Beechcraft T-34 Mentor vs North American AT-6D
Live Market Snapshot
Current asking-price market, aggregated across multiple marketplaces · refreshed daily
Beechcraft T-34 Mentor
- For sale now
- 8
- Model years available
- 1952–1984
North American AT-6D
- For sale now
- 1
- Model years available
- 1942–1942
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) | Beechcraft T-34 Mentor | North American AT-6D |
|---|---|---|
| All events | — | 27 |
| Serious | — | 1 |
| Fatal | — | 9 |
| Fatalities | — | 13 |
| % Fatal | — | 33% |
Full Specs Comparison
Swipe to see all specs
| Spec / Model | Beechcraft T-34 Mentor | North American AT-6D |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $296,250 – $1,312,500 | $355,000 |
| Category | Warbirds | Warbirds |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 2 | 2 |
| Horsepower | 225 HP | 600 HP |
| Cruise Speed | 150 kts (278 km/h) | 126 kts (233 km/h) |
| Range | 770 nm (1,426 km) | 634 nm (1,174 km) |
| Service Ceiling | 20,000 ft (6,096 m) | 24,000 ft (7,315 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | 2,950 lbs (1,338 kg) | 5,617 lbs (2,548 kg) |
| Useful Load | 800 lbs (363 kg) | 1,800 lbs (816 kg) |
| Fuel Burn | 12.0 GPH (45 L/h) | 40.0 GPH (151 L/h) |
| TBO | 1,700 hrs | — |
| Engines | 1 x Piston | 1 x Piston |
Which Should You Buy: Beechcraft T-34 Mentor or North American AT-6D?
Pick the T-34 Mentor if…
- Budget matters — from $296,250 vs $355,000, you save ~$58,750.
- Faster cruise — 150 kts vs 126 kts.
- Longer range — 770 nm vs 634 nm.
- Newer design — production from 1953 vs 1941.
- More inventory — 8 listings vs 1.
Pick the AT-6D if…
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 T-34 Mentor or North American AT-6D?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The T-34 Mentor cruises at 150 kts with 770 nm range.
The AT-6D cruises at 126 kts with 634 nm range.
Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Beechcraft T-34 Mentor: from $1,500,000.
North American AT-6D: from $355,000.
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Beechcraft T-34 Mentor and North American AT-6D?
T-34 Mentor engine: Pratt & Whitney Canada J33-A-35 (225 hp).
Cruise: 150 vs 126 kts.
Range: 770 vs 634 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
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?
T-34 Mentor: 2 seats / 800 lb useful load.
AT-6D: 2 seats / 1,800 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?
T-34 Mentor: 1,700-hour TBO.
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