De Havilland DHC-1 Chipmunk vs Piper Arrow
Live Market Snapshot
Current asking-price market, aggregated across multiple marketplaces · refreshed daily
De Havilland DHC-1 Chipmunk
- For sale now
- 13
- Median asking
- $111,743
- Range
- $81,750–$120,098
- Listed on 2+ marketplaces
- 3
- Source marketplaces
- 5
- Model years available
- 1950–1956
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 | De Havilland DHC-1 Chipmunk | Piper Arrow |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $81,750 – $120,098 | $79,053 – $243,250 |
| Category | Single Engine Piston | Single Engine Piston |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 2 | 4 |
| Horsepower | 145 HP | 200 HP |
| Cruise Speed | 90 kts (167 km/h) | 135 kts (250 km/h) |
| Range | 225 nm (417 km) | 720 nm (1,333 km) |
| Service Ceiling | 15,700 ft (4,785 m) | 15,400 ft (4,694 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | 2,200 lbs (998 kg) | 2,750 lbs (1,247 kg) |
| Useful Load | 620 lbs (281 kg) | 940 lbs (426 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | — | 72.0 gal (273 L) |
| Fuel Burn | 8.0 GPH (30 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
EstimateDe Havilland DHC-1 Chipmunk
Fuel$44/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: De Havilland DHC-1 Chipmunk or Piper Arrow?
Pick the DHC-1 Chipmunk if…
Pick the Arrow if…
- Budget matters — from $79,053 vs $81,750, you save ~$2,697.
- More seats — 4 vs 2.
- Faster cruise — 135 kts vs 90 kts.
- Longer range — 720 nm vs 225 nm.
- Newer design — production from 1967 vs 1946.
- More inventory — 223 listings vs 5.
Auto-generated from current market data and published specs. Confirm with a pre-buy inspection and professional appraisal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better, De Havilland DHC-1 Chipmunk or Piper Arrow?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The DHC-1 Chipmunk cruises at 90 kts with 225 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?
De Havilland DHC-1 Chipmunk: from $115,691.
Piper Arrow: from $119,000.
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between De Havilland DHC-1 Chipmunk and Piper Arrow?
DHC-1 Chipmunk engine: De Havilland Gipsy Major (145 hp).
Seats: 2 vs 4.
Cruise: 90 vs 135 kts.
Range: 225 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?
DHC-1 Chipmunk: 2 seats / 620 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