Vans RV-12 vs Arion LIGHTNING
The Arion Lightning LS-1 and Van's RV-12 are sport two-seaters — the Arion a sleek composite LSA/experimental, the RV-12 the Van's-supported all-metal LSA.
Live Market Snapshot
Current asking-price market, aggregated across multiple marketplaces · refreshed daily
Vans RV-12
- For sale now
- 10
- Median asking
- $89,750
- Range
- $80,011–$120,850
- Listed on 2+ marketplaces
- 2
- Source marketplaces
- 2
- Model years available
- 2011–2018
Arion LIGHTNING
No active listings right now.
Live data from AeroGurus, aggregated daily across the used-aircraft market. Figures are current asking prices, not appraisals — confirm with a pre-buy inspection.
Safety Record
Absolute counts scale with fleet size — the most-produced types log more events without being less safe. Compare the % fatal.
| NTSB (1982–now) | Vans RV-12 | Arion LIGHTNING |
|---|---|---|
| All events | 2 | 2 |
| Serious | 0 | 2 |
| Fatal | 2 | 0 |
| Fatalities | 2 | 0 |
| % Fatal | 100% | 0% |
Full Specs Comparison
Swipe to see all specs
| Spec / Model | Vans RV-12 | Arion LIGHTNING |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $80,011 – $120,850 | $89,000 |
| Category | Experimental | Experimental |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 2 | — |
| Cruise Speed | 117 kts (217 km/h) | — |
| Engines | 1 x Piston | — |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Vans RV-12 or Arion LIGHTNING?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The RV-12 cruises at 117 kts.
Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Vans RV-12: from $100,000.
Arion LIGHTNING: from $89,000.
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Vans RV-12 and Arion LIGHTNING?
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
Variable cost includes fuel, reserves and overhaul accruals. Annual fixed costs (hangar, insurance, annual inspection) add to the total.
Which has more seats and useful load?
RV-12: 2 seats.
Useful load = max gross weight minus empty weight; it determines how much fuel plus payload you can carry.
How does maintenance compare — TBO and overhaul cost?
Reaching the time-between-overhaul (TBO) triggers a mandatory engine/airframe rebuild that affects resale value.
Disclaimer: All prices and cost estimates are from third-party sources for informational purposes only. Always obtain professional appraisal and inspection before purchase.
Prices updated daily · Data: FAA Registry, NTSB · About our data