Vans RV-9A Aircraft
8 used Vans RV-9A aircraft for sale · 1-seat · $115K – $274K · updated 11 hours ago
About the Vans RV-9A
The Vans RV-9A is a two-seat, single-engine experimental aircraft from the popular RV series of kit-built airplanes designed by Vans Aircraft. The RV-9A features a nosewheel configuration (the RV-9 is the tailwheel variant) and is designed for efficient cross-country flying with a focus on stability, comfort, and fuel economy rather than pure aerobatic performance.
Burning approximately 6 gallons per hour, the RV-9A is one of the most fuel-efficient cross-country aircraft available, with variable hourly costs averaging just $85 and annual fixed costs near $10,000. Its side-by-side seating, good visibility, and docile handling make it a comfortable touring airplane for pilots who want to cover distance economically.
The RV-9A appeals to builder-pilots who want a practical, efficient two-seat airplane for regular cross-country flying and weekend adventures. Unlike the more aerobatic RV-7 and RV-8, the RV-9A prioritizes stability and ease of handling, making it an excellent choice for pilots who value a smooth ride and predictable characteristics. The massive Vans Aircraft builder community, extensive online resources, and active fly-in culture make the RV-9A one of the best-supported experimental aircraft projects available.
Vans RV-9A Specifications
Model specThe Vans RV-9A is a 1-seat experimental with a cruise speed of 2 kt (4 km/h).
8 Vans RV-9A For Sale
There are currently 8 used Vans RV-9A for sale, ranging from $115,000 to $274,999, with a median asking price of $164,500.
Compare Vans RV-9A
See how the Vans RV-9A stacks up against similar aircraft in specs, price, and operating costs.
Vans RV-9A Price & Cost
How much does a Vans RV-9A cost? Used RV-9A prices: $115K – $274K, average $174K (median $164K), across 8 priced of 8 active listings.
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.
Buying a Used Vans RV-9A
Every Vans RV-9A 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 $20,000 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-9A
What should buyers know about the Van's RV-9A?
What are the risks of buying a completed RV-9A vs. building one?
How does the RV-9A compare to the RV-12 or RV-14?
Vans RV-9A Inventory by Country
| United States | 1 |
Vans RV-9A by Price
| Under $200k | 1 |
| Under $300k | 1 |
| Under $500k | 1 |
Vans RV-9A Safety Record
Across all RV-9A variants, 1 NTSB-recorded events are on file from 2014–2014. 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Feb 23, 2014 | Tribune, KS | Fatal (1) | The pilot’s failure to maintain airplane control while conducting high-g turns, which resulted in impact with terrain. C… |
NTSB records 2014–2014. Includes all Vans RV-9A variants. Events ≠ aircraft fault.