Aeronca 7AC vs Piper J-3 Cub
Live Market Snapshot
Current asking-price market, aggregated across multiple marketplaces · refreshed daily
Aeronca 7AC
- For sale now
- 2
- Source marketplaces
- 2
- Model years available
- 1946–1946
Piper J-3 Cub
- For sale now
- 26
- Median asking
- $63,100
- Range
- $34,050–$88,500
- Listed on 2+ marketplaces
- 7
- Source marketplaces
- 8
- Model years available
- 1939–1947
Live data from AeroGurus, aggregated daily across the used-aircraft market. Figures are current asking prices, not appraisals — confirm with a pre-buy inspection.
Safety Record
Absolute counts scale with fleet size — the most-produced types log more events without being less safe. Compare the % fatal.
| NTSB (1982–now) | Aeronca 7AC | Piper J-3 Cub |
|---|---|---|
| All events | 283 | 3 |
| Serious | 44 | 0 |
| Fatal | 36 | 0 |
| Fatalities | 50 | 0 |
| % Fatal | 13% | 0% |
Full Specs Comparison
Swipe to see all specs
| Spec / Model | Aeronca 7AC | Piper J-3 Cub |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $23,350 – $29,649 | $34,050 – $88,500 |
| Category | Single Engine Piston | Single Engine Piston |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 2 | 2 |
| Cruise Speed | — | 65 kts (120 km/h) |
| Range | — | 191 nm (354 km) |
| Max Gross Weight | — | 1,220 lbs (553 kg) |
| Fuel Burn | 4.0 GPH (15 L/h) | — |
| TBO | 1,800 hrs | — |
| Overhaul Cost | $12,000 | — |
| Annual Fixed | $8,000 | — |
| Hourly Variable | $60 | — |
| Engines | 1 x Reciprocating | 1 x Piston |
Cost of Ownership
EstimateAeronca 7AC
Fuel$22/hr
Variable$60/hr
Annual Fixed$8,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$20,000/yr
Piper J-3 Cub
Which Should You Buy: Aeronca 7AC or Piper J-3 Cub?
Pick the 7AC if…
- Budget matters — from $23,350 vs $34,050, you save ~$10,700.
- Newer design — production from 1946 vs 1937.
Pick the J-3 Cub if…
- More inventory — 29 listings vs 2.
Auto-generated from current market data and published specs. Confirm with a pre-buy inspection and professional appraisal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Aeronca 7AC or Piper J-3 Cub?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The J-3 Cub cruises at 65 kts with 191 nm range.
Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Aeronca 7AC: from $29,999.
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Aeronca 7AC and Piper J-3 Cub?
J-3 Cub engine: Continental A-40.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
7AC: about $60/hr variable cost.
Variable cost includes fuel, reserves and overhaul accruals. Annual fixed costs (hangar, insurance, annual inspection) add to the total.
Which has more seats and useful load?
7AC: 2 seats.
J-3 Cub: 2 seats.
Useful load = max gross weight minus empty weight; it determines how much fuel plus payload you can carry.
How does maintenance compare — TBO and overhaul cost?
7AC: 1,800-hour TBO, overhaul ~$12,000.
Reaching the time-between-overhaul (TBO) triggers a mandatory engine/airframe rebuild that affects resale value.
Disclaimer: All prices and cost estimates are from third-party sources for informational purposes only. Always obtain professional appraisal and inspection before purchase.
Prices updated daily · Data: FAA Registry, NTSB · About our data