Vans RV-6 vs Glasair III
Full Specs Comparison
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| Spec / Model | Vans RV-6 | Glasair III |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $83,000 – $135,000 | $215,000 – $220,000 |
| Category | Experimental | Experimental |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 1 | 1 |
| Cruise Speed | 2 kts (4 km/h) | 2 kts (4 km/h) |
| Fuel Burn | 8.0 GPH (30 L/h) | — |
| TBO | 2,000 hrs | — |
| Overhaul Cost | $22,000 | — |
| Annual Fixed | $10,000 | — |
| Hourly Variable | $90 | — |
| Engines | 1 x Piston | 2 x Piston |
Cost of Ownership
EstimateVans RV-6
Fuel$44/hr
Variable$90/hr
Annual Fixed$10,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$28,000/yr
Glasair III
Which Should You Buy: Vans RV-6 or Glasair III?
Pick the RV-6 if…
- Budget matters — from $83,000 vs $215,000, you save ~$132,000.
- More inventory — 10 listings vs 2.
Pick the III if…
- Newer design — production from 1994 vs 1986.
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-6 or Glasair III?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The RV-6 cruises at 2 kts.
The III cruises at 2 kts.
Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Vans RV-6: from $109,000.
Glasair III: from $215,000.
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Vans RV-6 and Glasair III?
Cruise: 2 vs 2 kts.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
RV-6: about $90/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-6: 1 seats.
III: 1 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?
RV-6: 2,000-hour TBO, overhaul ~$22,000.
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