Vans RV-6 vs Zenair CH601HD
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
Zenair CH601HD
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 | Zenair CH601HD |
|---|---|---|
| All events | 3 | — |
| Serious | 0 | — |
| Fatal | 1 | — |
| Fatalities | 2 | — |
| % Fatal | 33% | — |
Full Specs Comparison
Swipe to see all specs
| Spec / Model | Vans RV-6 | Zenair CH601HD |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $83,800 – $132,600 | — |
| Category | Experimental | Experimental |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 2 | — |
| Horsepower | 180 HP | — |
| Cruise Speed | 166 kts (307 km/h) | — |
| Range | 630 nm (1,167 km) | — |
| Service Ceiling | 22,000 ft (6,706 m) | — |
| Max Gross Weight | 1,600 lbs (726 kg) | — |
| Useful Load | 620 lbs (281 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
Zenair CH601HD
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Vans RV-6 or Zenair CH601HD?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The RV-6 cruises at 166 kts with 630 nm range.
Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Vans RV-6: from $129,000.
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Vans RV-6 and Zenair CH601HD?
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 / 620 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?
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