American Champion 7GCBC vs Piper Cherokee
Full Specs Comparison
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| Spec / Model | American Champion 7GCBC | Piper Cherokee |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $120,000 | $9,800 – $699,000 |
| Category | Single Engine Piston | Single Engine Piston |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 1 | 4 |
| Horsepower | — | 150 HP |
| Cruise Speed | 2 kts (4 km/h) | 117 kts (217 km/h) |
| Range | — | 525 nm (972 km) |
| Service Ceiling | — | 14,300 ft (4,359 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | — | 2,150 lbs (975 kg) |
| Useful Load | — | 850 lbs (386 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | — | 50.0 gal (189 L) |
| Fuel Burn | — | 8.0 GPH (30 L/h) |
| TBO | — | 2,000 hrs |
| Overhaul Cost | — | $28,000 |
| Annual Fixed | — | $16,000 |
| Hourly Variable | — | $120 |
| Engines | — | 1 x Piston |
Cost of Ownership
EstimateAmerican Champion 7GCBC
Piper Cherokee
Fuel$44/hr
Variable$120/hr
Annual Fixed$16,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$40,000/yr
Which Should You Buy: American Champion 7GCBC or Piper Cherokee?
Pick the 7GCBC if…
- Newer design — production from 1968 vs 1961.
Pick the Cherokee if…
- Budget matters — from $9,800 vs $120,000, you save ~$110,200.
- More seats — 4 vs 1.
- Faster cruise — 117 kts vs 2 kts.
- More inventory — 631 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 Cherokee?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The 7GCBC cruises at 2 kts.
The Cherokee cruises at 117 kts with 525 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 Cherokee: from $115,000.
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between American Champion 7GCBC and Piper Cherokee?
Seats: 1 vs 4.
Cruise: 2 vs 117 kts.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
Cherokee: about $120/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: 1 seats.
Cherokee: 4 seats / 850 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?
Cherokee: 2,000-hour TBO, overhaul ~$28,000.
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