If you’re in the market for a Vans or RV10, you may be wondering what sets this aircraft apart from the rest. The RV10 has been dubbed the “King of Four Place Kid Planes” by many satisfied owners and builders.

In terms of performance, the RV10 is a cross-country airplane with impressive capabilities. It’s not the cheapest plane to build or buy, but it is more affordable than its competitor, the Cirrus. The RV10 offers a range of customization options and a wide range of fit and finish, allowing builders to create their dream aircraft. But what else sets the RV10 apart? Let’s dive in and find out.

Key Takeaways

  • The RV10 is a popular and highly-regarded four-place aircraft with impressive cross-country capabilities.
  • While it’s not the cheapest plane to build or buy, the RV10 is more affordable than its competitor, the Cirrus.
  • The RV10 offers a range of customization options and a wide range of fit and finish, allowing builders to create their dream aircraft.

The Prophecy of RV10

If you’re looking to buy or build a Vans or V10, the RV10 is a great option. RV10 owners are among the most satisfied with their airplanes, and for good reason. The RV10 is a super duper pooper scooper cross-country airplane that offers great performance and comfort.

While the aerobatic performance may not be very vansy, the RV10 is a slam dunk in terms of overall performance. It’s a great option for pilots who want a reliable and comfortable plane for long flights.

Compared to its obvious competitor, the Cirrus, the RV10 is a lot cheaper to buy or build. However, the RV10 does not have the same luxurious feel as the Cirrus. That being said, the RV10 offers a wide range of fit and finish options. Some builders even employ professional build assist shops to produce airplanes that are similar to the Cirrus in terms of luxury.

The RV10 is powered by an io-540 engine that provides 260 horsepower. It’s easy to store in a t-hanger and you can even do your own maintenance if you’re up for it. The RV10 is a great option for pilots who want a reliable and comfortable plane for long flights.

Satisfaction of RV10 Owners

If you’re considering buying or building a Vans or V10, you’ll be happy to know that RV10 owners are among the most satisfied with their airplanes. In fact, many RV10 owners, especially builder-owners, aren’t even looking for their next plane because they’re so happy with their current one.

The RV10 is a great cross-country airplane, with terrific performance as long as you keep the glass side up and the rubber side down. It’s not very “vansy” when it comes to aerobatic performance, but that’s not what most people are looking for in a four-place plane.

While they’re not cheap to build or buy, RV10s are still a lot more affordable than their obvious competitor, the Cirrus. Of course, cost isn’t the only factor to consider when comparing planes. RV10s possess a wide range of fit and finish, with some builders opting for luxury, serious-like airplanes, while others go for a more basic approach.

One thing to note when comparing RV10s and Cirrus planes is that while Cirrus planes may have a more luxurious feel, RV10s have a unique feel all their own. The way you open the canopy and sit down inside the plane is different than any other plane, and the seats are essentially part of the airframe, molding to your body for a comfortable ride.

Overall, RV10 owners are incredibly satisfied with their planes, and for good reason. The performance, comfort, and support infrastructure make it a great choice for anyone looking for a four-place plane.

Performance of RV10

If you’re considering building or buying a Vans or RV10, you’re in luck because it’s a fantastic plane. According to many pilots and airplane owners, RV10 owners are among the most satisfied with their airplanes. The RV10 is a super duper pooper scooper cross-country airplane, perfect for keeping the glass side up and the rubber side down.

While the aerobatic performance may not be very “vansy,” the RV10’s fixed and variable costs offer no surprises. Most RV10s are powered by IO-540s at 260 horsepower, which easily fit in a t-hanger. You can even do your own maintenance if you’re up for it.

The RV10 is a comfortable plane to fly, with proper seats that can be adjusted like an SUV. The cockpit has a unique feel, with the seats essentially part of the airframe, conforming to your body shape. If you’re looking for luxury, some Builders employ professional build assist shops that produce serious-like airplanes with a wide range of fit and finish.

Compared to its obvious competitor, the Cirrus, the RV10 is a lot cheaper to build or buy. However, the Cirrus has a real Mercedes-Benz sort of feel, while the RV10 feels different than all the other Vans and planes, sort of like a really fast flying canoe.

Overall, the RV10’s popularity, comfort, support infrastructure, and performance make it a possible contender for the king of the four-place kid planes.

Cost of RV10

If you are considering buying or building an RV10, it’s important to know that it’s not a cheap option. However, it is still more affordable than its main competitor, the Cirrus. The fixed and variable costs of an RV10 are not surprising, and they don’t tell the whole story.

Most RV10s are powered by an IO-540 engine with 260 horsepower. They fit easily in a T-hanger, and you can do your own maintenance if you’re up for it. As fuel prices change, you can adjust accordingly to get the gallons per hour.

The RV10 is a cross-country airplane that offers terrific performance when you keep the glass side up and the rubber side down. However, it’s not very “Vansy” when it comes to aerobatic performance.

The fit and finish of RV10s vary widely. Some builders employ professional build assist shops that produce luxury, Cirrus-like airplanes. Others opt for a more DIY approach and may choose to install milk crates as seats.

In summary, the RV10 is a popular and comfortable option for those looking for a four-place kid plane. While it’s not the cheapest option out there, its performance, popularity, and support infrastructure make it a possible contender for the royal family of planes.

Comparison: RV10 and Cirrus

If you’re in the market for a four-place plane, you may be considering the RV10 or the Cirrus. While both planes have their pros and cons, there are some notable differences to consider.

Performance

The RV10 is known for its excellent cross-country performance, with a range of up to 1,000 nautical miles. However, its aerobatic performance is not as impressive as some other planes. In fact, during phase one testing, one builder attempted an aileron roll and found himself pointing straight down and approaching VNE after only seven seconds.

On the other hand, the Cirrus is known for its impressive aerobatic performance, making it a popular choice among pilots who enjoy performing tricks and stunts. However, its cross-country performance is not quite as strong as the RV10’s.

Cost

Both the RV10 and the Cirrus are relatively expensive planes to build or buy. However, the RV10 is significantly less expensive than the Cirrus, making it a more affordable option for many pilots.

Comfort and Fit

The RV10 has a unique feel that sets it apart from other planes. The seats are essentially part of the airframe, and you take their shape when you sit down. The canopy opens up, and it feels like you’re sitting inside a fast-flying canoe. The RV10 also has proper doors and seats that can be adjusted for maximum comfort.

The Cirrus, on the other hand, has a more luxurious feel, with a fit and finish that is reminiscent of a Mercedes-Benz or Audi. Some builders even employ professional build assist shops to produce luxury, Cirrus-like airplanes.

Maintenance and Support

Both the RV10 and the Cirrus are relatively easy to maintain, and many pilots choose to do their own maintenance. However, the RV10 has a more extensive support infrastructure, making it easier to find parts and get help when you need it.

In conclusion, the RV10 and the Cirrus are both excellent planes, each with their own unique strengths and weaknesses. When deciding between the two, it’s important to consider your specific needs and preferences to determine which plane is the best fit for you.

Customization of RV10

When it comes to customization, the RV10 offers a wide range of fit and finish options. Some builders choose to employ professional build assist shops to produce luxury airplanes similar to the Cirrus. On the other hand, some builders opt for a more minimalistic approach, such as installing milk crates as seats.

The RV10 also offers proper doors and seats that can be adjusted for maximum comfort. The seats are essentially part of the airframe, taking on the shape of the pilot and passengers.

In terms of performance, the RV10 is a cross-country airplane that excels in keeping the rubber side down. While its aerobatic performance may not be as impressive as some other planes, such as the Vansy-looking Vans, its overall performance is terrific.

When it comes to costs, the IO-540 engine powers most RV10s at 260 horsepower, making it easy to fit in a T-hanger. The fixed and variable costs of the RV10 offer no surprises, and you can even do your own maintenance if you’re up for it.

Overall, the RV10 is a popular choice among pilots and airplane owners, and for good reason. Its performance, comfort, and support infrastructure make it a strong contender in the world of four-place kid planes.

Maintenance and Fuel Costs

Maintaining an RV10 can be expensive, but it’s worth it for the performance and comfort that you get. The IO-540 engine, which powers most RV10s, has a horsepower of 260 and fits easily in a t-hanger. You can also do your own maintenance if you’re up for it.

The fixed and variable costs of owning an RV10 are comparable to other four-place kid planes. The current average fuel rate is used to calculate gallons per hour, which can be adjusted accordingly as fuel prices change.

While the RV10 is not cheap to build or buy, it is a lot cheaper than its obvious competitor, the Cirrus. The fit and finish of RV10s vary widely, with some builders employing professional build assist shops that produce luxury, Cirrus-like airplanes.

Overall, the RV10 is a super duper pooper scooper cross-country airplane, and its popularity among pilots and airplane owners is a testament to its performance, comfort, and support infrastructure.

Seating and Comfort in RV10

When it comes to the RV10, one of the things that sets it apart from other planes is the seating and comfort. The seats are essentially part of the airframe, and they take on the shape of your body, providing a comfortable and supportive fit. This is especially true if you opt for the proper seats, which can be adjusted to your liking.

Unlike some other planes, the RV10 also has proper doors, which give it the feel of sitting up high, like in an SUV. And when you open the canopy and climb inside, it’s like you’re settling down into a comfortable cockpit.

Of course, there are some builders who choose to go with less traditional seating options, like milk crates. But if you want to get the most out of your RV10, it’s best to stick with the proper seats.

Overall, the RV10 is a great choice for pilots who want a comfortable and supportive ride. And with a wide range of fit and finish options available, you can customize your plane to fit your style and needs.

RV10: The King of Four Place Kid Planes

If you’re in the market for a Vans or V10, the RV10 is a top contender. RV10 owners, especially builder owners, are among the most satisfied with their airplanes. The RV10 offers terrific performance, making it a super duper pooper scooper cross-country airplane.

While the aerobatic performance may not be very vansy, the RV10’s fixed and variable costs offer no surprises. Most RV10s are powered by an IO-540 at 260 horsepower, and they fit easily in a t-hanger. You can even do your own maintenance if you’re up for it.

The RV10 is not cheap to build or buy, but it is a lot cheaper than its obvious competitor, the Cirrus. However, the RV10 possesses a wide range of fit and finish. Some builders employ professional build assist shops that produce luxury, Cirrus-like airplanes. The RV10 also has a ballistic parachute, although not all owners choose to install one.

The RV10 feels different than all the other Vans and planes. It’s like a really fast flying canoe, with seats that are essentially part of the airframe and take their shape. The RV10 has proper seats that can be adjusted like a car, and it even has proper doors.

So, is the RV10 the King of the four Place kid planes? While you don’t vote for Kings, given the RV10’s performance, popularity, comfort, and support infrastructure, it’s possible. Definitely in the royal family, the RV10 is a top contender.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the RV10 is a highly popular and satisfying airplane among pilots and owners, especially those who have built it themselves. While it may not be as aerobatic as some other planes, its performance is excellent for cross-country flights. The RV10 is also relatively affordable compared to its competitors, such as the Cirrus. However, the fit and finish of the RV10 can vary greatly depending on the builder. Some owners opt for professional build assist shops to produce luxury airplanes, while others may choose to install less comfortable seats. Overall, the RV10 offers a unique flying experience with its fast-flying canoe-like design and adjustable seats. If you’re in the market for a four-place kid plane, the RV10 is definitely worth considering.

My name is Sean Walsh, and I'm the founder and writer of this website. For as far back as I can remember, I've always been interested in flying. A few years ago, I passed my check ride and got my PPL certificate! I'm now a private pilot with over 500 hours of flying time. Read more about me here.