Vans RV-6 vs Steen Aero Skybolt
Live Market Snapshot
Current asking-price market, aggregated across multiple marketplaces · refreshed daily
Vans RV-6
- For sale now
- 9
- Median asking
- $110,000
- Range
- $83,800–$132,600
- Listed on 2+ marketplaces
- 2
- Source marketplaces
- 3
- Model years available
- 1992–2016
Steen Aero Skybolt
No active listings right now.
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-6 | Steen Aero Skybolt |
|---|---|---|
| All events | 3 | — |
| Serious | 0 | — |
| Fatal | 1 | — |
| Fatalities | 2 | — |
| % Fatal | 33% | — |
Full Specs Comparison
Swipe to see all specs
| Spec / Model | Vans RV-6 | Steen Aero Skybolt |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $83,800 – $132,600 | $38,500 – $92,311 |
| Category | Experimental | Experimental |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 2 | — |
| Cruise Speed | 166 kts (307 km/h) | 110 kts (204 km/h) |
| Range | 630 nm (1,167 km) | 390 nm (722 km) |
| Max Gross Weight | 1,600 lbs (726 kg) | 1,650 lbs (748 kg) |
| 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 | — |
Cost of Ownership
EstimateVans RV-6
Fuel$44/hr
Variable$90/hr
Annual Fixed$10,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$28,000/yr
Steen Aero Skybolt
Which Should You Buy: Vans RV-6 or Steen Aero Skybolt?
Pick the RV-6 if…
- Faster cruise — 166 kts vs 110 kts.
- Longer range — 630 nm vs 390 nm.
- More inventory — 9 listings vs 4.
Pick the Skybolt if…
- Budget matters — from $38,500 vs $83,800, you save ~$45,300.
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 Steen Aero Skybolt?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The RV-6 cruises at 166 kts with 630 nm range.
The Skybolt cruises at 110 kts with 390 nm range.
Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Vans RV-6: from $83,000.
Steen Aero Skybolt: from $38,500.
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Vans RV-6 and Steen Aero Skybolt?
Cruise: 166 vs 110 kts.
Range: 630 vs 390 nm.
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: 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?
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