Arion Lightning vs Vans RV-12

The Arion Lightning LS-1 and Van's RV-12 are sport two-seaters — the Arion a sleek composite LSA/experimental, the RV-12 the Van's-supported all-metal LSA.

Live Market Snapshot

Current asking-price market, aggregated across multiple marketplaces · re-checked on a rolling daily cycle

Arion Lightning

For sale now: 1
Model years available: 2011–2011

Vans RV-12

For sale now: 13
Median asking: $89,750
Range: $79,125–$119,150
Model years available: 2011–2025

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)	Arion Lightning	Van's RV-12
All events	2	2
Serious	2	0
Fatal	0	2
Fatalities	0	2
% Fatal	0%	100%

View full Arion Lightning NTSB record →View full Van's RV-12 NTSB record →

Full Specs Comparison

Swipe to see all specs

Spec / Model	Arion Lightning	Van's RV-12
	View 1 listings → Median $78,000	View 13 listings → Median $89,750
Price Range	$78,000	$79,125 – $119,150
Category	Experimental	Experimental
Model Specifications
Seats	2	2
Horsepower	120 HP	100 HP
Cruise Speed	150 kts (278 km/h)	117 kts (217 km/h)
Range	700 nm (1,296 km)	550 nm (1,019 km)
Service Ceiling	15,000 ft (4,572 m)	13,800 ft (4,206 m)
Useful Load	550 lbs (249 kg)	560 lbs (254 kg)
Fuel Burn	6.0 GPH (23 L/h)	5.5 GPH (21 L/h)
Engines	1 x Piston	1 x Piston

Which Should You Buy: Arion Lightning or Van's RV-12?

Bottom line: Choose the RV-12 for Van's support, resale and metal simplicity; choose the Arion for a sleek composite cabin and efficient cruise. RV-12 = support/metal; Arion = composite/cruise.

Pick the Lightning if…

Budget matters — from $78,000 vs $79,125, you save ~$1,125.
Faster cruise — 150 kts vs 117 kts.
Longer range — 700 nm vs 550 nm.

Pick the RV-12 if…

More inventory — 13 listings vs 1.

Auto-generated from current market data and published specs. Confirm with a pre-buy inspection and professional appraisal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is better, Arion Lightning or Van's RV-12?

It depends on your mission and budget. The Lightning cruises at 150 kts with 700 nm range. The RV-12 cruises at 117 kts with 550 nm range. Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.

How do prices compare?

Arion Lightning: from $78,000. Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.

What's the difference between Arion Lightning and Van's RV-12?

Cruise: 150 vs 117 kts. Range: 700 vs 550 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?

Lightning: 2 seats / 550 lb useful load. RV-12: 2 seats / 560 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 re-checked on a rolling cycle — most within a few days · Data: FAA Registry, NTSB · About our data