Vans RV-12iS for Sale — Buy or Sell an Fuel-Injected Light Sport Homebuilt Aircraft
The Vans RV-12iS is the fuel-injected evolution of the enormously popular RV-12 Light Sport Aircraft, representing Van's Aircraft's most refined and capable LSA to date. Introduced as an upgrade to the carbureted RV-12, the RV-12iS features the Rotax 912iS Sport engine — a modern, electronically fuel-injected powerplant that delivers improved fuel economy, altitude performance, and ease of operation compared to the carbureted 912 ULS. The result is a Light Sport Aircraft that feels thoroughly contemporary, with dual-channel electronic engine management, automatic mixture control, and significantly reduced pilot workload on climb and during altitude changes. Airplane Trade offers RV-12iS listings from private sellers and builders across the United States and internationally, making it easy to find, compare, and purchase your ideal aircraft.
The Rotax 912iS Sport Engine
The defining difference between the RV-12 and the RV-12iS is the powerplant. Where the original RV-12 uses the carbureted Rotax 912 ULS, the RV-12iS employs the Rotax 912iS Sport, a 100-horsepower four-cylinder engine with electronic fuel injection and dual ignition channels managed by a FADEC-style engine control unit (ECU). This system delivers several practical advantages over the carbureted variant:
- Automatic mixture management — the ECU continuously optimizes the fuel-air mixture for altitude and power setting, eliminating the manual leaning task that occupies pilots in altitude changes
- Improved fuel economy — the 912iS typically burns 10 to 15 percent less fuel than the 912 ULS at equivalent power settings
- Carb ice elimination — fuel injection removes carburettor icing as a weather-related risk factor, a meaningful safety improvement
- Altitude performance — the injection system maintains optimal fuel delivery at higher altitudes where carbureted engines begin to suffer enrichment problems
- Engine health monitoring — the ECU continuously monitors engine parameters and alerts the pilot to anomalies
The 912iS Sport retains the same 2,000-hour TBO as the carbureted 912 ULS and is equally compatible with 100LL avgas and automobile fuel (mogas), keeping operating costs manageable.
Performance Characteristics
The RV-12iS shares its aerodynamic design with the RV-12, meaning performance figures are broadly similar — but the fuel injection advantage becomes apparent in real-world cross-country flying where altitude changes and extended cruise operations dominate the mission:
- Cruise speed — 110 to 115 knots (127 to 132 mph) at 75% power
- Maximum speed — 118 knots (136 mph), respecting the LSA 120-knot limit
- Range — approximately 550 miles with standard tanks, extended by lower fuel burn
- Fuel burn — 4.5 to 5.5 gallons per hour at cruise (improved over RV-12)
- Rate of climb — approximately 1,200 feet per minute at sea level
- Stall speed — approximately 39 knots (45 mph) with flaps
- Gross weight — 1,320 lbs (LSA maximum)
Cockpit and Avionics
The RV-12iS cockpit is configured for side-by-side seating with excellent visibility for both occupants through a large bubble canopy. Van's Aircraft designed the RV-12iS in partnership with Dynon Avionics, and most examples are equipped with the Dynon SkyView HDX integrated avionics suite — a modern glass panel system combining primary flight display, engine monitor, moving map GPS navigation, autopilot interface, and ADS-B connectivity in one cohesive package. The Rotax 912iS ECU interfaces directly with compatible Dynon and Garmin engine monitoring systems, giving pilots real-time visibility into all critical engine parameters on a single screen.
Build Categories: EAB and ELSA
Like the RV-12, the RV-12iS is available in both Experimental Amateur-Built (EAB) and Experimental Light Sport Aircraft (ELSA) configurations. The EAB version offers maximum builder flexibility and customization but requires the standard experimental inspection process. The ELSA version is built from a Van's factory-completed kit and allows owner-performed maintenance under LSA rules, simplifying ongoing airworthiness for pilots who prefer not to work through a licensed A&P mechanic for every inspection.
What to Look for in a Used RV-12iS
When evaluating a used RV-12iS, focus on the Rotax 912iS engine condition and service history. The ECU stores engine operating data that a qualified Rotax technician can read to verify the engine's history beyond the paper logbook. Confirm that all Rotax mandatory service bulletins have been complied with, particularly those relating to the fuel injection system and ECU software updates. Also verify the build log completeness, avionics software versions, and airworthiness certificate status before making an offer.
Find Your Vans RV-12iS on Airplane Trade
Browse current RV-12iS listings on Airplane Trade, filter by location and price, and contact sellers directly without broker fees. Our platform brings together the best selection of fuel-injected RV-12iS aircraft for sale from private owners, professional builders, and flight schools looking to upgrade their fleets. Start your search today.