Piper Brave vs Cessna 188
The Piper Brave (PA-36) and Cessna 188 are piston agricultural workhorses — the Brave is Piper's larger, higher-capacity ag plane; the 188 is the widely-used Cessna ag single.
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) | Piper Brave | Cessna 188 |
|---|---|---|
| All events | — | 259 |
| Serious | — | 27 |
| Fatal | — | 25 |
| Fatalities | — | 24 |
| % Fatal | — | 10% |
Full Specs Comparison
Swipe to see all specs
| Spec / Model | Piper Brave | Cessna 188 |
|---|---|---|
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| Price Range | — | $110,000 – $135,000 |
| Category | — | — |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | — | 1 |
| Horsepower | — | 300 HP |
| Cruise Speed | — | 115 kts (213 km/h) |
| Range | — | 400 nm (741 km) |
| Max Gross Weight | — | 3,300 lbs (1,497 kg) |
| Useful Load | — | 2,000 lbs (907 kg) |
| TBO | — | 1,500 hrs |
| Engines | — | 1 x Piston |
Which Should You Buy: Piper Brave or Cessna 188?
Bottom line: Choose by hopper capacity, support and condition — the Brave offers strong capacity in the piston-ag class; the 188 has a larger fleet and broader parts support. For turbine-class capacity, step up to a purpose-built turboprop ag aircraft instead.
Pick the Brave if…
Pick the 188 if…
Auto-generated from current market data and published specs. Confirm with a pre-buy inspection and professional appraisal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Piper Brave or Cessna 188?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The 188 cruises at 115 kts with 400 nm range.
Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Piper Brave and Cessna 188?
188 engine: Continental O-470-R (300 hp).
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?
188: 1 seats / 2,000 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?
188: 1,500-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