Popular
2005 Van’s RV-8A
- January 7, 2023
Vans RV-8 and RV-8A for Sale — Buy or Sell Tandem Two-Seat Aerobatic Homebuilt Aircraft
The Vans RV-8 (tailwheel) and RV-8A (tricycle gear) together represent the pinnacle of the Van's Aircraft tandem two-seat tradition — larger, faster, and more capable than the RV-4 they succeeded, yet retaining every ounce of the raw performance and handling purity that makes tandem RVs so compelling. With a top speed exceeding 210 mph, a roll rate above 180 degrees per second, and a cockpit that genuinely accommodates two large adults in comfort, the RV-8 and RV-8A are among the finest all-around homebuilt aircraft ever offered. Airplane Trade provides a dedicated marketplace connecting buyers and sellers of RV-8 and RV-8A aircraft worldwide, with detailed listings that help buyers make informed decisions and sellers reach the right audience.
RV-8 vs. RV-8A: Gear Configuration Explained
The RV-8 and RV-8A are mechanically identical aircraft — same airframe, same engine, same wing, same cockpit — differentiated only by landing gear configuration. The RV-8 uses conventional tailwheel gear, the traditional choice for maximum performance and aerodynamic efficiency. Tailwheel aircraft require more precise crosswind technique and demand greater pilot proficiency on the ground, but reward that investment with slightly cleaner aerodynamics, better prop clearance on rough strips, and the classic handling that dedicated stick-and-rudder pilots prefer.
The RV-8A uses tricycle nosewheel gear, which is significantly more forgiving on landing and in crosswind conditions. Pilots transitioning from certified nosewheel trainers typically find the RV-8A easier to master on the ground while still delivering the same extraordinary performance in the air. The performance difference between the two variants in cruise is negligible — within the variation between individual aircraft — making the choice purely one of pilot preference and operating environment.
Performance Data
With the standard Lycoming IO-360 producing 200 horsepower:
- Top speed — 210 to 215 mph (182 to 187 knots)
- Cruise speed — 190 to 205 mph at 75% power
- Fuel burn — 9 to 11 gallons per hour at cruise
- Roll rate — 180+ degrees per second
- Rate of climb — 1,800 to 2,200 feet per minute at sea level
- Takeoff roll — under 700 feet at gross weight
- Stall speed — approximately 55 mph clean
- Range — 700 to 950 miles depending on power and fuel
- Gross weight — 1,800 lbs maximum
Many builders opt for higher-powered installations — IO-390 or IO-540 variants — pushing performance further. Top speeds above 225 mph are achievable in well-optimized IO-540 powered examples. The aircraft is aerobatic approved for all standard maneuvers including inverted flight with proper inverted oil and fuel systems installed.
Cockpit Space and Comfort
One of the RV-8 and RV-8A's most significant advantages over the earlier RV-4 is cockpit volume. The front cockpit is spacious and comfortable for pilots of virtually any build. The rear cockpit, traditionally cramped in tandem aircraft, is genuinely adult-sized — accommodating pilots up to 6'4" with adequate headroom and comfortable reach to all controls. Dual controls are standard in most builds, making the rear position equally capable for solo or instructional operations.
The large bubble canopy provides exceptional all-around visibility from both seats — better than most certified aircraft and far superior to conventional enclosed cockpits. Both occupants have good fields of view through the quarter-panels and over the cowling, making the aircraft comfortable for cross-country VFR flying as well as aerobatic operations.
Avionics and Panel
The RV-8 instrument panel accommodates a full glass panel suite with thoughtful installation. Most modern builds feature the Garmin G3X Touch or Dynon SkyView HDX system, providing integrated primary flight display, engine monitoring, moving map navigation, and autopilot interface. Many owners add Garmin GTN 650/750 navigators for IFR capability, allowing the RV-8 to serve as a capable all-weather cross-country aircraft in addition to its aerobatic role. ADS-B in/out compliance is standard on virtually all recent builds.
Buying a Used RV-8 or RV-8A
The used RV-8 and RV-8A market is active and offers outstanding value. Key evaluation points include build log completeness, engine condition and time since new or overhaul, condition of the inverted oil and fuel systems if installed, rigging and control surface alignment, avionics currency, and overall airframe hours. A thorough pre-buy inspection by an A&P familiar with experimental aircraft is essential. Well-documented examples with low engine hours and modern avionics represent some of the best value available in high-performance aircraft at any price point.
Find Your Vans RV-8 or RV-8A on Airplane Trade
Browse current RV-8 and RV-8A listings on Airplane Trade. Filter by gear configuration, engine type, location, and price. Connect directly with sellers — no broker fees, no middlemen. The RV-8 and RV-8A are among the finest aircraft ever built by human hands. Find yours today.