The sporty kit airplanes that Van’s Aircraft produces range widely in size and speed, but they all have certain characteristics in common. They’re metal, low-wing, fixed-gear designs that are relatively fast, efficient, mechanically simple, responsive, and versatile.
When Van’s introduced the RV–12 for the Light Sport aircraft (LSA) market in 2006, it was a departure for the Oregon-based company. The LSA category limits top speed to 120 knots (calibrated), and stall speed to no more than 45 knots, and many doubted whether any aircraft with those limitations could preserve an RV’s essential sportiness. Also, the RV–12 differed from other RVs in some important ways. It used a geared Rotax engine instead of traditional Lycomings and Continentals; wings were removable for trailering; an all-moving stabilator replaced a hinged elevator; full-span flaperons did the work of both flaps and ailerons, and construction made extensive use of “blind,” or “pull” rivets instead of the flush kind.
The RV–12 has the same delightful flying qualities as other RVs, and it’s shown itself to be a rugged, reliable pilot trainer, too. More than 500 RV–12s have been completed and flown. Some flight schools are using RV–12s for primary training, and a few high schools have launched “Eagle’s Nest” RV–12 construction programs in which the students who build the aircraft later learn to fly in it.
SPEC SHEET
Van’s RV–12
Retail value: $65,000
www.aopa.org/vref
SPECIFICATIONS
Powerplant 100-hp Rotax 912
Length 19 ft 11 in
Height 8 ft 4 in
Wing span 26 ft 9 in
Empty weight 740 lb
Gross weight 1,320 lb
Fuel capacity 20 gal
Useful load 580 lb
PERFORMANCE
Top speed in level flight 120 kt
Stall speed 41 kt
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