RV-12M Trainer and Advanced Trainer
Designed and Built for Flight Schools
Flight Training Performance
The RV-12M Trainer and Advanced Trainer combine the total performance that Van’s Aircraft is known for with the simplicity of a MOSAIC/Part 22 trainer, all in a modern factory-built airplane specifically configured with the unique needs of flight schools in mind.
Let’s start with the metal: Heavy-duty brakes, a durable interior and strong landing gear system are designed to exceed certification requirements and to withstand the type of abuse student pilots exert on airplanes. The Rotax 912iS engine has modest maintenance requirements and practically sips fuel—3.5 to 3.7 gph in the training environment is typical. That’s less than half of the most common legacy trainers.
Van’s Aircraft understands how important it is for your training aircraft to always be flying. We maintain a ready inventory of parts for both maintenance and repair. We have a dedicated AOG (aircraft on ground) process to help expedite delivery of repair and consumable parts to flight schools. Our support team takes seriously the responsibility associated with ensuring our customers’ aircraft are available for rental and lessons at all times.
A more durable and repairable airplane makes more than the accounting department happy. Students and CFIs appreciate the RV-12M’s dispatch reliability. No one likes to reschedule a lesson because of hard-to-get parts or a lengthy stay in the maintenance hangar for routine work. Some of our flight schools complete a 50-hour inspection and oil change in less than an hour, and can finish a 100-hour inspection in a fraction of the time it takes for a legacy trainer.
Finally, it’s just fun to fly. Students gain confidence quickly thanks to the RV-12M’s stable but responsive controls. Without a mixture control or carb heat to manage, students can focus on stick-and-rudder skills first, engine management not at all. Combining fantastic visibility from a large canopy makes the RV-12M a breeze in the pattern, while the pilot’s position near the wing’s leading edge offers much more “downward” visibility than you get with most low-wing trainers.
A spacious and ergonomic cabin, comfortable for pilots and passengers up to 6’4”, and a baggage area capable of hauling up to 75 lbs make the RV-12M Trainer and Advanced Trainer serious cross-country machines. Add to that a range of up to 655 miles!
Around 40 flight schools currently use the RV-12 in day-to-day training, taking advantage of its very low operating costs, technically advanced design and equipment, and high desirability among students and CFIs alike.
Van’s Aircraft and the FAA: Collaborative Commitment to Safety
Van’s Aircraft and the Federal Aviation Administration have partnered and implemented a voluntary Partnership for Safety Plan (PSP) for the RV-12 models. In fact, Van’s Aircraft is the only LSA manufacturer to implement a PSP, a sign of Van’s commitment to safety and transparency. The PSP program facilitates effective interaction between the FAA and Van’s Aircraft, ensuring we maintain or exceed expected levels of safety. It provides regular FAA oversight of Van’s SLSA certification processes and continued operational safety (COS) program.
- Built and supported by a company with a strong 50+ year history
- Only LSA manufacturer with a Partnership for Safety Plan (PSP) program with the FAA
- Much lower operating costs and better reliability than the legacy fleet
- Low maintenance cost, quickly available replacement parts
- Insurance costs comparable to legacy fleet of aging aircraft
- Enhanced-duty brakes and landing gear attachment
- Available as a fully-capable IFR trainer with smart autopilot
- Outperforms other trainers in cruise, climb, altitude, handling
- Excellent useful load relative to other light-sport class aircraft
- An extra instructor push-to-talk switch, located on the panel
- Trailerable with removable wings when transport is needed
All AXIS Lineup
The RV-12M Trainer and Advanced Trainer feature Garmin’s all-new AXIS flight-display systems in two configurations.
IFR Capable, the Advanced Trainer includes:
- 2x Garmin AXIS flight displays
- 1 with integrated IFR GPS, VHF com radio, VHF nav radio, audio panel
- Garmin two-axis fully coupled autopilot with GMC 507 panel-mounted control panel
- Garmin G5 backup instrument
- ELT
- Aithre CO detector
VFR Capable, the Trainer includes:
- 1x Garmin AXIS flight display
- Option for second screen
- Garmin GTR 205x panel-mount com radio
- Garmin two-axis fully coupled autopilot with GMC 507 panel-mounted control panel
- ELT
- Aithre CO detector
Garmin also provides an eLearning module and an iPad trainer app to get you up to speed.
