Van's Aircraft Rv-9a

Single Piston

The Van's RV-9A is a two-seat, all-metal homebuilt aircraft designed for efficient cross-country travel and docile handling, making it one of the most popular kit planes in the experimental aviation community. Introduced in the early 2000s as the tricycle-gear sibling to the tailwheel RV-9, the RV-9A was engineered specifically for pilots seeking a forgiving, stable platform with excellent fuel economy and respectable cruise speeds—typically 165–175 knots on a 150-horsepower Lycoming O-320 or O-360 engine. Unlike Van's aerobatic RV models, the RV-9 series trades unlimited aerobatic capability for a wider speed envelope, lower stall speeds, and a more spacious cockpit, appealing to builders who prioritize comfortable long-distance flying over aggressive maneuvering. The design features a constant-chord wing with a laminar-flow airfoil, contributing to its reputation for smooth, predictable flight characteristics and impressive range—often exceeding 700 nautical miles on internal fuel. Thousands of RV-9 and RV-9A kits have been delivered worldwide since the type's debut, with the tricycle-gear 9A variant particularly favored by pilots transitioning from certified aircraft. The RV-9A's construction uses matched-hole technology and pre-punched parts, allowing amateur builders to complete the aircraft in 1,200–1,500 hours, and the resulting airframe is known for its tight tolerances and professional finish quality. SkyMeter has tracked 2 flights across 1 airframes and 1 operators, with CORVINO, Giavanni Alfredo the largest observed operator.