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 popular homebuilt aircraft renowned for its "fighter-like" handling, speed, efficiency, and aerobatic capabilities, offering an engaging and responsive flying experience.
Designed as a lightweight, high-performance taildragger, the RV-8 accommodates engines up to 210 hp and is praised by pilots for its balanced controls and maneuverability.
Van's Aircraft was founded by Richard VanGrunsven, whose designs, including the RV-8, evolved from a desire to create "total performance" homebuilt aircraft, responding directly to customer demand for versatile and fun-to-fly planes.
The RV series, including the RV-8, boasts a large, supportive community and a better-than-average safety record for experimental aircraft, though thorough due diligence is advised for any kit-built acquisition.

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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.