Used Aircraft Guide: Van’s RV-8

Family-farm passion evolves into world’s best-selling ‘fighter-like’ kitplane.

Jonathan Welsh

Monday, June 29, 2026 at 08:00 AM ET

Verified

Edited By:

Travis Tingle

Airline captain Darren Clarkson acquired this RV-8 from his brother, who built the aircraft before eventually stepping away. [Credit: Glenn Calvin]

Key Takeaways:

The Van's RV-8 is a highly acclaimed homebuilt aircraft that offers a "fighter-like" flying experience, praised for its speed, efficiency, responsiveness, and aerobatic capabilities.
Pilots appreciate the RV-8 for its "hot rod" performance and harmonized controls, making it an enjoyable aircraft for sport flying, aerobatics, air racing, and cross-country travel.
The RV-8 originated from Van's Aircraft's history of developing popular kit planes, evolving from earlier models (like the groundbreaking RV-3) in response to customer demand for a larger, improved tandem-seat design.
Although Van's RV series generally has a strong safety record and a supportive community, potential buyers of experimental aircraft are advised to conduct thorough due diligence due to the unique flight characteristics and builder variations inherent in homebuilt planes.

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If you would like to find out how it feels to fly an old-school, piston-engine fighter, there are a few paths available.

Learning to fly a North American AT-6, just like aspiring fighter jocks did during World War II, is a great way to build the skills necessary to move on to more glamorous warbirds and to experience the feel of combat-style flight without necessarily burning through millions of dollars in the process. Those with more time and money to spend, and a desire for horsepower in the four-digit range, can acquire a P-51 Mustang or other former front-line fighter aircraft for a more authentic and thrilling ace fantasy.