North American AT-6 vs Beechcraft T-34 Mentor
Live Market Snapshot
Current asking-price market, aggregated across multiple marketplaces · refreshed daily
North American AT-6
- For sale now
- 2
- Source marketplaces
- 2
- Model years available
- 1940–1957
Beechcraft T-34 Mentor
- For sale now
- 8
- Listed on 2+ marketplaces
- 2
- Source marketplaces
- 5
- Model years available
- 1952–1984
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) | North American AT-6 | Beechcraft T-34 Mentor |
|---|---|---|
| All events | 68 | — |
| Serious | 3 | — |
| Fatal | 13 | — |
| Fatalities | 18 | — |
| % Fatal | 19% | — |
Full Specs Comparison
Swipe to see all specs
| Spec / Model | North American AT-6 | Beechcraft T-34 Mentor |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $166,155 – $278,745 | $296,250 – $1,312,500 |
| Category | Warbirds | Warbirds |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 1 | 2 |
| Horsepower | — | 225 HP |
| Cruise Speed | 126 kts (233 km/h) | 150 kts (278 km/h) |
| Range | 630 nm (1,167 km) | 770 nm (1,426 km) |
| Max Gross Weight | 5,617 lbs (2,548 kg) | 2,950 lbs (1,338 kg) |
| Useful Load | — | 800 lbs (363 kg) |
| TBO | — | 1,700 hrs |
| Engines | 1 x Piston | 1 x Piston |
Which Should You Buy: North American AT-6 or Beechcraft T-34 Mentor?
Pick the AT-6 if…
- Budget matters — from $166,155 vs $296,250, you save ~$130,095.
Pick the T-34 Mentor if…
- More seats — 2 vs 1.
- Faster cruise — 150 kts vs 126 kts.
- Longer range — 770 nm vs 630 nm.
- Newer design — production from 1953 vs 1940.
- More inventory — 8 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, North American AT-6 or Beechcraft T-34 Mentor?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The AT-6 cruises at 126 kts with 630 nm range.
The T-34 Mentor cruises at 150 kts with 770 nm range.
Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
North American AT-6: from $285,000.
Beechcraft T-34 Mentor: from $750,000.
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between North American AT-6 and Beechcraft T-34 Mentor?
T-34 Mentor engine: Pratt & Whitney Canada J33-A-35 (225 hp).
Seats: 1 vs 2.
Cruise: 126 vs 150 kts.
Range: 630 vs 770 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?
AT-6: 1 seats.
T-34 Mentor: 2 seats / 800 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?
T-34 Mentor: 1,700-hour TBO.
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