RV-7 Overview

This is a blog that’s documenting a Van RV-7 kit build.

NOTE

I’m still fabricating the Zenith. Just wanted to start a more cross-country centric project as my primary focus. Instead, the Zenith CH750 Cruzer will probably take on a more specialized role. Maybe as a float plane :)

Mission Profile

The mission that this build is looking to fill is a fast two-seat cross country tourer with light aerobatic capabilities. It’s primary purpose is to cruise at a high enough airspeed that it doesn’t take forever to get places, even with a slight head wind. Secondary purpose is to be a recreational aerobatic plane to have fun in the local pattern areas.

As a list:

• Two-seats
  • I only ever take my partner. That’s true for basically 100% of my flying.
  • The second seat would be handy for cross-country baggage if flying solo.
• 100 lbs of baggage at full tanks
  • Want to be able to haul stuff if needed. 70 lbs in the Rans S-19 goes fast, especially with poor weight and balance.
  • Ideally be able to put our pup in there too :)
• Push 200mph true air speed
  • This is important in fighting head winds. The Rans only really cruises around 136mph and is heavily affected by wind. From Phoenix, AZ to Hammonton, NJ (KDVT - N81), we’re talking 16+ hours with a slight headwind!
• 10k+ feet cruising altitude
  • Need enough engine to get up high and have options around weather and terrain.
• Stable enough for IFR work
• Enough engine and slippery airframe for high density altitude days.
  • I live in mountains, so climb rate is crucial!
• Fun in the local area
  • Many light sports are spritely and responsive. I’d love for this plane to be able to do some light aerobatics as well to challenge myself!
• Not wildly expensive
  • There are faster kits, but they’re hilariously expensive. Especially with insurance.
• Widely supported kit
  • If I’m investing in building a kit, I want something that people everywhere have built. Something where help and resources are plentiful.

At the end of it, I had two choices: the Vans RV-7 and RV-9. Since I want to be able to do aerobatics, there ended up being only one choice remaining: the Van’s RV-7.

Factory Specifications

General Specifications

Parameter	Value
Span	25 ft
Length	20 ft 4 in
Height	5 ft 10 in
Wing Area	121 sq ft
Empty Weight	1061 - 1114 lbs
Gross Weight	1800 lbs
Wing Loading	14.8 lb/sq ft
Power Loading	12 - 9 lb/hp
Engine	150 - 215 HP
Propeller	Fixed or Constant-Speed
Fuel Capacity	42 US gal
Baggage	100 lbs

Performance Details

RV-7: Solo Weight 1400 lbs

Parameter	160 hp	180 hp	200 hp
Top Speed	202 mph	210 mph	217 mph
Cruise [75% @ 8000 ft]	192 mph	200 mph	207 mph
Cruise [55% @ 8000 ft]	173 mph	180 mph	187 mph
Stall Speed	51 mph	51 mph	51 mph
Takeoff Distance	300 ft	275 ft	250 ft
Landing Distance	350 ft	350 ft	350 ft
Rate of Climb	1,900 fpm	2,200 fpm	2,550 fpm
Ceiling	21,000 ft	23,000 ft	25,500 ft
Range [75% @ 8000 ft]	835 sm	775 sm	765 sm
Range [55% @ 8000 ft]	1,025 sm	950 sm	935 sm

RV-7: Gross Weight 1800 lbs

Parameter	160 hp	180 hp	200 hp
Top Speed	201 mph	209 mph	216 mph
Cruise [75% @ 8000 ft]	191 mph	199 mph	206 mph
Cruise [55% @ 8000 ft]	172 mph	179 mph	186 mph
Stall Speed	58 mph	58 mph	58 mph
Takeoff Distance	650 ft	575 ft	500 ft
Landing Distance	500 ft	500 ft	500 ft
Rate of Climb	1,400 fpm	1,650 fpm	1,900 fpm
Ceiling	18,500 ft	20,500 ft	22,500 ft
Range [75% @ 8000 ft]	835 sm	775 sm	765 sm
Range [55% @ 8000 ft]	1,025 sm	950 sm	935 sm

Empennage Tracker

Showing 5 of 5 entries

Date	Name	Time (Hours)	Description
2026-08-18	Remaining large tools arrived!	0	—
2026-08-07	Remaining small tools arrived	0	—
2026-08-05	Empennage kit in-production	0	Estimated crating Sept 22
2026-08-02	Remaining Tool Kit	0	Ordered the rest of the tool kit
2026-07-25	RV-7 Empennage Kit Ordered!	0	Finally placed my first kit order
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