Aeronca 7AC vs Piper Tri-Pacer

Full Specs Comparison

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Spec / Model Aeronca 7AC Piper Tri-Pacer
Aeronca 7AC
View 2 listings →
Median $26,499
Piper Tri-Pacer
View 11 listings →
Median $47,450
Price Range $23,000 – $29,999 $7,500 – $89,500
Category Single Engine Piston Single Engine Piston
Model Specifications
Seats 2
Max Gross Weight 12,500 lbs (5,670 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

Cost of Ownership

Estimate

Aeronca 7AC

Fuel$22/hr
Variable$60/hr
Annual Fixed$8,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr) $20,000/yr

Piper Tri-Pacer

Which Should You Buy: Aeronca 7AC or Piper Tri-Pacer?

Pick the 7AC if…

Pick the Tri-Pacer if…

  • Budget matters — from $7,500 vs $23,000, you save ~$15,500.
  • More inventory — 11 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 Tri-Pacer?
It depends on your mission and budget. Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Aeronca 7AC: from $23,000. Piper Tri-Pacer: from $89,500. Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Aeronca 7AC and Piper Tri-Pacer?
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. 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