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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 was designed to the ASTM
standards governing Light Sport Aircraft category and
intended to be licensed in the Experimental Light
Sport (E-LSA) category. In July, 2009, Van’s
Aircraft received Special Light Sport Aircraft
(S-SLA)
approval for the RV-12 prototype, paving the way for
individuals to receive E-LSA certification.
Although the E-LSA category does not permit builders
to alter the design (no unapproved engines,
propellers, avionics, etc. are allowed) it does have
some 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 assistance or even a fully
professionally-built airplane.
The FAA has evaluated the RV-12 kit and found it
eligible for registration in the Experimental-Amateur
Built (EAB) category. While EAB rules do allow
builders to make changes, it is difficult to
over-emphasize the difficulties, complications and
increased building time that will occur if builders
choose to alter any part of the very integrated RV-12
kit.
Van’s is not able to provide assistance or advice on
any deviations from the supplied parts and assembly
instructions.
Can
Accessories like
Lights, or Wheel Fairing be installed?
Yes. Van’s has developed and released several
optional packages. An RV-12 equipped with any or
all of them is eligible for licensing in the E-LSA
category:
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A lighting package includes
strobes, position lights and a landing light
with steady or pulse option.
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A
two-axis autopilot.
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A
complete set of wheel fairings that protect
the wings and tail while adding a couple of
knots.
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A complete interior package
with carpets, sidewall covers etc. Several
color combinations are available.
What's the
RV-12 Kit Like?
The RV-12 is the culmination of
thirty-five years experience manufacturing the
best aircraft kits available. The result is an
exceptionally complete kit with parts that fit
very, very well. All metal parts are completely
formed and pre-punched with fastener holes. All
hardware is included. Every detail of the engine
installation, instrument panel, fuel system,
landing gear and airframe is carefully designed
and optimized for performance and building ease.
No special tools are required — forget the
jokes, it really does assemble with simple
hand tools. The instructions and building
directions (patterned on the very successful
package used for RV-10) are composed of
beautifully clear computer-generated drawings with
step-by-step instructions.
What
is NOT included in the kit?
Fluids and paint. That's it.
RV-12 archived pages
of Development, Construction,
Past Updates, Video Links, and First Flight Photos.
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