Vans RV-6A vs Vans RV-9
Live Market Snapshot
Current asking-price market, aggregated across multiple marketplaces · refreshed daily
Vans RV-6A
- For sale now
- 13
- Median asking
- $109,000
- Range
- $70,660–$148,315
- Model years available
- 1997–2023
Vans RV-9
- For sale now
- 3
- Model years available
- 2004–2004
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) | Van's RV-6A | Van's RV-9 |
|---|---|---|
| All events | 2 | 1 |
| Serious | 0 | 0 |
| Fatal | 1 | 1 |
| Fatalities | 2 | 1 |
| % Fatal | 50% | 100% |
Full Specs Comparison
Swipe to see all specs
| Spec / Model | Van's RV-6A | Van's RV-9 |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $70,660 – $148,315 | $142,264 – $193,650 |
| Category | Experimental | Experimental |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 2 | 2 |
| Horsepower | 180 HP | 160 HP |
| Cruise Speed | 166 kts (307 km/h) | 160 kts (296 km/h) |
| Range | 626 nm (1,159 km) | 700 nm (1,296 km) |
| Service Ceiling | 22,000 ft (6,706 m) | 18,000 ft (5,486 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | 1,650 lbs (748 kg) | — |
| Useful Load | 620 lbs (281 kg) | 650 lbs (295 kg) |
| Fuel Burn | 8.5 GPH (32 L/h) | 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
EstimateVan's RV-6A
Fuel$47/hr
Van's RV-9
Fuel$33/hr
Variable$85/hr
Annual Fixed$10,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$27,000/yr
Which Should You Buy: Van's RV-6A or Van's RV-9?
Pick the RV-6A if…
- Budget matters — from $70,660 vs $142,264, you save ~$71,604.
- Faster cruise — 166 kts vs 160 kts.
- More inventory — 16 listings vs 3.
Pick the RV-9 if…
- Longer range — 700 nm vs 626 nm.
- 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, Van's RV-6A or Van's RV-9?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The RV-6A cruises at 166 kts with 626 nm range.
The RV-9 cruises at 160 kts with 700 nm range.
Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Van's RV-6A: from $86,608.
Van's RV-9: from $138,949.
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Van's RV-6A and Van's RV-9?
Cruise: 166 vs 160 kts.
Range: 626 vs 700 nm.
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: 2 seats / 620 lb useful load.
RV-9: 2 seats / 650 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-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