Vans Rv-7

Single Piston

The Van's RV-7 is a two-seat homebuilt aircraft that has become one of the most popular kit planes in general aviation history, with over 2,000 completed worldwide since its introduction in 2001. Designed by Richard VanGrunsven and manufactured as a kit by Van's Aircraft in Aurora, Oregon, the RV-7 represents the side-by-side seating evolution of the tandem RV-6, offering builders a relatively straightforward all-metal construction project that delivers genuine cross-country performance. Typically powered by a Lycoming O-360 or IO-360 engine producing 180 horsepower, the RV-7 cruises at 180-200 knots true airspeed while burning just 8-9 gallons per hour, giving it a range exceeding 800 nautical miles with standard fuel tanks. The type's aerobatic capability sets it apart from most two-seat tourers: stressed to +6/-3 Gs, it handles loops, rolls, and spins with the agility of a purpose-built aerobatic trainer, yet remains docile enough for low-time pilots transitioning from Cessna 172s. The RV-7 can be built in tricycle-gear or tailwheel configuration, with most builders choosing the nosewheel variant for easier ground handling. Construction time averages 1,200-1,800 hours, and the kit's pre-punched ribs and matched-hole construction have made it accessible to first-time builders. The type's combination of speed, efficiency, and handling has made it a fixture at fly-ins from Oshkosh to Sun 'n Fun, where RV formations often number in the dozens. SkyMeter has tracked 287 flights across 166 airframes and 144 operators, with CLOUGHLEY WILLIAM R the largest observed operator.