Vans Aircraft Rv-5

Single Piston

The Van's RV-5 is a tandem two-seat homebuilt aircraft kit introduced in the mid-1970s by Van's Aircraft of Aurora, Oregon. Designed by Richard VanGrunsven as part of his pioneering RV series, the RV-5 was among the earliest kits to demonstrate that amateur-built aircraft could deliver near-certified performance with excellent handling qualities. The type features a low-wing configuration, conventional tricycle landing gear, and typically mounts a four-cylinder Lycoming engine in the 150-180 horsepower range, giving it a cruise speed around 180 knots and a useful load approaching 600 pounds. The tandem seating arrangement—pilot and passenger in fore-aft configuration rather than side-by-side—offers excellent visibility and a fighter-like cockpit feel that appeals to aerobatic-minded builders. While Van's later shifted focus to the side-by-side RV-6 and RV-7 models, the RV-5 remains a capable cross-country tourer and sport aircraft with a loyal following among builders who prefer the tandem layout. Its relatively benign stall characteristics, responsive controls, and efficient cruise performance made it a significant step in proving that homebuilts could be practical transportation, not just weekend projects. SkyMeter has tracked flights across airframes and operators, with the largest observed operator.