——VANS RV-6/6A

Vans RV-6 and RV-6A for Sale — Buy or Sell the Most Popular Side-by-Side RV Homebuilt

The Vans RV-6 and its tricycle-gear sibling the RV-6A are arguably the aircraft that made the Van's Aircraft name a household word in experimental aviation. Introduced in 1986, the RV-6 took the proven performance formula of the RV-4 and repackaged it into a side-by-side two-seat configuration — giving pilots and passengers a shared cockpit experience without sacrificing the speed and agility that defined the RV line. More RV-6 and RV-6A aircraft have been completed and flown than any other Van's Aircraft model, making this the most numerous homebuilt aircraft type in history. With a cruise speed of 165 to 180 mph, outstanding short-field capability, and the famous RV roll rate, the RV-6 remains one of the finest all-around light aircraft ever built. Airplane Trade connects buyers and sellers of RV-6 and RV-6A aircraft worldwide, offering a trusted marketplace for these legendary homebuilt aircraft.

The Aircraft That Democratized High Performance Homebuilding

Before the RV-6, homebuilt aircraft with genuine high performance typically meant tandem seating — the narrow fuselages required for speed and efficiency left little room for side-by-side occupants. Van's Aircraft changed this with the RV-6, demonstrating that a side-by-side two-seater could achieve speeds and handling qualities previously reserved for aerobatic tandem designs. The RV-6 achieved this through careful aerodynamic design: a laminar flow wing with excellent efficiency across the speed range, a streamlined fuselage that was wider than the RV-4 but still remarkably clean aerodynamically, and the same meticulous attention to weight control that defined all RV models.

The RV-6A variant, introduced alongside the RV-6, offers tricycle landing gear for pilots more comfortable with nosewheel operations. The two variants share identical wings and fuselage — only the undercarriage and associated fuselage reinforcements differ. In cruise, performance between the two is effectively identical; the tailwheel RV-6 has a slight edge in top speed due to the cleaner gear installation, but the difference is small in practical operation.

Performance Specifications

The RV-6 and RV-6A are typically powered by the Lycoming O-320 (150 hp) or O-360 (180 hp), with the O-360 being the more popular choice for its additional performance margin:

• Top speed — 185 to 200 mph (161 to 174 knots) with O-360
• Cruise speed — 165 to 180 mph at 75% power
• Fuel burn — 8 to 10 gallons per hour at cruise
• Roll rate — approximately 150 to 170 degrees per second
• Rate of climb — 1,500 to 1,800 feet per minute with O-360
• Takeoff roll — under 800 feet at gross weight
• Stall speed — approximately 52 mph clean, 45 mph with flaps
• Range — 650 to 900 miles depending on fuel and power setting
• Gross weight — 1,600 lbs maximum

Cockpit and Comfort

The RV-6 side-by-side cockpit is 42 inches wide — comfortable for two average-sized adults, though larger pilots may find it snug. The bubble canopy provides outstanding visibility in all directions, a significant advantage for VFR navigation and traffic avoidance. Both occupants share the same instrument panel view and have access to the centrally located stick, though most builds are configured with a left-seat primary and a right-seat secondary or no stick at all.

The cabin is notably quieter than many comparable aircraft thanks to the close-fitting canopy seals and the absence of side windows that can rattle. Intercom systems and headsets are standard equipment in virtually all flying examples. Heat is provided by engine exhaust muffs in the classic fashion, and many builders have added supplemental cabin heat and ventilation for cross-country comfort.

The Used RV-6 Market

Because the RV-6 has been in production since 1986 and has been completed in larger numbers than any other homebuilt, the used market is broad and active. Aircraft range from older builds with basic VFR avionics and aging engines to recent completions with full glass panels, modern Lycoming engines, and professional finishing. Price points span accordingly — a basic flying RV-6 can be found for well under $50,000, while a fully equipped recent build with a new engine and Garmin G3X panel may approach $80,000 to $100,000. When evaluating any used RV-6, prioritize engine condition and time, build log quality, structural integrity, and avionics currency.

Find Your Vans RV-6 or RV-6A on Airplane Trade

Browse the widest selection of RV-6 and RV-6A aircraft for sale on Airplane Trade. Search by location, price, engine hours, and avionics fit. Connect directly with private sellers and professional builders worldwide. The RV-6 is the aircraft that introduced a generation of pilots to high-performance homebuilding — find yours today.