Van's RV-6 Aircraft 2020s

The RV-6/6A (side-by-side) and RV-4 (tandem) are the classic RVs that built the fleet — earlier designs, large flying populations, excellent value. Predecessors to the RV-7/RV-8.

Van's RV-6 aircraft for sale

1 used Van's RV-6 aircraft for sale 2020s · 2-seat · Used median asking $110,000 · New from $87,820 · updated 13 hours ago

Van's RV-6 Specifications

Model spec

The Van's RV-6 is a 2-seat experimental with a cruise speed of 166 kt (307 km/h), a range of 626–630 nm (1,159–1,167 km), and a useful load of 620 lbs (281 kg).

Performance
Cruise166 kt (307 km/h)
Max Speed182 kt (337 km/h)
Range626–630 nm (1,159–1,167 km)
Service Ceiling22,000 ft (6,706 m)
Engine & Fuel
Horsepower180 HP
Fuel Burn8.0–8.5 GPH (30–32 L/h)
TBO2,000 hrs
ICAO TypeRV6
Weights & Seats
Seats2
Max Gross Weight1,600–1,650 lbs (726–748 kg)
Useful Load620 lbs (281 kg)
Production1986–2008

Van's RV-6 for Sale

Van's RV-6 asking prices range from $60,798 to $170,000, with a median of $110,000.

$170,000
For Sale
Reg# N805DD US
Location Granbury, TX
Listed 17d ago

Van's RV-6 Variants

Variant Years Seats Cruise Range Useful load Price range Best for Listings for sale
RV-6A 1992–now 2 166 kts (307 km/h) 626 nm (1,159 km) 620 lbs (281 kg) $49K – $162K Two-seat experimental tricycle-gear RV for buyers who want RV performance and handling with easier ground handling than the tailwheel RV-6. 14

Compare Van's RV-6

See how the Van's RV-6 stacks up against similar aircraft in specs, price, and operating costs.

Van's RV-6 Price & Cost

How much does a Van's RV-6 cost? Used RV-6 prices: $60K – $170K, average $110K (median $110K), across 11 priced of 1 active listings.

Van's RV-6 Price Guide

Key price factors: engine time to overhaul, year and airframe hours, avionics, damage history and logbook completeness — see the buying guide below for the full pre-purchase checklist.

Van's RV-6 Cost of Ownership estimate
Fuel (8.0 GPH × $6.20, 100 hrs)$4,960/yr
Annual Fixed (hangar, insurance, annual)$10,000/yr
Variable (per hour)$90/hr
Engine Overhaul (every 2,000 hrs)$22,000
Estimates at 100 flight hours/year. Actual costs vary by usage, location and insurance.

Buying a Used Van's RV-6

Buying a Van's RV-6 comes down to a focused pre-purchase checklist — here is what matters most on this model:

What to check before buying

builder/documentation (older builds — verify maintenance continuity); Lycoming condition; avionics (may need ADS-B retrofit). The value-entry classic RVs.

Frequently Asked Questions — Van's RV-6

What should buyers know about the Van's RV-6 experimental aircraft?
The RV-6 is a two-seat, tandem-gear (tailwheel) experimental with 160-180 knots cruise. Build quality varies dramatically between examples — a thorough pre-purchase condition inspection is essential. The Lycoming O-320 or O-360 engine is proven. Over 2,500 RV-6s have been built, making it one of the most popular experimentals with excellent community support and parts availability.
RV-6 vs. RV-6A — what is the difference?
The RV-6A has a nosewheel (tricycle gear) while the RV-6 is a taildragger. The 6A is easier to fly on the ground but slightly heavier. Both are discontinued in favor of the RV-7/7A. Used prices range from $50-100K for well-built examples. For resale, the RV-6A is easier to sell due to broader pilot appeal. The tailwheel RV-6 is preferred by experienced stick-and-rudder pilots.

Van's RV-6 Inventory by Country

Canada1

Van's RV-6 Safety Record

Across all RV-6 variants, 3 NTSB-recorded events are on file from 1995–2022. As with any aircraft, most outcomes depend on pilot training, maintenance and operating conditions rather than the airframe itself.

3

Total Events

1

Incidents

0

Serious

1

Fatal

Most Recent Events

Date Location Severity Probable Cause
Jan 23, 2022 Ciudad-Chihuahua state, Fatal (2)
Apr 05, 1999 CEDAR CREEK, NC Minor The soft runway surface.
Oct 07, 1995 NORTH PLAINS, OR Incident Fuel starvation due to the failure of the left tank fuel quantity sending unit which resulted in a false indication of f…

NTSB records 1995–2022. Includes all Van's RV-6 variants. Events ≠ aircraft fault.

Disclaimer: All prices, cost estimates, and market values shown are based on asking prices from third-party sources and are provided for informational purposes only. AeroGurus is not an appraiser, broker, or financial advisor. Always obtain a professional appraisal and independent inspection before making a purchase decision.
Listings last refreshed 13 hours ago · Data: FAA Registry, NTSB · About our data