American Champion 7GCBC vs Piper Arrow
Live Market Snapshot
Current asking-price market, aggregated across multiple marketplaces · refreshed daily
American Champion 7GCBC
- For sale now
- 1
- Model years available
- 1973–1973
Piper Arrow
- For sale now
- 196
- Median asking
- $134,945
- Range
- $79,053–$243,250
- Model years available
- 1967–2015
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) | American Champion 7GCBC | Piper Arrow |
|---|---|---|
| All events | 3 | — |
| Serious | 0 | — |
| Fatal | 0 | — |
| Fatalities | 0 | — |
| % Fatal | 0% | — |
Full Specs Comparison
Swipe to see all specs
| Spec / Model | American Champion 7GCBC | Piper Arrow |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $120,000 | $79,053 – $243,250 |
| Category | Single Engine Piston | Single Engine Piston |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 2 | 4 |
| Horsepower | 160 HP | 200 HP |
| Cruise Speed | 109 kts (202 km/h) | 135 kts (250 km/h) |
| Range | 400 nm (741 km) | 720 nm (1,333 km) |
| Service Ceiling | 17,000 ft (5,182 m) | 15,400 ft (4,694 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | — | 2,750 lbs (1,247 kg) |
| Useful Load | 600 lbs (272 kg) | 940 lbs (426 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | — | 72.0 gal (273 L) |
| Fuel Burn | 8.0 GPH (30 L/h) | 10.5 GPH (40 L/h) |
| TBO | — | 2,000 hrs |
| Overhaul Cost | — | $30,000 |
| Annual Fixed | — | $18,000 |
| Hourly Variable | — | $145 |
| Engines | 1 x Piston | 1 x Piston |
Cost of Ownership
EstimateAmerican Champion 7GCBC
Fuel$44/hr
Piper Arrow
Fuel$58/hr
Variable$145/hr
Annual Fixed$18,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$47,000/yr
Which Should You Buy: American Champion 7GCBC or Piper Arrow?
Pick the 7GCBC if…
- Newer design — production from 1968 vs 1967.
Pick the Arrow if…
- Budget matters — from $79,053 vs $120,000, you save ~$40,947.
- More seats — 4 vs 2.
- Faster cruise — 135 kts vs 109 kts.
- Longer range — 720 nm vs 400 nm.
- More inventory — 218 listings vs 1.
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 7GCBC or Piper Arrow?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The 7GCBC cruises at 109 kts with 400 nm range.
The Arrow cruises at 135 kts with 720 nm range.
Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
American Champion 7GCBC: from $120,000.
Piper Arrow: from $119,000.
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between American Champion 7GCBC and Piper Arrow?
Seats: 2 vs 4.
Cruise: 109 vs 135 kts.
Range: 400 vs 720 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
Arrow: about $145/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?
7GCBC: 2 seats / 600 lb useful load.
Arrow: 4 seats / 940 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?
Arrow: 2,000-hour TBO, overhaul ~$30,000.
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