Aircraft overview

The Vans RV-9 / RV-9A is a two-seat, side-by-side, low-wing kit aircraft from Van’s Aircraft, developed for efficient personal touring rather than aerobatics. The tricycle-gear RV-9A flew first in the late 1990s, followed by the tailwheel RV-9, with kits supplied for amateur-built aircraft rather than factory production. It matters in the used market because it combines the familiar RV handling style with a wing optimized for stability, lower landing speeds and economical cross-country flying. Unlike the RV-7, the Vans RV-9 / RV-9A is not approved for aerobatics.

Performance & specifications

Typical performance depends strongly on engine choice, propeller, build quality and equipment fit. Many Vans RV-9 / RV-9A aircraft use Lycoming O-235 or O-320 series engines, commonly in the 118 to 160 hp range, with fixed-pitch or constant-speed propellers. Cruise speeds are often around 135 to 150 knots, with economy settings below that. Standard fuel capacity is commonly 36 US gallons, supporting practical cross-country range often in the 600 to 800 nautical mile class with reserves, depending on power setting. Useful load is frequently around 600 to 700 lb in completed examples, and Van’s published figures place the service ceiling up to about 18,500 feet when appropriately powered.

Cabin & avionics

The cabin seats two occupants side by side under a tip-up or sliding canopy, depending on the individual build. Baggage capacity is intended for light touring rather than heavy utility use, so empty weight, upholstery, insulation and baggage modifications deserve attention. Avionics vary widely because each Vans RV-9 / RV-9A is builder configured. Older aircraft may have conventional analog instruments and handheld GPS integration, while later or upgraded examples often feature Garmin G3X Touch, Dynon SkyView, Advanced Flight Systems displays, modern engine monitoring, ADS-B, autopilots and IFR-capable navigators. IFR suitability should be assessed by installed equipment, wiring quality and documentation, not by model name alone.

Buying & value

As an experimental amateur-built aircraft, a Vans RV-9 / RV-9A should be evaluated as much by workmanship and records as by total time. Review the builder log, weight and balance data, operating limitations, condition inspection history, fuel system details, control rigging, canopy fit, landing gear condition and any engine or propeller history. The main choice is RV-9 tailwheel versus RV-9A tricycle gear, with buyers also comparing engine size, propeller type, avionics standard and interior finish. On PlaneFox listings, recent asking prices average about EUR 222,000, with a broad range from roughly EUR 85,000 to EUR 1,020,000, reflecting major differences in equipment, engine status, build standard and presentation.