Van's RV Series Aircraft for Sale — Buy or Sell Homebuilt Kit Aircraft Worldwide
The Van's RV Series represents the most successful family of homebuilt kit aircraft in the history of general aviation. Designed by Richard VanGrunsven and produced by Van's Aircraft of Aurora, Oregon, the RV family has grown from a single two-seat design in the 1970s to encompass more than a dozen variants spanning single-seat, two-seat, and four-seat configurations in both low-wing and mid-wing layouts. With over 10,000 RV aircraft flying worldwide — a number that continues to grow every year — the Van's RV series is not just the most popular homebuilt aircraft family in the world: it is also the most proven, the best-supported, and the most community-backed kit aircraft platform available to the experimental aviation builder.
Whether you are searching to buy a Van's RV aircraft — completed, partially built, or as a new or used kit — or you are ready to sell your RV and connect with the global community of RV enthusiasts, Airplane Trade provides a comprehensive marketplace for all Van's RV variants and models worldwide.
About Van's Aircraft and Richard VanGrunsven
Richard "Van" VanGrunsven is widely regarded as one of the most important figures in experimental aviation history. His philosophy for the RV series was straightforward but powerful: design aircraft that are fast, fun, affordable to build, and a joy to fly — without requiring exotic skills, tools, or materials. Beginning with the RV-1 prototype in 1972 and the first customer-deliverable RV-3 in the mid-1970s, Van's Aircraft has consistently delivered on this promise across generation after generation of refined designs.
Van's Aircraft pioneered the quick-build kit concept in the homebuilt market — factory pre-assembling major subassemblies to dramatically reduce the builder's hours and skill requirement without sacrificing quality or the FAA's 51% rule for amateur-built aircraft. This innovation transformed the homebuilt market and has been copied by kit manufacturers worldwide, but Van's remains the gold standard for kit quality, builder support, and finished aircraft performance.
The RV Family: Something for Every Pilot
The Van's RV series encompasses a remarkable range of aircraft types, each designed for different missions and pilot preferences:
- RV-3 — single-seat, aerobatic-capable low-wing for the solo sport pilot seeking maximum performance
- RV-4 — tandem two-seat low-wing, one of the original RV family members and still highly regarded
- RV-6/6A — side-by-side two-seat low-wing, the aircraft that established RV's dominance in the homebuilt market
- RV-7/7A — updated side-by-side two-seat low-wing, successor to the RV-6 with improved ergonomics and systems
- RV-8/8A — tandem two-seat low-wing, the quintessential aerobatic sport touring RV with spectacular performance
- RV-9/9A — side-by-side two-seat, optimized for cross-country efficiency and economy at lower speeds
- RV-10 — four-seat family aircraft with exceptional cruise speed and load-carrying capability
- RV-12/12iS — two-seat ELSA/LSA category aircraft, the first RV designed for sport pilot operations
- RV-14/14A — the most refined two-seat RV, featuring a wider cabin and updated systems
Why Pilots Choose Van's RV Aircraft
The enduring popularity of the Van's RV series across more than five decades rests on several defining characteristics:
Performance: RV aircraft are fast — genuinely, impressively fast for their engine size. An RV-7 or RV-8 with a Lycoming O-360 routinely cruises at 165–185 mph, matching or exceeding certified aircraft costing many times more. The RV-10 carries four people at similar speeds with exceptional fuel efficiency. Performance is not a compromise in the RV world.
Handling: Every RV model is designed first and foremost to be fun to fly. Light, responsive, well-harmonized controls, excellent visibility, and predictable behavior across the full flight envelope make RV aircraft a consistent favorite among pilots who fly for the pure joy of it. The aerobatic-capable models (RV-3, 4, 7, 8) deliver genuine sports aircraft handling.
Build quality and support: Van's Aircraft provides comprehensive plans, excellent builder manuals, factory technical support, and an unmatched community resource through the VAF (Van's Airforce) online forum and regional EAA chapters with active RV builders and owners. The quality of Van's kit components and engineering documentation is consistently cited as industry-leading.
Value: The cost to build and own an RV aircraft compares extremely favorably with certified aircraft of similar performance. Low operating costs, owner-maintainer privileges, and a robust used market make the RV ownership experience highly cost-effective.
Buying a Van's RV — What to Know
When purchasing a used or completed Van's RV, buyers should prioritize thorough pre-purchase inspection and careful review of build documentation. Key considerations include build quality assessment by an experienced A&P familiar with homebuilt aircraft, complete builder's log review, engine logbook currency, avionics ADS-B Out compliance, and condition inspection of flying surfaces, control system, and landing gear. The VAF community is an invaluable resource for buyer research on specific aircraft.
Key Features of the Van's RV Series
- World's most popular homebuilt family — 10,000+ flying worldwide
- All-metal aluminum construction — proven, durable, repairable airframes
- Exceptional performance — 160–200+ mph cruise on Lycoming power
- Outstanding handling — light, responsive, aerobatic-capable in many models
- Quick-build kit available — factory pre-assembled subassemblies reduce builder time
- Multiple configurations — single-seat to four-seat, tandem to side-by-side
- Lycoming O-320/O-360/IO-360 engines — proven powerplants with global support
- Active global community — VAF forum, EAA chapters, type clubs worldwide
- Strong resale market — consistent demand from a large community of buyers
Browse Van's RV Aircraft on Airplane Trade
Find the latest Van's RV Series aircraft for sale on Airplane Trade, including completed flying aircraft, quick-build and standard kits, and partially built projects. Browse by specific model variant — RV-4, RV-6, RV-7, RV-8, RV-10, RV-12, RV-14 — or search across the full RV family to find the aircraft that matches your mission and budget. Connect directly with private sellers, EAA builders, and kit dealers worldwide. List your Van's RV aircraft today and reach the world's largest active community of homebuilt aviation buyers.