5 Van's RV-8 / 8A for sale on ClearProp →
Live listingsOverview
The tandem-seat aerobatic RV: pilot sits in front, passenger behind, +6/−3 G at aerobatic gross weight with two people aboard. Favorite of instructors and formation pilots; cruise ~200 mph. 8A adds nosewheel.
Pros
- ✓ Tandem = best aerobatic visibility for both
- ✓ Formation/instruction-friendly
- ✓ Strong cross-country numbers for a tandem
Cons
- ✗ Front-seat-only ground visibility in taildragger trim
- ✗ Narrow cabin
Full specification
Identity
| Manufacturer | Van's Aircraft (United States) |
| Status | In production |
| First flight | 1995 |
Classification
| Class | Homebuilt / Kit |
| Build form | Kit |
| Part 103 eligible | No |
| LSA eligible | No |
| Materials | aluminum |
| Gear | taildragger (RV-8) / tri (RV-8A) |
| Mission | cross-country, aerobatic |
Capacity
| Seats | 2 (tandem) |
| Engine options | 150–215 hp Lycoming 320/360 family |
| Power | 150–215 hp |
| Fuel type | 100LL |
Performance
| Cruise | 204 mph |
| Stall | 58 mph |
| Vne | 230 mph |
| Range | 940 sm |
| Climb | 1,900 fpm |
| Ceiling | 22,500 ft |
| Takeoff dist. | 500 ft |
| Landing dist. | 550 ft |
Weights
| Useful load | 680 lb |
| Gross weight | 1,800 lb |
| Empty weight | 1,120 lb |
Dimensions
| Wingspan | 24 ft |
| Length | 21 ft |
| Height | 5.58 ft |
| Wing area | 121 sq ft |
| Cabin width | 40 in |
| Rotor (gyro/trike) | — |
Economics
| Kit price (base) | $49,700 |
| Kit price (complete) | $74,200 |
| Plans price | — |
| Est. finished cost | $185,000 |
Compiled from: vansaircraft.com/rv-8 spec/perf tables (2026) · RV-3–9 brochure PDF (2025) — verify current kit pricing with the manufacturer.
Notable variants
- RV-8A tricycle gear