or tip-up canopy, depending on the individual build. The RV-6 uses conventional landing gear, while the RV-6A has tricycle landing gear, a key distinction for buyers comparing ground handling and runway operations. Baggage space is behind the seats and is suitable for light touring rather than large-volume cargo. Avionics vary widely because every aircraft is amateur-built. Older panels may have basic analog flight instruments, a VFR radio and transponder. Updated examples may include Garmin G3X, Garmin G5, Dynon SkyView, Advanced Flight Systems displays, ADS-B, engine monitoring, GPS navigation and two-axis autopilots.

Buying & value

Condition and build quality matter more than model year. Buyers should review builder logs, operating limitations, weight and balance data, engine and propeller history, compliance with Van's service information, fuel tank condition, control rigging, landing gear attachments and evidence of corrosion or hard landings. The RV-6 appeals to pilots comfortable with tailwheel operations, while the RV-6A is often favored by buyers wanting easier ground handling. Common upgrades include constant-speed propellers, modern EFIS panels, ADS-B, improved engine monitoring, interior refurbishment and updated lighting. In current PlaneFox used-market data, asking prices average about EUR 90,000, with observed listings from EUR 69,000 to EUR 141,000, reflecting differences in engine time, avionics, finish quality and documentation.