Four-seat experimental high-performance tourer · Single-engine piston aircraft · production 2003–present · See its reach on the 3D globe
A Van's Aircraft RV-10 costs approximately $298k (€276k) to $356k (€330k) to buy at 2020 market values, and about $31k (€28k) a year to own flying 80 hours, roughly $383 (€355) per flight hour all-in. It seats 4, cruises at 170 kt (196 mph) and has a published range of 1,000 nm (1,852 km), needing about 1,181 ft (360 m) of runway. Figures are indicative planning estimates compiled 2026-07, not a quote for any specific airframe.
The RV-10 is the four-seat, experimental-category answer to a certified high-performance single: fast, roomy and offering payload and value that make factory aircraft look expensive, provided you accept what experimental means. It is bought and built by capable owners who want performance per euro. The critical variable is the individual airframe, because build quality, documentation, wiring and workmanship vary enormously between examples, and so does resale. A well-built, well-documented RV-10 is a superb aircraft; a poorly finished one is a project. Inspection by someone who knows the type is non-negotiable.
First-party reference values for this model. They are shown separately from PlaneFit planning estimates and do not enter Finder or cross-model rankings until each field is normalised across the catalogue.
| Maximum takeoff weight | 1,225 kg |
|---|---|
| Useful load | 476 kg |
| Usable fuel | 227 L |
| Landing distance | 198 m |
| Service ceiling | 20,000 ft |
| Maximum climb rate | 1,450 ft/min |
| Baggage weight | 45 kg |
| Engine | Lycoming IO-540 family, 210-260 hp |
Indicative planning data, compiled 2026-07. Verify against the AFM and records.
| Seats | 4 |
| Realistic payload with mission fuel | 763 lb (346 kg) |
| Published planning range | 1,000 nm (1,852 km) |
| Practical planning radius (4 people) | 670 nm (1,241 km) |
| Cruise speed | 170 kt (196 mph) |
| Runway need | ~1,181 ft (360 m) |
| Landing gear | Fixed tricycle |
| Pressurised | No |
| Fuel | Avgas 100LL |
| Fixed annual base | $17k (€16k) |
| Direct cost per flight hour | $167 (€155) |
Excellent speed, payload and cabin value, but build quality, documentation and resale vary aircraft by aircraft.
Indicative cash costs at 2020 market values, before financing, depreciation and tax. The fixed base is the same whether the aircraft flies or not, so the effective hourly cost falls as utilisation rises.
| Annual use | Annual cash cost | Effective cost / h | Five-year cash outlay |
|---|---|---|---|
| 40 h / year | $24k (€22k) | $599 (€555) | $444k (€411k) |
| 80 h / year | $31k (€28k) | $383 (€355) | $477k (€442k) |
| 120 h / year | $37k (€35k) | $311 (€288) | $511k (€473k) |
| 180 h / year | $47k (€44k) | $263 (€244) | $561k (€520k) |
Every figure above is built from a $17k (€16k) fixed annual base, covering hangarage, insurance, scheduled maintenance reserves and recurring airworthiness costs, plus $167 (€155) per hour flown for fuel, reserves and consumables. It is a planning model for comparing aircraft and testing utilisation, not a maintenance programme quote, insurance quote or pre-buy assessment.
Older examples add calendar-driven maintenance: a 2011-built airframe is estimated at $37k (€34k) per year at 80 hours. Airframe and engine time, maintenance and damage history, avionics, equipment, geography and tax treatment move a real transaction further than the model year does, so price the aircraft in front of you, not the model. A cheaper example carrying deferred maintenance can be the more expensive aircraft once the first annual inspection is complete.
Van's Aircraft RV-10 cost guide answers the same figures as standalone purchase and ownership questions, and the ownership cost calculator lets you replace these assumptions with your own hours and fixed costs.
Nothing beyond a pilot certificate for the category and class. With fixed tricycle gear and no endorsement requirement of its own, this is among the simplest certified aircraft to qualify in, which is a real part of why it is cheap to insure and easy to check out in.
US requirements under 14 CFR 61.31, stated for orientation and not as advice. PlaneFit is not an aviation authority or a training organisation. Other authorities set different rules, and the current regulation and your instructor are what govern.
An indicative 2020 market price for a Van's Aircraft RV-10 is $298k (€276k) to $356k (€330k). This is a planning estimate normalised across the market, not a quote for a specific airframe. Condition, engine time remaining, avionics and damage history move the real number more than the model year does.
Flying 80 hours a year, a Van's Aircraft RV-10 works out at roughly $31k (€28k) annually, which is about $383 (€355) per flight hour all-in once fixed costs are spread across those hours. The direct cost per hour alone, covering fuel, reserves and consumables, is about $167 (€155).
Published range is 1,000 nm (1,852 km). With 4 people aboard and realistic reserves, plan on a practical radius of about 670 nm rather than the brochure figure.
Plan on approximately 1,181 ft (360 m) for take-off. Check this against the actual runway, surface, slope, temperature and loading, all of which extend the requirement.
Direct comparisons against the models buyers most often weigh against this one.