Vans RV-12 vs Flight Design CTLS

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

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

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

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

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

Full Specs Comparison

Swipe to see all specs

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

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

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 RV-12 if…

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

Pick the CTLS if…

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

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

Frequently Asked Questions

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

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

How do prices compare?

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

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

Cruise: 117 vs 115 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