Vans RV-6A vs Vans RV-9

Full Specs Comparison

Swipe to see all specs
Spec / Model Vans RV-6A Vans RV-9
Vans RV-6A
View 12 listings →
Median $115,000
Vans RV-9
View 3 listings →
Median $150,000
Price Range $49,900 – $164,675 $140,882 – $198,500
Category Experimental Experimental
Model Specifications
Seats 1 1
Cruise Speed 2 kts (4 km/h) 2 kts (4 km/h)
Fuel Burn 6.0 GPH (23 L/h)
TBO 2,000 hrs
Overhaul Cost $20,000
Annual Fixed $10,000
Hourly Variable $85
Engines 1 x Piston 1 x Piston

Cost of Ownership

Estimate

Vans RV-6A

Vans RV-9

Fuel$33/hr
Variable$85/hr
Annual Fixed$10,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr) $27,000/yr

Which Should You Buy: Vans RV-6A or Vans RV-9?

Pick the RV-6A if…

  • Budget matters — from $49,900 vs $140,882, you save ~$90,982.
  • More inventory — 12 listings vs 3.

Pick the RV-9 if…

  • Newer design — production from 1997 vs 1992.

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-6A or Vans RV-9?
It depends on your mission and budget. The RV-6A cruises at 2 kts. The RV-9 cruises at 2 kts. Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Vans RV-6A: from $49,900. Vans RV-9: from $150,000. Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Vans RV-6A and Vans RV-9?
Cruise: 2 vs 2 kts.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
RV-9: about $85/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-6A: 1 seats. RV-9: 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-9: 2,000-hour TBO, overhaul ~$20,000. 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