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2010 Van’s RV-12
- January 5, 2023
Vans RV-12 for Sale — Buy or Sell a Light Sport Homebuilt Aircraft
The Vans RV-12 is the most accessible aircraft in the renowned Van's Aircraft RV family — a side-by-side two-seat Light Sport Aircraft (LSA) designed for builders who want the RV experience with simplified construction and sport pilot eligibility. First introduced in 2006, the RV-12 brought the famous Van's Aircraft kit quality and flying characteristics to a new generation of pilots and builders who may hold only a Sport Pilot certificate or who simply want a lighter, simpler aircraft than the larger RV models. With its Rotax 912 ULS engine, modern composite cowling, and clean aerodynamic design, the RV-12 delivers genuine cross-country performance within the Light Sport category limits. Airplane Trade offers a curated marketplace of RV-12 aircraft for sale, connecting buyers with motivated sellers across the United States and worldwide.
Design Philosophy and Development
Van's Aircraft developed the RV-12 with two goals in mind: to meet FAA Light Sport Aircraft category requirements and to provide a kit building experience more accessible to first-time builders than previous RV models. The RV-12 achieved both objectives decisively. The airframe uses the same precision-punched, pre-formed aluminum construction that defines the entire RV line, but the kit is organized into smaller, more manageable subkits with improved instructions designed to reduce builder confusion and errors.
The RV-12 is offered in two experimental build categories: the standard Experimental Amateur-Built (EAB) version and the Experimental Light Sport Aircraft (ELSA) version, which is built from a Van's factory-built kit and can be maintained by the owner under LSA maintenance rules. This flexibility makes the RV-12 attractive both to hands-on builders who want maximum creative control and to buyers seeking a simpler ownership and maintenance path.
Engine and Powerplant
The RV-12 is powered by the Rotax 912 ULS, a four-cylinder, four-stroke, geared engine producing 100 horsepower. The Rotax 912 series is the gold standard engine for Light Sport Aircraft and ultralights, celebrated for its exceptional reliability, low fuel consumption, and long time between overhaul — typically 2,000 hours TBO. It runs on either 100LL avgas or auto fuel (mogas), giving owners flexibility and cost savings at the fuel pump. The engine's light weight and compact dimensions contribute directly to the RV-12's excellent power-to-weight ratio and short-field performance.
Performance and Flying Qualities
Within the LSA category speed limit of 120 knots (138 mph) calibrated airspeed, the RV-12 makes the most of its allowance:
- Cruise speed — 110 to 115 knots (127 to 132 mph) at 75% power
- Maximum speed — 118 knots (136 mph)
- Stall speed — approximately 39 knots (45 mph) flaps down
- Range — approximately 500 miles with standard 20-gallon tanks
- Fuel burn — 5 to 6 gallons per hour at cruise
- Rate of climb — approximately 1,200 feet per minute at sea level
- Takeoff roll — under 600 feet at gross weight
- Maximum gross weight — 1,320 lbs (LSA limit)
Pilots consistently describe the RV-12 as having the lightest, most responsive controls of any LSA on the market — a direct benefit of the low-drag airframe design and efficient control system Van's has refined over decades. The side-by-side seating makes it an excellent trainer and touring aircraft, with good visibility for both occupants and a comfortable cockpit for pilots up to six feet tall.
Avionics and Panel Options
The RV-12 was designed from the start with a modern glass panel in mind. Van's Aircraft worked closely with Dynon Avionics to develop an integrated avionics solution built around the Dynon SkyView system, which combines primary flight display, moving map GPS, engine monitoring, and autopilot interface in a compact, affordable package. Most RV-12s flying today are equipped with the Dynon SkyView setup, though builders have also installed Garmin G3X and other modern EFIS systems. ADS-B out compliance is standard on most recent builds, and ADS-B in is common for traffic awareness.
Buying a Used RV-12
The used RV-12 market is active and offers good value compared to certified LSA aircraft, which can cost $150,000 to $200,000 new. A quality used RV-12 with low Rotax hours, a complete build log, and modern avionics typically sells for significantly less than an equivalent certified LSA, while often delivering better flying qualities. Key items to verify when evaluating a used RV-12: Rotax engine hours and service records, compliance with Rotax mandatory service bulletins, build log completeness, condition of the fabric-free aluminum structure, and airworthiness certificate status (EAB vs. ELSA).
Selling Your RV-12
Airplane Trade connects RV-12 sellers with a targeted audience of sport pilots, flight schools, and experimental aviation enthusiasts actively searching for Light Sport Aircraft. A well-presented listing with detailed photos, Rotax hours, avionics list, and build documentation will attract qualified buyers quickly on our platform.
Browse Vans RV-12 Listings on Airplane Trade
Search current RV-12 aircraft for sale, filter by location, price, and equipment, and contact sellers directly. Whether you are a sport pilot seeking your first aircraft or an experienced builder looking to move up or sell your current project, Airplane Trade is the right place to start.