Vans RV-12IS vs Lockwood AIR CAM
Full Specs Comparison
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| Spec / Model | Vans RV-12IS | Lockwood Air Cam |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $50,000 – $198,999 | $99,000 – $139,900 |
| 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 | 2 x Piston | 1 x Piston |
Cost of Ownership
EstimateVans RV-12IS
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-12IS or Lockwood AIR CAM?
Pick the RV-12IS if…
- Budget matters — from $50,000 vs $99,000, you save ~$49,000.
- More inventory — 11 listings vs 2.
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-12IS or Lockwood Air Cam?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The RV-12IS 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-12IS: from $164,900.
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-12IS 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-12IS: 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