Flight Design CTLS vs Vans RV-12

The RV-12iS and Flight Design CTLS are leading light-sport aircraft — the RV-12 a build-it (or factory) all-metal LSA, the CTLS a factory composite LSA with a parachute.

Live Market Snapshot

Current asking-price market, aggregated across multiple marketplaces · refreshed daily

Flight Design CTLS

For sale now: 15
Median asking: $103,479
Range: $56,000–$153,387
Listed on 2+ marketplaces: 8
Source marketplaces: 6
Model years available: 2006–2023

Vans RV-12

For sale now: 10
Median asking: $89,750
Range: $80,011–$120,850
Listed on 2+ marketplaces: 2
Source marketplaces: 2
Model years available: 2011–2018

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)	Flight Design CTLS	Vans RV-12
All events	12	2
Serious	2	0
Fatal	1	2
Fatalities	1	2
% Fatal	8%	100%

View full Flight Design CTLS NTSB record →View full Vans RV-12 NTSB record →

Full Specs Comparison

Swipe to see all specs

Spec / Model	Flight Design Ctls	Vans RV-12
	View 2 listings → Median $103,479	View 11 listings → Median $89,750
Price Range	$56,000 – $153,387	$80,011 – $120,850
Category	Light Sport	Experimental
Model Specifications
Seats	—	2
Cruise Speed	115 kts (213 km/h)	117 kts (217 km/h)
Range	721 nm (1,335 km)	—
Max Gross Weight	1,320 lbs (599 kg)	—
Engines	—	1 x Piston

Which Should You Buy: Flight Design CTLS or Vans RV-12?

Bottom line: Choose the RV-12 for lower cost, owner-build/maintenance and Van's simplicity/support; choose the CTLS for a turnkey factory composite LSA with a ballistic parachute and more cross-country range. RV-12 = value/owner; CTLS = turnkey/parachute.

Pick the CTLS if…

Budget matters — from $56,000 vs $80,011, you save ~$24,011.

Pick the RV-12 if…

Faster cruise — 117 kts vs 115 kts.
More inventory — 11 listings vs 2.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is better, Flight Design Ctls or Vans RV-12?

It depends on your mission and budget. The Ctls cruises at 115 kts with 721 nm range. The RV-12 cruises at 117 kts. Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.

How do prices compare?

Flight Design Ctls: from $142,967. Vans RV-12: from $100,000. Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.

What's the difference between Flight Design CTLS and Vans RV-12?

Cruise: 115 vs 117 kts.

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?

RV-12: 2 seats. 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