Beechcraft T-34 Mentor vs North American T28D
Live Market Snapshot
Current asking-price market, aggregated across multiple marketplaces · refreshed daily
Beechcraft T-34 Mentor
- For sale now
- 8
- Model years available
- 1952–1984
North American T28D
- For sale now
- 1
- Model years available
- 1951–1951
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) | Beechcraft T-34 Mentor | North American T28D |
|---|---|---|
| All events | — | 1 |
| Serious | — | 0 |
| Fatal | — | 0 |
| Fatalities | — | 0 |
| % Fatal | — | 0% |
Full Specs Comparison
Swipe to see all specs
| Spec / Model | Beechcraft T-34 Mentor | North American T28D |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $296,250 – $1,312,500 | $275,000 |
| Category | Warbirds | Warbirds |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 2 | 2 |
| Horsepower | 225 HP | 1,425 HP |
| Cruise Speed | 150 kts (278 km/h) | 235 kts (435 km/h) |
| Range | 770 nm (1,426 km) | 920 nm (1,704 km) |
| Service Ceiling | 20,000 ft (6,096 m) | 35,000 ft (10,668 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | 2,950 lbs (1,338 kg) | 8,500 lbs (3,856 kg) |
| Useful Load | 800 lbs (363 kg) | 1,600 lbs (726 kg) |
| Fuel Burn | 12.0 GPH (45 L/h) | 60.0 GPH (227 L/h) |
| TBO | 1,700 hrs | — |
| Engines | 1 x Piston | 1 x Piston |
Which Should You Buy: Beechcraft T-34 Mentor or North American T28D?
Pick the T-34 Mentor if…
- Newer design — production from 1953 vs 1951.
- More inventory — 8 listings vs 1.
Pick the T28D if…
- Budget matters — from $275,000 vs $296,250, you save ~$21,250.
- Faster cruise — 235 kts vs 150 kts.
- Longer range — 920 nm vs 770 nm.
Auto-generated from current market data and published specs. Confirm with a pre-buy inspection and professional appraisal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Beechcraft T-34 Mentor or North American T28D?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The T-34 Mentor cruises at 150 kts with 770 nm range.
The T28D cruises at 235 kts with 920 nm range.
Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Beechcraft T-34 Mentor: from $1,500,000.
North American T28D: from $260,000.
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Beechcraft T-34 Mentor and North American T28D?
T-34 Mentor engine: Pratt & Whitney Canada J33-A-35 (225 hp).
Cruise: 150 vs 235 kts.
Range: 770 vs 920 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?
T-34 Mentor: 2 seats / 800 lb useful load.
T28D: 2 seats / 1,600 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