Vans RV-8 Aircraft in Australia

Australian-registered aircraft (VH- prefix) operate under CASA (Civil Aviation Safety Authority) certification. Active GA market with strong Daher TBM, Cirrus, Cessna and Beechcraft fleets. Outback flying creates active utility aircraft market (Cessna Caravan, Pilatus PC-12). Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth major hubs.

1 used Vans RV-8 aircraft for sale in Australia · 1-seat · from $160K · updated 21 hours ago

About the Vans RV-8

The Vans RV-8 is a two-seat, tandem-configuration experimental aircraft designed for aerobatics and cross-country performance. Burning approximately 9 gallons per hour, the RV-8 offers excellent visibility, responsive handling, and impressive speed. It appeals to aerobatic enthusiasts and sport pilots who want a capable tailwheel kit aircraft.

Vans RV-8 helicopter for sale

Vans RV-8 Specifications

Model spec

The Vans RV-8 is a 1-seat experimental with a cruise speed of 2 kt (4 km/h).

Performance
Cruise2 kt (4 km/h)
Engine & Fuel
Fuel Burn9.0 GPH (34 L/h)
TBO2,000 hrs
ICAO TypeRV8
Weights & Seats
Seats1
Production1979–present

1 Vans RV-8 For Sale

There are currently 1 used Vans RV-8 for sale, ranging from $160,457 to $160,457, with a median asking price of $160,457.

$160,457
For Sale
Reg# VH-YKY Australia
Location Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
2 sources
Listed 2mo ago

Vans RV-8 Variants

Variant Years Seats Cruise Range Useful load Price range Best for Listings for sale
RV-8A 1995–now 1 2 kts (4 km/h) $94K – $159K 4

Compare Vans RV-8

See how the Vans RV-8 stacks up against similar aircraft in specs, price, and operating costs.

Vans RV-8 Price & Cost

How much does a Vans RV-8 cost? Used RV-8 prices: from $160K, across 1 priced of 1 active listings.

Vans RV-8 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.

Vans RV-8 Cost of Ownership estimate
Fuel (9.0 GPH × $6.20, 100 hrs)$5,580/yr
Annual Fixed (hangar, insurance, annual)$10,000/yr
Variable (per hour)$100/hr
Engine Overhaul (every 2,000 hrs)$25,000
Estimates at 100 flight hours/year. Actual costs vary by usage, location and insurance.

Buying a Used Vans RV-8

Every Vans RV-8 faces a mandatory 2,000-hour overhaul, so the single biggest factor in used price is how much time remains before that overhaul is due — a fresh-overhaul airframe can be worth a large share of the $25,000 overhaul cost more than one approaching its limit.

What to check before buying

  • Time to overhaul — hours and years remaining to the 2,000-hour limit; this dominates resale value more than total time.
  • Logbook completeness — continuous, gap-free maintenance records; missing logs cut value and complicate financing.
  • Damage history — any prior accident, hard landing or blade strike; cross-check the registration against accident databases.
  • Avionics — a glass panel vs steam gauges materially changes price.
  • Pre-buy inspection — always commission an independent inspection by a type-experienced mechanic before money changes hands.

Frequently Asked Questions — Vans RV-8

What should buyers know about the Van's RV-8?
The RV-8 is a two-seat, tandem-seating aerobatic experimental with 180-200+ knots cruise. Lycoming IO-360 power (180 hp) or IO-390 (210 hp) versions exist. Aerobatic rating to +6/-3 G makes it one of the most capable aerobatic experimentals. Build quality varies — condition inspection by an RV-experienced A&P is essential. Used prices range from $80-140K for quality builds.
RV-8 vs. RV-7 — which is better for buyers?
The RV-8 has tandem seating (better for aerobatics, more fighter-like feel) while the RV-7 has side-by-side seating (better for passengers and cross-country). Both have similar performance. The RV-7 is more practical for travel; the RV-8 is more fun for sport flying. RV-7s have more buyers on the used market, so resale is generally easier.

Vans RV-8 Inventory by Country

Australia1

Vans RV-8 by Price

Under $200k1
Under $300k1
Under $500k1

Vans RV-8 by Decade

2010s1

Recently Sold Vans RV-8

2018 RV-8$162,381

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Vans RV-8 Safety Record

Across all RV-8 variants, 5 NTSB-recorded events are on file from 2019–2026. As with any aircraft, most outcomes depend on pilot training, maintenance and operating conditions rather than the airframe itself.

Most Recent Events

Date Location Severity Probable Cause
Jan 26, 2026 Norwell, OF Fatal (2)
May 31, 2022 Galice, OR Incident The in-flight failure of the crankshaft gear’s alignment dowel as a result of the retaining bolt not being installed, wh…
Jun 29, 2020 McMinnville, OR Incident The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during takeoff which resulted in a collision with a runway marker.
Oct 20, 2019 White Plains, AL Fatal (1) Impact with terrain for reasons that could not be determined based on the available information.
Jul 20, 2019 Oshkosh, WI Incident The pilot’s failure to maintain adequate spacing from the lead airplane while landing following revised landing instruct…

NTSB records 2019–2026. Includes all Vans RV-8 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 21 hours ago · Data: FAA Registry, NTSB · About our data