Piper Cherokee vs Taylorcraft DCO-65
Live Market Snapshot
Current asking-price market, aggregated across multiple marketplaces · re-checked on a rolling daily cycle
Piper Cherokee
- For sale now
- 602
- Median asking
- $116,400
- Range
- $59,948–$277,250
- Model years available
- 1961–2026
Taylorcraft DCO-65
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) | Piper Cherokee | Taylorcraft DCO-65 |
|---|---|---|
| All events | 1 | 19 |
| Serious | 0 | 3 |
| Fatal | 0 | 2 |
| Fatalities | 0 | 2 |
| % Fatal | 0% | 11% |
Full Specs Comparison
Swipe to see all specs
| Spec / Model | Piper Cherokee | Taylorcraft DCO-65 |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $59,948 – $277,250 | $64,500 – $69,500 |
| Category | Single Engine Piston | Single Engine Piston |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 4 | — |
| Horsepower | 150 HP | — |
| Cruise Speed | 117 kts (217 km/h) | — |
| Range | 525 nm (972 km) | — |
| Service Ceiling | 14,300 ft (4,359 m) | — |
| Max Gross Weight | 2,150 lbs (975 kg) | — |
| Useful Load | 850 lbs (386 kg) | — |
| Fuel Capacity | 50.0 gal (189 L) | — |
| Fuel Burn | 8.0 GPH (30 L/h) | — |
| TBO | 2,000 hrs | — |
| Overhaul Cost | $28,000 | — |
| Annual Fixed | $16,000 | — |
| Hourly Variable | $120 | — |
| Engines | 1 x Piston | — |
Cost of Ownership
EstimatePiper Cherokee
Fuel$44/hr
Variable$120/hr
Annual Fixed$16,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$40,000/yr
Taylorcraft DCO-65
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Piper Cherokee or Taylorcraft DCO-65?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The Cherokee cruises at 117 kts with 525 nm range.
Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Piper Cherokee: from $115,000.
Taylorcraft DCO-65: from $64,500.
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Piper Cherokee and Taylorcraft DCO-65?
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
Cherokee: about $120/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?
Cherokee: 4 seats / 850 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?
Cherokee: 2,000-hour TBO, overhaul ~$28,000.
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