Naval Aircraft Factory N3N-3 vs Piper Arrow
Live Market Snapshot
Current asking-price market, aggregated across multiple marketplaces · re-checked on a rolling daily cycle
Naval Aircraft Factory N3N-3
- For sale now
- 1
- Model years available
- 1940–1940
Piper Arrow
- For sale now
- 196
- Median asking
- $134,945
- Range
- $79,053–$243,250
- 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.
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) | Naval Aircraft Factory N3N-3 | Piper Arrow |
|---|---|---|
| All events | 13 | — |
| Serious | 3 | — |
| Fatal | 1 | — |
| Fatalities | 2 | — |
| % Fatal | 8% | — |
Full Specs Comparison
Swipe to see all specs
| Spec / Model | Naval Aircraft Factory N3N-3 | Piper Arrow |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $125,000 | $79,053 – $243,250 |
| Category | Single Engine Piston | Single Engine Piston |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 2 | 4 |
| Horsepower | 220 HP | 200 HP |
| Cruise Speed | 78 kts (144 km/h) | 135 kts (250 km/h) |
| Range | 410 nm (759 km) | 720 nm (1,333 km) |
| Service Ceiling | 14,000 ft (4,267 m) | 15,400 ft (4,694 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | 2,792 lbs (1,266 kg) | 2,750 lbs (1,247 kg) |
| Useful Load | 800 lbs (363 kg) | 940 lbs (426 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | — | 72.0 gal (273 L) |
| Fuel Burn | 11.0 GPH (42 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
EstimateNaval Aircraft Factory N3N-3
Fuel$60/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: Naval Aircraft Factory N3N-3 or Piper Arrow?
Pick the N3N-3 if…
Pick the Arrow if…
- Budget matters — from $79,053 vs $125,000, you save ~$45,947.
- More seats — 4 vs 2.
- Faster cruise — 135 kts vs 78 kts.
- Longer range — 720 nm vs 410 nm.
- Newer design — production from 1967 vs 1945.
- More inventory — 218 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, Naval Aircraft Factory N3N-3 or Piper Arrow?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The N3N-3 cruises at 78 kts with 410 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?
Naval Aircraft Factory N3N-3: from $89,000.
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Naval Aircraft Factory N3N-3 and Piper Arrow?
Seats: 2 vs 4.
Cruise: 78 vs 135 kts.
Range: 410 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?
N3N-3: 2 seats / 800 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 re-checked on a rolling cycle — most within a few days · Data: FAA Registry, NTSB · About our data