162 Skycatcher vs RV-12iS
The RV-12iS leads, topping 3 of 7 compared metrics.
The Cessna / Textron Aviation 162 Skycatcher (introduced 2010) and the Van's Aircraft RV-12iS (introduced 2011) are two aircraft buyers regularly weigh against each other. Both are trainers, which makes them natural cross-shopping rivals. On paper they are closely matched, so the decision usually turns on cabin, economics and availability. undefined
6 more specs per aircraft — ceiling, climb, cabin, dimensions and more — are free with an account.
162 Skycatcher vs RV-12iS: the key differences
- The 162 Skycatcher delivers 2% more range (162 Skycatcher: 470 nm; RV-12iS: 460 nm).
- The RV-12iS delivers 6% more cruise speed (162 Skycatcher: 112 kt; RV-12iS: 119 kt).
- The 162 Skycatcher and RV-12iS are evenly matched on passenger capacity, both at 2 seats.
- The RV-12iS is the newer design (introduced 2011 versus 2010 for the 162 Skycatcher), a gap of 1 years that usually shows up in avionics, cabin systems and fuel burn.
Which mission suits which aircraft
Both aircraft are built for short-haul and regional hops, so outright range rarely separates them — the call leans on cabin (the 162 Skycatcher seats more), trip economics and what is actually available on the market. Match the airframe to how you fly most weeks, not to the headline range figure.
Which should you choose?
On published specifications the 162 Skycatcher leads on both range and cabin capacity, so it suits operators who want maximum mission flexibility from a single airframe. The RV-12iS can still be the smarter buy on acquisition cost, operating economics, runway performance, or current availability — the factors that rarely show up in a spec sheet. Our acquisition advisory team can model both against your actual mission profile before you commit.
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162 Skycatcher vs RV-12iS: FAQs
Which has the longer range, the 162 Skycatcher or the RV-12iS?
The 162 Skycatcher has the longer published range — 470 nm versus 460 nm for the RV-12iS.
Which is faster, the 162 Skycatcher or the RV-12iS?
The RV-12iS cruises faster, at 119 kt versus 112 kt for the 162 Skycatcher.
Which is newer, the 162 Skycatcher or the RV-12iS?
The RV-12iS is the newer design, introduced in 2011 versus 2010 for the 162 Skycatcher.
Should I buy the 162 Skycatcher or the RV-12iS?
On published specifications the 162 Skycatcher leads on both range and cabin capacity, so it suits operators who want maximum mission flexibility from a single airframe. The RV-12iS can still be the smarter buy on acquisition cost, operating economics, runway performance, or current availability — the factors that rarely show up in a spec sheet. Our acquisition advisory team can model both against your actual mission profile before you commit.
Still weighing up the 162 Skycatcher vs RV-12iS?
Specs only take you so far. Our advisors give an independent recommendation based on your mission, budget and how you actually fly — and represent your side through to purchase.