The RV-12 is Van’s newest design — the latest in the most successful line of kit aircraft in the world.

It’s a two-seat all-metal side-by-side airplane with a large cabin that seats the occupants ahead of the wing spar for maximum room and superb visibility. There are several features that make it a unique RV:

The RV-12 meets the certification standards of the Light Sport Aircraft category and an RV-12 built from one of our kits is eligible to be licensed in the E-LSA category. Extensive and thorough testing has demonstrated compliance with LSA performance and structural requirements. It is what we say it is and does what we say it does, and we have the test data to prove it! Extensive testing means the RV-12 is not the first LSA kit on the market, but it might be the best understood.

The wings are quickly and easily removable. Using methods proven over decades in high-performance sailplanes, two people can have the wings off an RV-12 in less than five minutes, making the airplane easy to transport on a trailer and keep off-airport.

It is powered by a Rotax 912ULS 100 hp engine. This rugged little engine hasn’t become the world-wide standard in light sport aircraft by accident. Extended real world experience has shown it to be durable, reliable, and economical. It can use either unleaded autogas or 100LL.

The RV-12 is equipped with a new ground-adjustable Sensenich composite propeller — light, smooth and affordable. The low empty weight allows a generous useful load — two 210 lb people, 20 gallons of fuel and 50 lbs of baggage — something rare in the Light Sport Category.

The best news is that it flies like an RV! The RV-12 has all the performance the Light Sport Category permits as well as excellent handling qualities at all speeds. It is very docile on take-off and landing and pleasantly quick and agile in the air.

Frankly, we are very pleased. We love flying the RV-12!

HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE TO BUILD AN RV-12?
We estimate the average builder will spend about 700-900 hours to complete an un-painted RV-12.

HOW CAN AN RV-12 BE LICENSED?
The RV-12 is designed to be licensed as an Experimental Light Sport Aircraft (E-LSA). Currently RV-12s in the USA have been licensed in both E-LSA and Experimental Amateur-Built (E-AB) categories.

Although the E-LSA category does not permit builders to deviate from the kit or plans (no unapproved engines, propellers, etc. are allowed) it does have some very attractive features. In the E-LSA category, there is no "51%" rule, and no restriction on who may assist in building the airplane. This allows any amount of help, professional assistance or even a fully professional-built airplane.

In February 2008, the FAA suspended evaluations of new kits for compliance with Experimental-Amateur Built category. New rules were written and instituted in late 2009. Kit evaluations have resumed but it will take some time for the FAA to catch up with the demand. We hope that the RV-12 kit will be evaluated in 2010. At this time, responsibility for demonstrating compliance with the "51% rule" required by the E-AB category rests entirely with the builder.

Due to its extremely integrated design, we caution builders contemplating any change or modification to the RV-12. Most changes will likely be difficult and could have many unforeseen effects. Van’s is not able to provide assistance or advice on any deviations from the supplied parts and assembly instructions.

CAN ACCESSORIES LIKE LIGHTS, AUTOPILOTS OR WHEEL FAIRINGS BE INSTALLED?
Van’s has developed and released a lighting package, including strobes, landing light and position lights. There is also a dual EFIS package available. 

Other accessory kits are currently under development.

We are aware that avionics suppliers Dynon and Garmin are developing new products, and will be carefully analyzing them as more details become available.