American Champion Decathlon vs Piper Arrow
Live Market Snapshot
Current asking-price market, aggregated across multiple marketplaces · refreshed daily
American Champion Decathlon
No active listings right now.
Piper Arrow
- For sale now
- 196
- Median asking
- $134,945
- Range
- $79,053–$243,250
- Listed on 2+ marketplaces
- 71
- Source marketplaces
- 15
- 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.
Full Specs Comparison
Swipe to see all specs
| Spec / Model | American Champion Decathlon | Piper Arrow |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
|
| Price Range | — | $79,053 – $243,250 |
| Category | — | Single Engine Piston |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 2 | 4 |
| Horsepower | 180 HP | 200 HP |
| Cruise Speed | 117 kts (217 km/h) | 135 kts (250 km/h) |
| Range | 475 nm (880 km) | 720 nm (1,333 km) |
| Service Ceiling | 16,000 ft (4,877 m) | 15,400 ft (4,694 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | — | 2,750 lbs (1,247 kg) |
| Useful Load | 590 lbs (268 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 Decathlon
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 Decathlon or Piper Arrow?
Pick the Decathlon if…
Pick the Arrow if…
- More seats — 4 vs 2.
- Faster cruise — 135 kts vs 117 kts.
- Longer range — 720 nm vs 475 nm.
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 Decathlon or Piper Arrow?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The Decathlon cruises at 117 kts with 475 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?
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 Decathlon and Piper Arrow?
Seats: 2 vs 4.
Cruise: 117 vs 135 kts.
Range: 475 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?
Decathlon: 2 seats / 590 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