Vans Rv-10

Single Piston

The Van's RV-10 is a four-seat kit aircraft that redefined what homebuilders could achieve in terms of speed, comfort, and cross-country capability when it was introduced in 2003. Unlike earlier two-seat RV models optimized for aerobatics, the RV-10 was designed from the outset as a practical traveling machine for families, offering a roomy cabin, 200-knot cruise speeds, and a useful load approaching 1,000 pounds, performance that rivals or exceeds many certified four-seat singles at a fraction of the cost. Built around a Lycoming IO-540 engine producing 260 horsepower, the RV-10 climbs at better than 1,200 feet per minute and cruises efficiently at altitudes up to 20,000 feet, making it a favorite among pilots who want to cover serious distance without the operating costs of a twin or the limitations of slower trainers. The all-metal construction follows Van's proven methodology of pre-punched parts and extensive builder support, with most projects taking 1,800 to 2,500 hours to complete. Thousands of RV-10s now fly worldwide, and the type has earned a reputation for docile handling, excellent visibility, and the ability to operate comfortably from short grass strips or paved runways alike. Its combination of speed, payload, and builder-friendly design has made it one of the most popular four-seat homebuilts ever created. SkyMeter has tracked 651 flights across 289 airframes and 260 operators, with JEFFREY M ABBOTT the largest observed operator.