Lockwood AIR CAM vs Vans RV-4
Live Market Snapshot
Current asking-price market, aggregated across multiple marketplaces · refreshed daily
Lockwood AIR CAM
- For sale now
- 3
- Model years available
- 2000–2012
Vans RV-4
- For sale now
- 6
- Model years available
- 1987–2021
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) | Lockwood AIR CAM | Van's RV-4 |
|---|---|---|
| All events | 3 | 1 |
| Serious | 0 | 0 |
| Fatal | 2 | 1 |
| Fatalities | 3 | 1 |
| % Fatal | 67% | 100% |
Full Specs Comparison
Swipe to see all specs
| Spec / Model | Lockwood Air Cam | Van's RV-4 |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $112,990 – $189,490 | $59,750 – $100,425 |
| Category | Experimental | Experimental |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 2 | 2 |
| Horsepower | 100 HP | 160 HP |
| Cruise Speed | 80 kts (148 km/h) | 150 kts (278 km/h) |
| Range | 350 nm (648 km) | 510 nm (945 km) |
| Service Ceiling | 14,500 ft (4,420 m) | 22,000 ft (6,706 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | — | 1,500 lbs (680 kg) |
| Useful Load | 625 lbs (284 kg) | 600 lbs (272 kg) |
| Fuel Burn | 10.0 GPH (38 L/h) | 7.5 GPH (28 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
EstimateLockwood Air Cam
Fuel$55/hr
Variable$100/hr
Annual Fixed$10,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$30,000/yr
Van's RV-4
Fuel$41/hr
Which Should You Buy: Lockwood AIR CAM or Van's RV-4?
Pick the AIR CAM if…
Pick the RV-4 if…
- Budget matters — from $59,750 vs $112,990, you save ~$53,240.
- Faster cruise — 150 kts vs 80 kts.
- Longer range — 510 nm vs 350 nm.
- More inventory — 10 listings vs 5.
Auto-generated from current market data and published specs. Confirm with a pre-buy inspection and professional appraisal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Lockwood Air Cam or Van's RV-4?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The Air Cam cruises at 80 kts with 350 nm range.
The RV-4 cruises at 150 kts with 510 nm range.
Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Lockwood Air Cam: from $30,000.
Van's RV-4: from $104,900.
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Lockwood AIR CAM and Van's RV-4?
Cruise: 80 vs 150 kts.
Range: 350 vs 510 nm.
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?
AIR CAM: 2 seats / 625 lb useful load.
RV-4: 2 seats / 600 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?
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