Vans RV-4 vs Lockwood AIR CAM
Live Market Snapshot
Current asking-price market, aggregated across multiple marketplaces · refreshed daily
Vans RV-4
- For sale now
- 6
- Listed on 2+ marketplaces
- 2
- Source marketplaces
- 3
- Model years available
- 1987–2021
Lockwood AIR CAM
- For sale now
- 3
- Listed on 2+ marketplaces
- 1
- Source marketplaces
- 3
- Model years available
- 2000–2012
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-4 | Lockwood AIR CAM |
|---|---|---|
| All events | 1 | 3 |
| Serious | 0 | 0 |
| Fatal | 1 | 2 |
| Fatalities | 1 | 3 |
| % Fatal | 100% | 67% |
Full Specs Comparison
Swipe to see all specs
| Spec / Model | Vans RV-4 | Lockwood Air Cam |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $59,750 – $100,425 | $112,990 – $189,490 |
| Category | Experimental | Experimental |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 2 | 2 |
| Cruise Speed | 150 kts (278 km/h) | — |
| Range | 510 nm (945 km) | — |
| Max Gross Weight | 1,500 lbs (680 kg) | — |
| Fuel Burn | — | 10.0 GPH (38 L/h) |
| TBO | — | 2,000 hrs |
| Overhaul Cost | — | $15,000 |
| Annual Fixed | — | $10,000 |
| Hourly Variable | — | $100 |
| Engines | 1 x Piston | 1 x Piston |
Cost of Ownership
EstimateVans RV-4
Lockwood Air Cam
Fuel$55/hr
Variable$100/hr
Annual Fixed$10,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$30,000/yr
Which Should You Buy: Vans RV-4 or Lockwood AIR CAM?
Pick the RV-4 if…
- Budget matters — from $59,750 vs $112,990, you save ~$53,240.
- More inventory — 6 listings vs 3.
Pick the AIR CAM if…
Auto-generated from current market data and published specs. Confirm with a pre-buy inspection and professional appraisal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Vans RV-4 or Lockwood Air Cam?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The RV-4 cruises at 150 kts with 510 nm range.
Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Vans RV-4: from $65,000.
Lockwood Air Cam: from $260,000.
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Vans RV-4 and Lockwood AIR CAM?
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
AIR CAM: about $100/hr variable cost.
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-4: 2 seats.
AIR CAM: 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?
AIR CAM: 2,000-hour TBO, overhaul ~$15,000.
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