American Champion 7-GCBC EXPLORER vs Piper Malibu
Live Market Snapshot
Current asking-price market, aggregated across multiple marketplaces · refreshed daily
American Champion 7-GCBC EXPLORER
- For sale now
- 4
- Source marketplaces
- 2
- Model years available
- 2004–2025
Piper Malibu
- For sale now
- 281
- Median asking
- $950,000
- Range
- $417,000–$3,032,000
- Listed on 2+ marketplaces
- 103
- Source marketplaces
- 18
- Model years available
- 1984–2026
Live data from AeroGurus, aggregated daily across the used-aircraft market. Figures are current asking prices, not appraisals — confirm with a pre-buy inspection.
Full Specs Comparison
Swipe to see all specs
| Spec / Model | American Champion 7-GCBC EXPLORER | Piper Malibu |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $164,300 – $259,700 | $417,000 – $3,032,000 |
| Category | Single Engine Piston | Single Engine Piston |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | — | 6 |
| Horsepower | — | 310 HP |
| Cruise Speed | — | 198 kts (367 km/h) |
| Range | — | 1,300 nm (2,408 km) |
| Service Ceiling | — | 25,000 ft (7,620 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | — | 4,100 lbs (1,860 kg) |
| Useful Load | — | 1,200 lbs (544 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | — | 120.0 gal (454 L) |
| Fuel Burn | — | 16.0 GPH (61 L/h) |
| TBO | — | 2,000 hrs |
| Overhaul Cost | — | $35,000 |
| Annual Fixed | — | $22,000 |
| Hourly Variable | — | $190 |
| Engines | — | 1 x Piston (Turbocharged) |
Cost of Ownership
EstimateAmerican Champion 7-GCBC EXPLORER
Piper Malibu
Fuel$88/hr
Variable$190/hr
Annual Fixed$22,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$60,000/yr
Which Should You Buy: American Champion 7-GCBC EXPLORER or Piper Malibu?
Pick the 7-GCBC EXPLORER if…
- Budget matters — from $164,300 vs $417,000, you save ~$252,700.
- Newer design — production from 1996 vs 1984.
Pick the Malibu if…
- More inventory — 274 listings vs 3.
Auto-generated from current market data and published specs. Confirm with a pre-buy inspection and professional appraisal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better, American Champion 7-GCBC EXPLORER or Piper Malibu?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The Malibu cruises at 198 kts with 1,300 nm range.
Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Piper Malibu: from $299,000.
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between American Champion 7-GCBC EXPLORER and Piper Malibu?
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
Malibu: about $190/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?
Malibu: 6 seats / 1,200 lb useful load.
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?
Malibu: 2,000-hour TBO, overhaul ~$35,000.
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