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Buying a Van's RV in Canada: amateur-built guide

MarketPlane.ca ·

With no factory standard you're buying one builder's workmanship. What to check in the wiring, fuel system and builder's log, and which RV suits which job.

The airplane a generation built

Van's RV series is the most successful line of kit aircraft ever: fast, efficient, superb-handling, and available across Canada as completed, flying aircraft. Buying one is a little different from buying a certified airplane, and this guide explains how. For the live picture, see Van's RV fleet and prices in Canada.

The range, briefly

What to check before you buy

With an amateur-built, you're buying one builder's workmanship, so the inspection is everything: control-system security and full travel, wiring and fuel-system quality, engine provenance and time, and a complete builder's log with photos. Confirm the Canadian amateur-built registration and flight-test sign-off. Get an independent pre-purchase inspection from someone who knows RVs, because not every A&P or AME does.

What it costs, and next steps

RVs are efficient to run, around 8 gph for genuine speed. See the RV running-cost breakdown and the full calculator. Read how to read a for-sale ad, check the live Canadian market, and browse RVs and other aircraft for sale in Canada when you're ready.

Common questions

How much does a Van's RV cost in Canada?

RVs hold value well and a well-built, nicely-equipped example can cost as much as a certified used aircraft, because you're paying for the build quality and avionics rather than the kit price. Engine, avionics and, above all, builder workmanship drive value. See current Canadian prices at /aircraft/vans-rv.

What's different about buying an amateur-built aircraft?

An RV is registered as amateur-built (owner-maintenance eligible in Canada in many cases), which means more owner freedom on maintenance but also that build quality varies from aircraft to aircraft. There's no factory standard, so the specific airplane's builder and logs matter enormously, so the inspection is really an assessment of one person's workmanship.

What should I check on a used RV?

The build itself: control-system security and travel, wiring and fuel-system workmanship, engine provenance and time, and the completeness of the builder's log and photos. Confirm the Canadian amateur-built paperwork and flight-test completion. Have it looked at by someone who knows RVs and homebuilts specifically.

Which RV should I buy?

The tandem RV-4/RV-8 are the sporty, lighter choices; the side-by-side RV-6/RV-7/RV-9 and four-seat RV-10 and RV-14 suit travel and sharing the cockpit. Tricycle or taildragger versions exist across the range. Pick by mission, then buy the best-built example you can find.

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