You can use structure to help climb up on the wing and once you get to that point you can simply step onto the floor. Yet among low wing designs, RV-12 is easier as you enter from the front of the wing (see step in a nearby photo). High wing airplanes are usually much easier to enter, a factor for older, less flexible pilots. RV-12 places the wing sufficiently aft that from either seat you actually do have some downward visibility, but it is not as broad as a high wing design, especially one with cantilevered construction no wing strut gets in your way. I've found aerial sightseeing is a common desire among aviators. They are entitled to that opinion, but for me, the number one reason to fly an aircraft with an engine is visibility… to observe a beautiful landscape unfold below. Some think low wings look 'less awkward' and 'more streamlined.' Most pilots have a clear preference for high or low wing configurations.

In the following words, I'll relate some of my experiences and discoveries after flying the -12 for more hours. I will let the two videos below provide most of the nuts and bolts details that pilots crave. Among those are sprightly performance and simply marvelous handling. With several dozen hours in an RV-12 I've come to more fully understand why so many pilots are enthusiastic about their RV, the majority of which are not -12s, yet the whole Van's Aircraft line (RV-3 through RV-14) share common characteristics. That fact is why I created PlaneFinder 2.0 to help you find your best airplane. We have different experience, different expectations, and different goals in our flying.

Secondly, when you are shopping for an airplane, it may be helpful to hear lots of facts about an airplane but what I think personally isn't important. First, I don't own a Light-Sport Aircraft because that can get uncomfortable in an industry where I fly one after another to report on them. I usually avoid identifying what I'm flying for a couple reasons. It's a nice arrangement that I value highly thanks, Joe! The most recent such experience is with a Van's RV-12, because a neighbor of mine at my home airport allows me to enjoy his airplane. However, I have gotten to fly a small number of airplanes for a higher number of hours. I usually add that anyone with a good number of hours in their own airplane knows far more about it than I do. My usual quip is that this experience makes me a pilot of many and a master of none. I've had the pleasure to evaluate a great many models the number crossed 400 a couple years back.

Over the years, curious pilots have asked me what aircraft I fly.

Sensenich propeller serial numbers