Cessna O-2A vs Piper Archer
Live Market Snapshot
Current asking-price market, aggregated across multiple marketplaces · re-checked on a rolling daily cycle
Cessna O-2A
- For sale now
- 1
- Model years available
- 1968–1968
Piper Archer
- For sale now
- 89
- Median asking
- $149,000
- Range
- $71,000–$491,439
- Model years available
- 1965–2026
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) | Cessna O-2A | Piper Archer |
|---|---|---|
| All events | 1 | — |
| Serious | 0 | — |
| Fatal | 0 | — |
| Fatalities | 0 | — |
| % Fatal | 0% | — |
Full Specs Comparison
Swipe to see all specs
| Spec / Model | Cessna O-2A | Piper Archer |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | — | $71,000 – $491,439 |
| Category | Single Engine Piston | Single Engine Piston |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 2 | 4 |
| Horsepower | 210 HP | 180 HP |
| Cruise Speed | 144 kts (267 km/h) | 124 kts (230 km/h) |
| Range | 800 nm (1,482 km) | 703 nm (1,302 km) |
| Service Ceiling | 18,000 ft (5,486 m) | 14,100 ft (4,298 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | 5,400 lbs (2,449 kg) | 2,550 lbs (1,157 kg) |
| Useful Load | 1,400 lbs (635 kg) | 900 lbs (408 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | 80.0 gal (303 L) | — |
| Fuel Burn | 22.0 GPH (83 L/h) | 10.5 GPH (40 L/h) |
| TBO | 1,500 hrs | — |
| Overhaul Cost | $30,000 | — |
| Annual Fixed | $25,000 | — |
| Hourly Variable | $260 | — |
| Engines | 2 x Piston | 1 x Piston |
Cost of Ownership
EstimateCessna O-2A
Fuel$121/hr
Variable$260/hr
Annual Fixed$25,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$77,000/yr
Piper Archer
Fuel$58/hr
Which Should You Buy: Cessna O-2A or Piper Archer?
Pick the O-2A if…
- Faster cruise — 144 kts vs 124 kts.
- Longer range — 800 nm vs 703 nm.
Pick the Archer if…
- More seats — 4 vs 2.
- More inventory — 102 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, Cessna O-2A or Piper Archer?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The O-2A cruises at 144 kts with 800 nm range.
The Archer cruises at 124 kts with 703 nm range.
Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Piper Archer: from $129,900.
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Cessna O-2A and Piper Archer?
O-2A engine: CONTINENTAL IO-360C;IO-360D (210 hp).
Seats: 2 vs 4.
Cruise: 144 vs 124 kts.
Range: 800 vs 703 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
O-2A: about $260/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?
O-2A: 2 seats / 1,400 lb useful load.
Archer: 4 seats / 900 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?
O-2A: 1,500-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 re-checked on a rolling cycle — most within a few days · Data: FAA Registry, NTSB · About our data