Vans Aircraft 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 since its introduction in 2001. Designed by Richard VanGrunsven and manufactured by Van's Aircraft in Aurora, Oregon, the RV-7 represents an evolution of the company's earlier side-by-side designs, offering builders a choice between tricycle (RV-7) and conventional (RV-7A) landing gear configurations. The type is renowned for combining cross-country efficiency with aerobatic capability, certified for spins and +6/-3G maneuvers when properly built and maintained. Powered typically by a Lycoming O-360 or IO-360 engine producing 150-180 horsepower, the RV-7 cruises at 180-200 knots true airspeed while burning just 8-9 gallons per hour, delivering range exceeding 800 nautical miles. Its all-metal construction uses Van's proven matched-hole technology, allowing amateur builders to complete the aircraft in 1,200-1,800 hours with basic tools. The design's relatively benign handling characteristics and excellent visibility make it popular for both recreational flying and serious cross-country travel, while its aerobatic envelope attracts pilots seeking a capable sport aircraft without the fuel burn of purpose-built aerobatic types. The RV-7's success stems from its versatility—equally at home boring holes in the sky on a Sunday afternoon, flying 500-mile cross-countries at near-Bonanza speeds, or performing loops and rolls at a local fly-in. With a useful load around 550 pounds in typical configurations, it accommodates two adults plus baggage for weekend trips, though builders can optimize for speed, payload, or aerobatics depending on engine choice and equipment fit. SkyMeter has tracked 226 flights across 52 airframes and 44 operators, with DSR-CHEROKEE 180 LLC the largest observed operator.