Fairchild PT-26 vs Nanchang CJ-6A

Full Specs Comparison

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Spec / Model Fairchild PT-26 Nanchang CJ-6A
Fairchild PT-26
View 2 listings →
Median $102,000
Nanchang CJ-6A
View 3 listings →
Median $79,900
Price Range $79,000 – $125,000 $39,500 – $199,000
Category Warbirds Warbirds
Model Specifications
Seats 1 2
Cruise Speed 2 kts (4 km/h)
Max Gross Weight 12,500 lbs (5,670 kg)
Fuel Burn 18.0 GPH (68 L/h)
TBO 1,500 hrs
Overhaul Cost $45,000
Annual Fixed $20,000
Hourly Variable $200
Engines 1 x Reciprocating

Cost of Ownership

Estimate

Fairchild PT-26

Nanchang CJ-6A

Fuel$99/hr
Variable$200/hr
Annual Fixed$20,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr) $60,000/yr

Which Should You Buy: Fairchild PT-26 or Nanchang CJ-6A?

Pick the PT-26 if…

Pick the CJ-6A if…

  • Budget matters — from $39,500 vs $79,000, you save ~$39,500.
  • More seats — 2 vs 1.
  • More inventory — 3 listings vs 2.

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 PT-26 or Nanchang CJ-6A?
It depends on your mission and budget. The PT-26 cruises at 2 kts. Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Fairchild PT-26: from $79,000. Nanchang CJ-6A: from $79,900. Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Fairchild PT-26 and Nanchang CJ-6A?
Seats: 1 vs 2.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
CJ-6A: about $200/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?
PT-26: 1 seats. CJ-6A: 2 seats. 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?
CJ-6A: 1,500-hour TBO, overhaul ~$45,000. 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