The Vans RV-8 is a two-seat, single-engine, low-wing homebuilt airplane designed by aircraft kit manufacturer Van's Aircraft, Inc. The RV-8 is an all-metal aircraft with an aluminum airframe and composite rudder and fin. It has a large cabin and is powered by a variety of engines, ranging from a 180-hp Lycoming O-360 to a 200-hp IO-360. The RV-8 was designed to be a fun and capable aircraft for recreational flying.

Vans did a great job of designing the RV-8. The airplane has excellent visibility from the cockpit, thanks to its large windshield and side windows. It is also very aerodynamically efficient, with a high-lift airfoil and laminar flow wings, which allow it to fly faster and farther than many other homebuilt aircraft. The RV-8 also has an impressive range, with a maximum range of nearly 1,000 nautical miles with the standard engine.

The RV-8 also has a spacious cabin, with plenty of room for two people and their gear. The aircraft has comfortable seating, with adjustable lumbar support, and plenty of legroom. The aircraft also has an impressive payload capacity, allowing it to carry up to 400 pounds of cargo or passengers.

Vans also did a great job of designing the RV-8 to be easy to build. The aircraft is constructed from pre-punched, pre-drilled parts that fit together with minimal effort. The kit also includes detailed instructions, which makes it easy for even novice builders to put the aircraft together.

Where Vans could do better is in the RV-8's avionics. The aircraft does come with an array of basic instruments, such as a GPS, navigation lights, and a communication radio. However, these are limited in their capabilities and would benefit from the addition of more advanced systems. Additionally, the RV-8 is not equipped with autopilot, which is a feature that many pilots appreciate.

Overall, Vans did a great job of designing the RV-8. The aircraft is aerodynamically efficient, has a large cabin with plenty of room for two people and their gear, and is easy to build. However, Vans could do better in the avionics department, with the addition of more advanced systems and the inclusion of an autopilot.