Glasair III vs Vans RV-7A
Live Market Snapshot
Current asking-price market, aggregated across multiple marketplaces · refreshed daily
Glasair III
- For sale now
- 5
- Model years available
- 1977–2002
Vans RV-7A
- For sale now
- 9
- Median asking
- $139,500
- Range
- $123,940–$244,800
- Model years available
- 2005–2026
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) | Glasair III | Van's RV-7A |
|---|---|---|
| All events | 2 | 4 |
| Serious | 1 | 0 |
| Fatal | 1 | 2 |
| Fatalities | 1 | 3 |
| % Fatal | 50% | 50% |
Full Specs Comparison
Swipe to see all specs
| Spec / Model | Glasair III | Van's RV-7A |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $215,500 – $336,100 | $123,940 – $244,800 |
| Category | Experimental | Experimental |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 2 | 2 |
| Horsepower | 300 HP | 180 HP |
| Cruise Speed | 190 kts (352 km/h) | 173 kts (320 km/h) |
| Range | 1,100 nm (2,037 km) | 665 nm (1,232 km) |
| Service Ceiling | 25,000 ft (7,620 m) | 22,000 ft (6,706 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | 2,400 lbs (1,089 kg) | 1,800 lbs (816 kg) |
| Useful Load | 700 lbs (318 kg) | 650 lbs (295 kg) |
| Fuel Burn | 14.0 GPH (53 L/h) | 8.5 GPH (32 L/h) |
| Engines | 1 x Piston | 1 x Piston |
Which Should You Buy: Glasair III or Van's RV-7A?
Pick the III if…
- Faster cruise — 190 kts vs 173 kts.
- Longer range — 1100 nm vs 665 nm.
Pick the RV-7A if…
- Budget matters — from $123,940 vs $215,500, you save ~$91,560.
- Newer design — production from 2001 vs 1994.
- More inventory — 10 listings vs 4.
Auto-generated from current market data and published specs. Confirm with a pre-buy inspection and professional appraisal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Glasair III or Van's RV-7A?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The III cruises at 190 kts with 1,100 nm range.
The RV-7A cruises at 173 kts with 665 nm range.
Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Glasair III: from $69,129.
Van's RV-7A: from $127,500.
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Glasair III and Van's RV-7A?
Cruise: 190 vs 173 kts.
Range: 1100 vs 665 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
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?
III: 2 seats / 700 lb useful load.
RV-7A: 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?
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