Luscombe 8A vs Taylorcraft BC-12
The Luscombe 8A and Taylorcraft BC-12 are classic light two-seaters — the Luscombe metal and quick, the Taylorcraft fabric and light.
Live Market Snapshot
Current asking-price market, aggregated across multiple marketplaces · re-checked on a rolling daily cycle
- For sale now
- 2
- Model years available
- 1946–1946
No active listings right now.
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) | Luscombe 8A | Taylorcraft BC-12 |
|---|---|---|
| All events | 216 | 48 |
| Serious | 20 | 9 |
| Fatal | 27 | 7 |
| Fatalities | 38 | 8 |
| % Fatal | 12% | 15% |
Full Specs Comparison
| Spec / Model | Luscombe 8A | Taylorcraft BC-12 |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $25,000 | — |
| Category | Single Engine Piston | — |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 2 | 2 |
| Horsepower | 65 HP | 65 HP |
| Cruise Speed | 90 kts (167 km/h) | 83 kts (154 km/h) |
| Range | 350 nm (648 km) | 326 nm (604 km) |
| Service Ceiling | 17,000 ft (5,182 m) | 12,000 ft (3,658 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | — | 1,200 lbs (544 kg) |
| Useful Load | 500 lbs (227 kg) | 500 lbs (227 kg) |
| Fuel Burn | 4.5 GPH (17 L/h) | 4.5 GPH (17 L/h) |
| Engines | 1 x Piston | 1 x Piston |
Which Should You Buy: Luscombe 8A or Taylorcraft BC-12?
Bottom line: Choose the Taylorcraft for light, economical, gentle flying; choose the Luscombe for all-metal durability and sprightlier handling. Taylorcraft = light/gentle; Luscombe = metal/sport.
Pick the 8A if…
- Faster cruise — 90 kts vs 83 kts.
- Longer range — 350 nm vs 326 nm.
Pick the BC-12 if…
Auto-generated from current market data and published specs. Confirm with a pre-buy inspection and professional appraisal.