Pilot 100i vs RV-12iS
The Pilot 100i leads, topping 4 of 7 compared metrics.
Cross-shopping the Piper Aircraft Pilot 100i (introduced 2019) against the Van's Aircraft RV-12iS (introduced 2011) is a common decision, and the two sit closer on paper than the badges suggest. Both are trainers, which makes them natural cross-shopping rivals. The clearest separation between them is cabin capacity, where the Pilot 100i carries more passengers. undefined
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Pilot 100i vs RV-12iS: the key differences
- The Pilot 100i delivers 13% more range (Pilot 100i: 522 nm; RV-12iS: 460 nm).
- The Pilot 100i delivers 8% more cruise speed (Pilot 100i: 128 kt; RV-12iS: 119 kt).
- The Pilot 100i delivers 100% more passenger capacity (Pilot 100i: 4 seats; RV-12iS: 2 seats).
- The Pilot 100i is the newer design (introduced 2019 versus 2011 for the RV-12iS), a gap of 8 years that usually shows up in avionics, cabin systems and fuel burn.
- The Pilot 100i is the larger aircraft by maximum takeoff weight (2,550 lbs versus 1,320 lbs), which typically buys more cabin and payload at the cost of higher trip economics.
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 Pilot 100i 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 Pilot 100i 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.
More comparisons
Pilot 100i vs RV-12iS: FAQs
Which has the longer range, the Pilot 100i or the RV-12iS?
The Pilot 100i has the longer published range — 522 nm versus 460 nm for the RV-12iS.
Does the Pilot 100i or RV-12iS seat more passengers?
The Pilot 100i carries more passengers at maximum configuration — up to 4 seats, compared with 2 on the RV-12iS.
Which is faster, the Pilot 100i or the RV-12iS?
The Pilot 100i cruises faster, at 128 kt versus 119 kt for the RV-12iS.
Which is newer, the Pilot 100i or the RV-12iS?
The Pilot 100i is the newer design, introduced in 2019 versus 2011 for the RV-12iS.
Is the Pilot 100i or the RV-12iS the larger aircraft?
By maximum takeoff weight the Pilot 100i is the larger aircraft — 2,550 lbs versus 1,320 lbs for the RV-12iS.
Should I buy the Pilot 100i or the RV-12iS?
On published specifications the Pilot 100i 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 Pilot 100i 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.