This 2008 Van’s RV-6A Is a Safety-Enhanced ‘AircraftForSale’ Top Pick

Meticulously maintained cross-country machine barely broken in with just 565 hours.

FLYING Staff

Friday, February 06, 2026 at 10:30 AM ET

Verified

Edited By:

Travis Tingle

2008 Vans RV-6A [Credit: Andrew Squires]

Key Takeaways:

The article highlights a 2008 Van's RV-6A as "Today's Top Pick" for sale, celebrated for its "total performance" balancing speed, agility, and cross-country capability as a successful kitbuilt aircraft.
This RV-6A features a low-time (565 hours) Lycoming O-360-A1D 180 hp engine with a Hartzell constant-speed propeller, offering superior climb and efficient cruise.
The cockpit is well-equipped for cross-country navigation, including GPS/com, nav, a TruTrak DigiFlight II autopilot, and a VM1000C digital engine management system.
Safety enhancements include AmSafe SOARS lap belt airbags and AntiSplat modifications, with the aircraft listed at $115,000 and recently undergoing an annual inspection.

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Every day, the team at Aircraft For Sale chooses an airplane that catches our attention because it is unique, a good deal, or has other qualities we find interesting. You can read Aircraft For Sale: Today’s Top Pick at FLYINGMag.com daily.

Today’s Top Pick is a 2008 Van’s RV-6A.

For pilots seeking the perfect balance of speed, agility, and cross-country capability, this 2008 Van’s RV-6A presents a compelling opportunity. As one of the most successful kitbuilt designs in history, the RV-6A is celebrated for its “total performance” philosophy, offering sporty handling alongside a respectable cruise speed that rivals many certified four-seaters.

This particular RV-6A is powered by a Lycoming O-360-A1D engine producing 180 hp, paired with a Hartzell constant-speed propeller. This combination is a significant upgrade over fixed-pitch alternatives, providing superior climb performance and the ability to dial in efficient cruise settings. With only 565 hours on both the airframe and engine since new, the aircraft has barely been broken in.

The cockpit is well equipped for cross-country navigation. The panel features a King KLX-135A GPS/com, KY97A com, and KN-53 nav, along with a KI 208 VOR/LOC indicator. To reduce pilot workload on long hauls, the aircraft is equipped with a TruTrak DigiFlight II autopilot. Engine health is monitored via a VM1000C digital engine management system, ensuring the pilot has precise data at a glance.

Safety was clearly a priority for the builder of this aircraft. It features AmSafe SOARS lap belt airbags—a rare and premium addition for an experimental aircraft—and AntiSplat modifications to the nose gear and lip skid to enhance ground handling and durability.

2008 Vans RV-6A [Credit: Andrew Squires]

The interior is finished in light gray leather with burgundy trim and is described as being in excellent condition. On the ramp, the classic white-and-red paint scheme ensures this RV-6A looks as fast as it flies. With a fresh annual inspection completed in June 2025, it is ready for immediate service.

Listed at $115,000, this 2008 Van’s RV-6A represents an excellent value for a low-time, well-maintained experimental aircraft ready for weekend adventures or serious travel.

If you’re exploring ownership options, FLYING Finance can help get you airborne. Use our airplane loan calculator to estimate your monthly payments, or connect with an aviation finance expert at flyingfinance.com.