Fairchild Fairchild 24 vs Waco YMF-5C

The Fairchild 24 (cabin monoplane) and Waco YMF-5 (open biplane) are golden-age classics of different style.

Live Market Snapshot

Current asking-price market, aggregated across multiple marketplaces · refreshed daily

Fairchild Fairchild 24

No active listings right now.

Waco YMF-5C
For sale now
12
Median asking
$276,000
Range
$181,543–$481,550
Model years available
1934–2025

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)Fairchild Fairchild 24Waco YMF-5C
All events2
Serious0
Fatal0
Fatalities0
% Fatal0%

Full Specs Comparison

Swipe to see all specs
Spec / Model Fairchild Fairchild 24 Waco YMF-5C
Fairchild Fairchild 24
View 1 listings →
Median $125,650
Waco YMF-5C
View 6 listings →
Median $276,000
Price Range $125,650 $181,543 – $481,550
Category Single Engine Piston Single Engine Piston
Model Specifications
Seats 4 3
Horsepower 165 HP 300 HP
Cruise Speed 100 kts (185 km/h) 100 kts (185 km/h)
Range 404 nm (748 km) 432 nm (800 km)
Service Ceiling 15,000 ft (4,572 m) 17,000 ft (5,182 m)
Max Gross Weight 2,882 lbs (1,307 kg)
Useful Load 800 lbs (363 kg) 850 lbs (386 kg)
Fuel Burn 9.0 GPH (34 L/h) 15.0 GPH (57 L/h)
Engines 1 x Piston 1 x Piston

Which Should You Buy: Fairchild Fairchild 24 or Waco YMF-5C?

Bottom line: Choose the Fairchild 24 for an enclosed cabin tourer; choose the Waco for open-cockpit biplane theatre (modern certified new-build available). Fairchild 24 = cabin/tourer; Waco = open biplane.

Pick the Fairchild 24 if…

  • Budget matters — from $125,650 vs $181,543, you save ~$55,893.
  • More seats — 4 vs 3.

Pick the YMF-5C if…

  • Longer range — 432 nm vs 404 nm.
  • More inventory — 6 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, Fairchild Fairchild 24 or Waco YMF-5C?
It depends on your mission and budget. The Fairchild 24 cruises at 100 kts with 404 nm range. The YMF-5C cruises at 100 kts with 432 nm range. Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Fairchild Fairchild 24: from $125,650. Waco YMF-5C: from $250,000. Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Fairchild Fairchild 24 and Waco YMF-5C?
Seats: 4 vs 3. Cruise: 100 vs 100 kts. Range: 404 vs 432 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?
Fairchild 24: 4 seats / 800 lb useful load. YMF-5C: 3 seats / 850 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?
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