If you’re in the market for a versatile and high-performing sport plane, the Vans RV7 may be just what you’re looking for. Designed by a 70s fan who wanted to create the best all-around sport plane, the RV7 builds upon the success of its predecessor, the RV6, with thousands of flight hours and lessons learned from previous models.

Not only does the RV7 offer impressive performance and avionics options, it also features a modernized kit that sets it apart from other planes on the market. While it may not be the cheapest option out there, the RV7’s cost breakdown is comparable to other models like the RV8 and RV9. In this article, we’ll delve into the history, design, performance, and pros and cons of the Vans RV7 to help you decide if it’s the right plane for you.

Key Takeaways

  • The Vans RV7 is a versatile and high-performing sport plane that builds upon the success of its predecessor, the RV6.
  • The RV7 offers impressive performance and avionics options, a modernized kit, and a cost breakdown comparable to other models like the RV8 and RV9.
  • While it may not be the cheapest option out there and has limited backcountry capability, the RV7 is a top contender for those in the market for a sport plane.

History of Vans Aircrafts

You may already know that Vans Aircrafts is known for its RV series of airplanes, particularly the RV6 and RV7. But do you know the story behind these beloved planes?

It all started with a 70s fan who wanted to design the best all-around sport plane. He succeeded with the Air V3, which was well-received by the market. Shortly after, the RV4 was introduced, which had two seats. This was a clever move by Vans, as pilots often want to fly with their spouses.

The RV6 was then born, which became the best-selling kit plane of all time. Thousands of people have built and flown RV6s, with many providing feedback to Vans about any issues or concerns. This feedback was used to create the RV7, which has the same basic design as the RV6 but with thousands of flight hours and lessons learned from the RV6s that came before it.

The RV7 also has a modernized kit that sets it apart from its predecessors and provides builders with simplicity. This, along with its impressive performance and side-by-side seating, makes the RV7 a popular choice among pilots.

While the cost breakdown for the RV7 is similar to the RV8 and RV9, it has a higher cost per mile due to its slower speed. Additionally, the RV7’s side-by-side seating has a little more drag than the RV8’s tandem seating.

Overall, the RV7 is a great choice for pilots looking for a high-performing, easy-to-build kit plane. However, it may not be the best option for those looking for backcountry capability or the ability to fly with multiple passengers.

Significance of Rv7

So, you’re interested in purchasing a Vans Rv7. Well, let me tell you why this plane is significant.

Firstly, the Rv7 is built on the same basic design as the Rv6, which has remained the best-selling kit plane of all time. The Rv7 benefits from thousands of flight hours and lessons learned from the thousands of Rv6s that came before it.

Additionally, the Rv7 boasts a modernized kit that sets it apart from its predecessors and offers simplicity in its build.

But that’s not all, the Rv7 also offers impressive performance while allowing you to enjoy the company of your hot spouse (or other passenger) by your side.

While the cost breakdown for the Rv7 is similar to the Rv8 and Rv9, it may not be the cheapest plane in the world. It also has little to no backcountry capability and limited passenger options. However, if these limitations don’t bother you, the Rv7 could be the perfect airplane for you.

Overall, the Rv7 is a significant aircraft that builds upon the success of its predecessors and offers impressive performance and modernization.

Design and Features of RV7

The RV7 is a two-seater, all-around sport plane designed by a 70s fan who wanted to create the best plane of its kind. The RV7 is based on the same basic design as the RV6, which is the best-selling kit plane of all time, but with the benefit of thousands of flight hours and lessons learned from the thousands of RV6s that came before it.

One of the main features of the RV7 is its modernized kit, which sets it apart from other planes. The avionics options are vast, and both fixed pitch or constant speed props are common. Many RV7s have Lycoming 360s or 320s, and the cost breakdown for an RV7 is pretty much the same as the RV8 and RV9.

The RV7 has impressive performance, and it’s perfect for flying side by side with your hot spouse. However, it’s not the cheapest plane in the world, and it has little to no backcountry capability. Golf clubs are an option, but major modifications to the passenger seat would be necessary. The RV7 also has limited passenger choices, with only one seat available.

Overall, the RV7 is a great choice for anyone looking for a high-performance, two-seater sport plane.

Performance of Rv7

The Vans Rv7 is a popular choice for many pilots due to its impressive performance. With a design based on the successful Rv6, the Rv7 benefits from thousands of flight hours and lessons learned from previous models. The modernized kit also sets the Rv7 apart and makes building the plane easier.

One of the main reasons to consider the Rv7 is its performance. With a range similar to the Rv8 and Rv9, the Rv7 offers vast avionics options and common fixed pitch or constant speed props. Many Rv7s have Lycoming 360s or 320s, making it a reliable and powerful aircraft.

However, it’s important to note that the Rv7 has a little more drag than the Rv8, which is a tandem aircraft. The Rv7 is a side-by-side plane, which means it’s not the cheapest option out there and has little to no backcountry capability. Additionally, it only has room for one passenger and golf clubs require major modifications to the passenger seat.

Overall, the Rv7 is a great choice for pilots who prioritize performance and simplicity. Its cost breakdown is similar to the Rv8 and Rv9, with a slightly higher cost per mile due to its slower speed. If you’re looking for a reliable and efficient aircraft, the Rv7 is definitely worth considering.

Cost Breakdown for RV7

If you’re considering buying or building a Vans RV7, it’s important to understand the cost breakdown. The RV7 has a similar cost breakdown to the RV8 and RV9. Here are the estimated costs for building or buying an RV7:

  • Range: wide
  • Avionics options: vast
  • Propeller options: fixed pitch or constant speed
  • Engine options: Lycoming 360s or 320s

The cost breakdown for the RV7 is pretty much the same as the RV8 and RV9. However, the RV7 has a higher cost per mile than the RV8 due to its slower speed. The cost per hour is the same, but you’ll cover less distance in that hour.

One thing to keep in mind is that the RV7 has a little more drag than the RV8, which is a tandem plane. The RV7 is side-by-side, which can affect its aerodynamics.

Overall, the RV7 is a great choice for those who want a sporty plane with modernized kit and simplicity. However, it’s not the cheapest plane in the world and has little to no backcountry capability. Additionally, the RV7 has limited passenger choices and golf clubs are not an option without major modifications to the passenger seat.

If you’re looking for a plane that offers great performance and the ability to fly side-by-side with your hot spouse, the RV7 might be the perfect choice for you.

Pros and Cons of RV7

If you’re considering purchasing a Vans RV7, there are a few things you should keep in mind. Here are some pros and cons to help you make your decision:

Pros

  • The RV7 is a significant aircraft that has been refined over the years. It is based on the same basic design as the RV6, which has become one of the best-selling kit planes of all time.
  • The RV7 has thousands of flight hours and lessons learned from the RV6 that came before it, making it a more modernized and refined version of the RV6.
  • The RV7 has excellent performance and is perfect for sport flying. It also has a side-by-side seating arrangement, which allows you to enjoy the view with your spouse or friend.
  • The RV7 has a wide range of avionics options, and both fixed pitch or constant speed props are common. Many RV7s have Lycoming 360s or 320s engines.

Cons

  • The RV7 is not the cheapest plane in the world. The cost breakdown is pretty much the same as the RV8 and RV9, but the RV7 has a higher cost per mile than the RV8 because it’s not as fast.
  • The RV7 has limited backcountry capability, and golf clubs are not an option without significant modifications to your passenger seat.
  • The RV7 has a side-by-side seating arrangement, which means your choices for passengers are limited to one. If you’re especially large, the RV14 might be a better option.

Overall, the RV7 is an excellent aircraft with many benefits, but it’s not perfect. Consider your needs and preferences carefully before making a decision.

Conclusion

If you are in the market for a sport plane, the Vans RV7 is definitely worth considering. The RV7 is a two-seater plane that is based on the RV6, which is the best-selling kit plane of all time. The RV7 benefits from thousands of flight hours and lessons learned from the RV6, resulting in a modernized kit that sets it apart from other planes.

One of the reasons to consider the RV7 is its performance. It is a fast plane that can cover a lot of distance while still providing a comfortable ride for you and your passenger. The avionics options are vast, and both fixed pitch or constant speed props are common. Many RV7s have Lycoming 360s or 320s, which are reliable and powerful engines.

However, the RV7 is not for everyone. It is not the cheapest plane in the world, and it does not have much backcountry capability. Also, golf clubs are an option only with major modifications to the passenger seat. Additionally, the RV7 is limited to only one passenger, so it may not be suitable for larger groups or families.

Overall, the Vans RV7 is a great choice for those looking for a high-performance sport plane. With its modernized kit, reliable engine options, and fast speeds, it is sure to provide an enjoyable flying experience.

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.