American Champion 8KCAB vs Piper Arrow
Live Market Snapshot
Current asking-price market, aggregated across multiple marketplaces · refreshed daily
American Champion 8KCAB
- For sale now
- 2
- Model years available
- 2006–2026
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 8KCAB | Piper Arrow |
|---|---|---|
| All events | 4 | — |
| Serious | 0 | — |
| Fatal | 2 | — |
| Fatalities | 3 | — |
| % Fatal | 50% | — |
Full Specs Comparison
Swipe to see all specs
| Spec / Model | American Champion 8KCAB | Piper Arrow |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $218,500 | $79,053 – $243,250 |
| Category | Single Engine Piston | Single Engine Piston |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 2 | 4 |
| Horsepower | 180 HP | 200 HP |
| Cruise Speed | 123 kts (228 km/h) | 135 kts (250 km/h) |
| Range | 423 nm (783 km) | 720 nm (1,333 km) |
| Service Ceiling | 17,000 ft (5,182 m) | 15,400 ft (4,694 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | 1,800 lbs (816 kg) | 2,750 lbs (1,247 kg) |
| Useful Load | 500 lbs (227 kg) | 940 lbs (426 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | — | 72.0 gal (273 L) |
| Fuel Burn | 10.0 GPH (38 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 8KCAB
Fuel$55/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 8KCAB or Piper Arrow?
Pick the 8KCAB if…
- Newer design — production from 1993 vs 1967.
Pick the Arrow if…
- Budget matters — from $79,053 vs $218,500, you save ~$139,447.
- More seats — 4 vs 2.
- Faster cruise — 135 kts vs 123 kts.
- Longer range — 720 nm vs 423 nm.
- More inventory — 218 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, American Champion 8KCAB or Piper Arrow?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The 8KCAB cruises at 123 kts with 423 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 8KCAB: from $218,500.
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 8KCAB and Piper Arrow?
Seats: 2 vs 4.
Cruise: 123 vs 135 kts.
Range: 423 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?
8KCAB: 2 seats / 500 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