Beechcraft Skipper vs Cessna 172
Full Specs Comparison
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| Spec / Model | Beechcraft Skipper | Cessna 172 |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $25,500 – $89,500 | $27,900 – $589,500 |
| Category | Single Engine Piston | Single Engine Piston |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 2 | 4 |
| Horsepower | 115 HP | 180 HP |
| Cruise Speed | 105 kts (194 km/h) | 122 kts (226 km/h) |
| Range | 400 nm (741 km) | 640 nm (1,185 km) |
| Service Ceiling | — | 14,000 ft (4,267 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | — | 2,550 lbs (1,157 kg) |
| Useful Load | 550 lbs (249 kg) | 878 lbs (398 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | — | 56.0 gal (212 L) |
| Fuel Burn | — | 8.6 GPH (33 L/h) |
| TBO | 2,000 hrs | 2,000 hrs |
| Overhaul Cost | — | $30,000 |
| Annual Fixed | — | $18,000 |
| Hourly Variable | — | $130 |
| Engines | 1 x Piston | 1 x Piston |
Cost of Ownership
EstimateBeechcraft Skipper
Cessna 172
Fuel$47/hr
Variable$130/hr
Annual Fixed$18,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$44,000/yr
Which Should You Buy: Beechcraft Skipper or Cessna 172?
Pick the Skipper if…
- Budget matters — from $25,500 vs $27,900, you save ~$2,400.
- Newer design — production from 1979 vs 1956.
Pick the 172 if…
- More seats — 4 vs 2.
- Faster cruise — 122 kts vs 105 kts.
- Longer range — 640 nm vs 400 nm.
- More inventory — 411 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, Beechcraft Skipper or Cessna 172?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The Skipper cruises at 105 kts with 400 nm range.
The 172 cruises at 122 kts with 640 nm range.
Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Beechcraft Skipper: from $25,500.
Cessna 172: from $179,000.
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Beechcraft Skipper and Cessna 172?
Skipper engine: Lycoming O-235 (115 hp).
172 engine: Continental O-300 (180 hp).
Seats: 2 vs 4.
Cruise: 105 vs 122 kts.
Range: 400 vs 640 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
172: about $130/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?
Skipper: 2 seats / 550 lb useful load.
172: 4 seats / 878 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?
Skipper: 2,000-hour TBO.
172: 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