Alpi Aviation Pioneer 400 vs Vans RV-6A
Live Market Snapshot
Current asking-price market, aggregated across multiple marketplaces · refreshed daily
Alpi Aviation Pioneer 400
- For sale now
- 3
- Model years available
- 2017–2024
Vans RV-6A
- For sale now
- 13
- Median asking
- $109,000
- Range
- $70,660–$148,315
- Model years available
- 1997–2023
Live data from AeroGurus, aggregated daily across the used-aircraft market. Figures are current asking prices, not appraisals — confirm with a pre-buy inspection.
Safety Record
Absolute counts scale with fleet size — the most-produced types log more events without being less safe. Compare the % fatal.
| NTSB (1982–now) | Alpi Aviation Pioneer 400 | Van's RV-6A |
|---|---|---|
| All events | — | 2 |
| Serious | — | 0 |
| Fatal | — | 1 |
| Fatalities | — | 2 |
| % Fatal | — | 50% |
Full Specs Comparison
Swipe to see all specs
| Spec / Model | Alpi Aviation Pioneer 400 | Van's RV-6A |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $221,225 – $327,165 | $70,660 – $148,315 |
| Category | Experimental | Experimental |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 4 | 2 |
| Horsepower | 100 HP | 180 HP |
| Cruise Speed | 130 kts (241 km/h) | 166 kts (307 km/h) |
| Range | 600 nm (1,111 km) | 626 nm (1,159 km) |
| Service Ceiling | 14,000 ft (4,267 m) | 22,000 ft (6,706 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | — | 1,650 lbs (748 kg) |
| Useful Load | 650 lbs (295 kg) | 620 lbs (281 kg) |
| Fuel Burn | 5.5 GPH (21 L/h) | 8.5 GPH (32 L/h) |
| Engines | 1 x Piston | 1 x Piston |
Which Should You Buy: Alpi Aviation Pioneer 400 or Van's RV-6A?
Pick the Pioneer 400 if…
- More seats — 4 vs 2.
Pick the RV-6A if…
- Budget matters — from $70,660 vs $221,225, you save ~$150,565.
- Faster cruise — 166 kts vs 130 kts.
- Longer range — 626 nm vs 600 nm.
- More inventory — 16 listings vs 3.
Auto-generated from current market data and published specs. Confirm with a pre-buy inspection and professional appraisal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Alpi Aviation Pioneer 400 or Van's RV-6A?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The Pioneer 400 cruises at 130 kts with 600 nm range.
The RV-6A cruises at 166 kts with 626 nm range.
Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Alpi Aviation Pioneer 400: from $329,610.
Van's RV-6A: from $86,608.
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Alpi Aviation Pioneer 400 and Van's RV-6A?
Seats: 4 vs 2.
Cruise: 130 vs 166 kts.
Range: 600 vs 626 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
Variable cost includes fuel, reserves and overhaul accruals. Annual fixed costs (hangar, insurance, annual inspection) add to the total.
Which has more seats and useful load?
Pioneer 400: 4 seats / 650 lb useful load.
RV-6A: 2 seats / 620 lb useful load.
Useful load = max gross weight minus empty weight; it determines how much fuel plus payload you can carry.
How does maintenance compare — TBO and overhaul cost?
Reaching the time-between-overhaul (TBO) triggers a mandatory engine/airframe rebuild that affects resale value.
Disclaimer: All prices and cost estimates are from third-party sources for informational purposes only. Always obtain professional appraisal and inspection before purchase.
Prices updated daily · Data: FAA Registry, NTSB · About our data