Vans RV-12 vs Lockwood AIR CAM

Full Specs Comparison

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Spec / Model Vans RV-12 Lockwood Air Cam
Vans RV-12
View 9 listings →
Median $89,500
Lockwood AIR CAM
View 1 listings →
Median $99,000
Price Range $75,000 – $128,500 $99,000
Category Experimental Experimental
Model Specifications
Seats 1 2
Cruise Speed 2 kts (4 km/h) 3 kts (6 km/h)
Fuel Burn 10.0 GPH (38 L/h)
TBO 2,000 hrs
Overhaul Cost $15,000
Annual Fixed $10,000
Hourly Variable $100
Engines 1 x Piston 1 x Piston

Cost of Ownership

Estimate

Vans RV-12

Lockwood Air Cam

Fuel$55/hr
Variable$100/hr
Annual Fixed$10,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr) $30,000/yr

Which Should You Buy: Vans RV-12 or Lockwood AIR CAM?

Pick the RV-12 if…

  • Budget matters — from $75,000 vs $99,000, you save ~$24,000.
  • More inventory — 9 listings vs 1.

Pick the AIR CAM if…

  • More seats — 2 vs 1.
  • Faster cruise — 3 kts vs 2 kts.

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 Lockwood Air Cam?
It depends on your mission and budget. The RV-12 cruises at 2 kts. The Air Cam cruises at 3 kts. Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Vans RV-12: from $89,500. Lockwood Air Cam: from $99,000. Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Vans RV-12 and Lockwood AIR CAM?
Seats: 1 vs 2. Cruise: 2 vs 3 kts.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
AIR CAM: about $100/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?
RV-12: 1 seats. AIR CAM: 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?
AIR CAM: 2,000-hour TBO, overhaul ~$15,000. 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