Alpi Aviation Pioneer 400 vs Vans RV-9A
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-9A
- For sale now
- 10
- Median asking
- $152,000
- Range
- $121,750–$252,499
- Model years available
- 2007–2026
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-9A |
|---|---|---|
| All events | — | 1 |
| Serious | — | 0 |
| Fatal | — | 1 |
| Fatalities | — | 1 |
| % Fatal | — | 100% |
Full Specs Comparison
Swipe to see all specs
| Spec / Model | Alpi Aviation Pioneer 400 | Van's RV-9A |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $221,225 – $327,165 | $121,750 – $252,499 |
| Category | Experimental | Experimental |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 4 | 2 |
| Horsepower | 100 HP | 160 HP |
| Cruise Speed | 130 kts (241 km/h) | 160 kts (296 km/h) |
| Range | 600 nm (1,111 km) | 650 nm (1,204 km) |
| Service Ceiling | 14,000 ft (4,267 m) | 22,000 ft (6,706 m) |
| Useful Load | 650 lbs (295 kg) | 600 lbs (272 kg) |
| Fuel Burn | 5.5 GPH (21 L/h) | 6.0 GPH (23 L/h) |
| TBO | — | 2,000 hrs |
| Overhaul Cost | — | $20,000 |
| Annual Fixed | — | $10,000 |
| Hourly Variable | — | $85 |
| Engines | 1 x Piston | 1 x Piston |
Cost of Ownership
EstimateAlpi Aviation Pioneer 400
Fuel$30/hr
Van's RV-9A
Fuel$33/hr
Variable$85/hr
Annual Fixed$10,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$27,000/yr
Which Should You Buy: Alpi Aviation Pioneer 400 or Van's RV-9A?
Pick the Pioneer 400 if…
- More seats — 4 vs 2.
Pick the RV-9A if…
- Budget matters — from $121,750 vs $221,225, you save ~$99,475.
- Faster cruise — 160 kts vs 130 kts.
- Longer range — 650 nm vs 600 nm.
- More inventory — 14 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-9A?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The Pioneer 400 cruises at 130 kts with 600 nm range.
The RV-9A cruises at 160 kts with 650 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-9A: from $175,000.
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-9A?
Seats: 4 vs 2.
Cruise: 130 vs 160 kts.
Range: 600 vs 650 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
RV-9A: about $85/hr variable cost.
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-9A: 2 seats / 600 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?
RV-9A: 2,000-hour TBO, overhaul ~$20,000.
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