Just for fun, I went looking at the pricing for the Van's RV-12iS since I expected it to be their cheapest kit option. Wow, and not in a good way.
Three things struck me:
RV-12iS
Fastener $595 <
Empennage/Tail $3,500
Wing $8,300
Fuselage $8,400
Finishing $13,500 [meaning other airframe components]
[Airframe only $34,295]
Avionics $17,300 – $26,345
Powerplant $38,950 iS / $33,530 ULS
Standard Kits – $85,125 – $99,590 typical
Three things struck me:
- Given Van's much large production volume than any other kit manufacturer, is over $34,000 really justified for a two-seat light sport aircraft airframe alone?
- $17,300 is the low end price range for avionics?!? This is not the Space Shuttle. Half that should get VFR flight and engine instruments, a handheld radio, *and* transponder and ADSB-out if you need it, much less if you don't.
- I have issues with Rotax engine pricing, but I'll leave that out here as that's not on Van's.