The RV-12iS
Introducing a two-seat, all-metal, side-by-side airplane with class-leading useful load and a large cabin that seats the occupants ahead of the wing spar for maximum room and superb visibility.
- The RV-12iS meets the certification standards of the Light Sport Aircraft category and the RV-12iS is eligible to be licensed as Special Light Sport (SLSA) for our fly-away, factory-built model — which you can find out all about right here!
- 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-12iS is not the first LSA kit on the market, but it very well may 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-12iS in less than five minutes, making the airplane easy to transport on a trailer and keep off-airport.
- The SLSA RV-12iS is powered by a Rotax 912iS Sport 100 hp engine. These rugged little engines have not become the world-wide standard in light sport aircraft by accident. Extended real world experience has shown it to be durable, reliable, and economical with maintenance availability worldwide. It can be run on either unleaded autogas or 100LL.
- The RV-12iS is equipped with a ground-adjustable Sensenich composite propeller — light, smooth and affordable. The low empty weight allows a generous useful load — two people as tall as 6’4″, 20 gallons of fuel and 75 lbs of baggage — something rare in the Light Sport Category
How can an RV-12iS be licensed?
The RV-12iS was designed to the ASTM standards governing Light Sport Aircraft category and is intended to be licensed in the Light Sport (LSA) category.
The airplane is available either as a fly-away SLSA aircraft built by Van’s Aircraft at its headquarters in Oregon, or it may be built from a kit as an ELSA aircraft. You can read more about the kit-built version on Van’s Aircraft’s main web site.
A key focus area of the redesign from the original RV-12 to the updated RV-12iS airplane was strengthening the aircraft for real-world commercial use in flight schools for training as an SLSA aircraft. We believe the safe handling characteristics, economical operation and maintenance and modern technology make the RV-12iS an attractive asset on any flight line. In addition, we introduced the RV-12iST trainer configuration to meet specific and unique needs of flight schools related to student pilots and training programs, such as durability and the ability to conduct IFR training.
Can Accessories like lights or wheel fairings be installed?
Yes, of course! Van’s has developed and released several optional packages.
- A lighting package includes strobes, position lights and landing light(s) with steady or pulse option.
- Builders/buyers may choose from electronic flight instrument packages designed for the RV-12iS that are manufactured by either Dynon or Garmin.
- A two-axis autopilot is available (Dynon or Garmin). An autopilot control panel independent of the EFIS screens may be optionally installed.
- A Garmin GTN 650 IFR navigator is available as an optional addition to the Garmin avionics package.
- A complete set of wheel fairings are available to protect the wings and tail while adding a couple of knots.
- A complete interior package is available with carpets, sidewall covers etc. Several color combinations are available.
The RV-12iS was designed from the start to be “trailerable.” Light, easily removable wings make it practical to keep the airplane at home, or hangar it in corners where nothing else will fit.
To remove the wings, you simply pull a pair of pins located behind the seats and the wings can them come off in just a few seconds. All control and wiring connections are automatic and an ignition interlock electronic sensor sensor system prevents the engine from starting if the wings and spar pins are not properly installed.
The RV-12iS panel may be configured to meet to the owner’s choices and budget. Two available avionics systems are The Dynon Skyview HDX and the Garmin G3X Touch. Both can use the GTR-200 radio/intercom (European customers can select the GTR-225 with 8.33kHz frequency spacing), and include a Mode S transponder and 406 mHz ELT. The Garmin panle can be optionally equipped with a GTN 650 IFR GPS/NAV/COM radio. Specially designed switch and fuse panels combined with improved, easy to install wiring harnesses make the sophisticated panel truly “plug-and-play.” One EFIS display is standard, but you can choose to add a second glass-panel display. Both the Dynon and Garmin systems also have the option of a two axis autopilot and ADS-B weather & traffic (US only).
The 100 hp four-stroke Rotax 912 series has become the most widely used engine in the world in Light Sport class aircraft. And for good reason — it’s proven itself in all kinds of conditions, all over the world. It’s designed to operate on unleaded auto fuel. The Rotax 912iS Sport fuel-injected engine is computer-controlled for maximum efficiency and performance, which increases performance in all regimes and is especially valuable at higher operating altitudes. A gearbox reduction drive turns the prop in the most efficient RPM range.