P2008 vs RV-12iS
The P2008 leads, topping 4 of 7 compared metrics.
The Tecnam P2008 (introduced 2009) 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. The clearest separation between them is range, where the P2008 has the advantage. We line the numbers up below, then translate them into the mission each aircraft actually wins.
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P2008 vs RV-12iS: the key differences
- The P2008 delivers 57% more range (P2008: 720 nm; RV-12iS: 460 nm).
- The P2008 delivers 1% more cruise speed (P2008: 120 kt; RV-12iS: 119 kt).
- The P2008 and RV-12iS are evenly matched on passenger capacity, both at 2 seats.
- The RV-12iS is the newer design (introduced 2011 versus 2009 for the P2008), a gap of 2 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 P2008 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 P2008 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
P2008 vs RV-12iS: FAQs
Which has the longer range, the P2008 or the RV-12iS?
The P2008 has the longer published range — 720 nm versus 460 nm for the RV-12iS.
Which is faster, the P2008 or the RV-12iS?
The P2008 cruises faster, at 120 kt versus 119 kt for the RV-12iS.
Which is newer, the P2008 or the RV-12iS?
The RV-12iS is the newer design, introduced in 2011 versus 2009 for the P2008.
Should I buy the P2008 or the RV-12iS?
On published specifications the P2008 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 P2008 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.