Van's RV-10 Cost of Ownership

Van's RV-10: The Most Popular Homebuilt Four-Seat Aircraft

The Van's RV-10 represents the pinnacle of practical homebuilt design, combining elegant composite construction, reliable Lycoming engines, four-seat utility, and exceptional build documentation. Since introduction in 1990, thousands of RV-10s have been built by aviation enthusiasts worldwide, making it the most common four-seat homebuilt aircraft. The RV-10 proves that exceptional value and performance are possible when builders combine quality materials with careful attention to detail.

The RV-10 appeals to pilots who value owner responsibility and self-reliance; builders seeking the satisfaction of flying their own creation; and economically-minded aviators unwilling to pay $300,000+ for certified four-seat aircraft with comparable capabilities. The RV-10 delivers 170+ knot cruise speed, genuine four-seat comfort, 1,000-nautical-mile range, and exceptional handling characteristics—all at remarkable cost when total investment is amortized over the aircraft's service life.

Why Builders Choose the Van's RV-10

The RV-10 attracts builders seeking practical four-seat aircraft without six-figure acquisition costs; pilots with mechanical skills who enjoy hands-on ownership; and aviation enthusiasts who view the build process as part of the flying experience rather than a burden. The aircraft's excellent documentation, wide builder community, and proven design reduce risk compared to other homebuilts. The RV-10 is equally suitable for weekend flyers building slowly and fully-funded builders completing in 12-18 months.

Build and Purchase Costs

New RV-10 Kit Pricing

• Basic Airframe Kit: $29,995 - Fuselage, wings, and tail components including all hardware and fasteners.
• Engine (Lycoming IO-540): $30,000-$40,000 - New or factory-remanufactured with warranty.
• Propeller Assembly: $10,000-$15,000 - Quality aluminum or composite propeller.
• Avionics Package: $10,000-$30,000 - Basic VFR steam gauges to complete G1000 NXi systems.
• Interior & Finishing: $5,000-$15,000 - Upholstery, paint, and final assembly components.
• Miscellaneous Components: $5,000-$10,000 - Tires, batteries, lights, and accessory installation.
• Total Build Cost: $90,000-$160,000 (excluding builder labor)

Used Completed RV-10 Pricing

• High-Time Models (3,000+ hours): $65,000-$100,000 - Older builds with basic avionics.
• Mid-Range (1,500-3,000 hours): $100,000-$140,000 - Well-maintained examples with updated avionics.
• Low-Hour Builds (under 1,500 hours): $140,000-$180,000 - Recently completed with modern glass cockpits.

Financing Build Costs

Financing homebuilt aircraft is challenging compared to certified aircraft, as traditional lenders rarely finance construction projects. Builders typically self-fund through: personal savings, business cash flow, or builder financing programs from kit manufacturers. Some credit unions offer personal loans that can finance kit components, though interest rates are typically higher than aircraft-specific loans. Completed experimental aircraft can be financed through experimental aircraft lenders at rates of 6.5-8.5% for 10-year terms, with typical down payments of 20-25%.

Insurance Costs

Experimental aircraft insurance for Van's RV-10 typically ranges from $1,000-$1,500 annually for comprehensive coverage with $60,000-$100,000 hull values. Pricing by pilot qualification:

• Newly Built/Minimum Hours: $1,200-$1,500/year for fresh experimental airworthiness certificates.
• Experienced Builders (500+ hours in type): $1,000-$1,200/year. Better rates with proven safety record.
• Very Experienced (1,500+ hours in RV-10): $800-$1,000/year. Excellent rates available.

Liability-only coverage costs $500-$800/year. Experimental aircraft are more affordable to insure than certified equivalents, reflecting lower claims history and builder-owner alignment of interests.

Fuel and Operating Costs

Fuel Consumption

The Van's RV-10 with Lycoming IO-540 engine burns approximately 10-12 gallons per hour at 75% cruise power. At current Avgas prices of $6.00-$7.00 per gallon, fuel costs are approximately $60-$84 per flight hour. Economy cruise at reduced power settings reduces fuel burn to 8-10 GPH, lowering costs to $48-$70 per hour. The RV-10 is remarkably fuel-efficient for a four-seat aircraft, rivaling much slower trainers in overall costs.

Maintenance and Reserves

Maintenance reserves for homebuilt aircraft are lower than certified counterparts since most builders perform their own maintenance. Self-maintained reserves average $5-$8 per flight hour for parts and supplies. Engine overhaul reserves are approximately $8-$12 per flight hour against the 2,000-hour Lycoming TBO. Total reserves average $13-$20 per flight hour. Professional maintenance services increase costs to $25-$35 per flight hour if required.

Hourly Variable Costs

Total variable costs (fuel + maintenance + engine reserves + consumables) for builder-maintained RV-10 average $80-$110 per flight hour:

• Fuel: $60-$84/hour
• Maintenance: $5-$8/hour
• Engine Reserves: $8-$12/hour
• Oil & Consumables: $3-$5/hour
• Total: $76-$109/hour

Fixed Annual Ownership Costs

Beyond variable flying costs, fixed ownership expenses total $2,000-$4,000 annually regardless of flight hours:

• Hangar Storage: $600-$1,000/year (outdoor tie-down: $200-$400)
• Experimental Aircraft Insurance: $1,000-$1,500/year
• Maintenance Supplies/Tools: $200-$400/year
• Registration & Miscellaneous: $200-$500/year

Comprehensive Annual Ownership Examples

100 Flight Hours Per Year

A builder flying 100 hours annually in their RV-10:

• Fixed costs: $3,000
• Variable costs (100 hrs × $93/hr): $9,300
• Total Annual Cost: $12,300
• Cost Per Hour: $123

150 Flight Hours Per Year

A more active builder averaging 150 hours annually:

• Fixed costs: $3,000
• Variable costs (150 hrs × $93/hr): $13,950
• Total Annual Cost: $16,950
• Cost Per Hour: $113

200 Flight Hours Per Year

A very active builder flying 200+ hours annually:

• Fixed costs: $3,000
• Variable costs (200 hrs × $93/hr): $18,600
• Total Annual Cost: $21,600
• Cost Per Hour: $108

RV-10 vs. Comparable Aircraft

RV-10 vs. Cessna 172R Skyhawk

The Cessna 172R costs 2-3x more ($250,000-$350,000 vs. $125,000-$180,000 for RV-10), operates at higher hourly costs ($140-$170/hour vs. $100-$130 for RV-10), but offers factory support and resale through established channels. The RV-10 wins on economics; the 172 appeals to those wanting factory support and zero builder responsibility.

RV-10 vs. Piper Archer

The Piper Archer costs $200,000-$350,000 and operates at $140-$180/hour. The RV-10 is considerably cheaper to acquire and operate while offering superior speed (170+ knots vs. 130 knots) and handling. The Archer appeals to flight schools and cautious buyers; the RV-10 suits value-conscious builders.

RV-10 vs. Cirrus SR20

The Cirrus SR20 costs $300,000-$400,000 and operates at $180-$220/hour. The RV-10 is dramatically cheaper to acquire ($125,000-$180,000) and operate ($100-$130/hour) while offering similar four-seat capability and speed. The Cirrus appeals to buyers wanting modern parachute safety and glass cockpit; the RV-10 suits budget-conscious builders prioritizing value.

Is Van's RV-10 Ownership Worth It?

Van's RV-10 ownership is exceptional value for builders willing to invest significant time and effort during construction. The $125,000-$180,000 build cost represents 40-50% of equivalent certified aircraft, while operating costs are comparable ($100-$130/hour). Over a 2,000-hour aircraft life, the RV-10 saves $150,000-$250,000 compared to certified four-seat aircraft. For builders who view construction as part of the flying experience rather than a burden, the RV-10 is unbeatable value.

Next Steps to RV-10 Ownership

1. Evaluate Your Commitment: Honestly assess willingness to invest 2,000+ builder hours and maintain the aircraft yourself.
2. Visit RV-10 Builders: Connect with local RV-10 owners and attend EAA AirVenture to see finished examples and meet community.
3. Join Van's Air Force (Online Community): Access technical forums, building tips, and troubleshooting assistance from experienced builders.
4. Order Kit Components Progressively: Spread costs over 3-6 years rather than buying entire kit upfront.
5. Identify Build Location: Secure workshop space with 300+ square feet and high ceilings for fuselage assembly.
6. Plan Inspection Schedule: Identify local FAA inspector for 51% rule compliance and final airworthiness certification.
7. Budget for Contingencies: Plan for 20% cost overruns and unexpected component upgrades.
8. Arrange Financing for Completed Aircraft: If purchasing completed RV-10, work with experimental aircraft lenders for favorable terms.

Sources and Citations

• Van's Aircraft - RV-10 Kit Specifications & Pricing (2025)
• Aircraft Cost Calculator - RV-10 Operating Costs
• Van's Air Force - Online Community & Technical Forums
• Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) - Homebuilt Aircraft Resources
• AOPA Pilot Resource Center - Experimental Aircraft Ownership