Luscombe 8A vs Piper Tomahawk
Live Market Snapshot
Current asking-price market, aggregated across multiple marketplaces · refreshed daily
Luscombe 8A
- For sale now
- 2
- Source marketplaces
- 2
- Model years available
- 1946–1946
Piper Tomahawk
- For sale now
- 8
- Listed on 2+ marketplaces
- 2
- Source marketplaces
- 4
- Model years available
- 1978–1979
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) | Luscombe 8A | Piper Tomahawk |
|---|---|---|
| All events | 216 | — |
| Serious | 20 | — |
| Fatal | 27 | — |
| Fatalities | 38 | — |
| % Fatal | 12% | — |
Full Specs Comparison
Swipe to see all specs
| Spec / Model | Luscombe 8A | Piper Tomahawk |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $25,000 | $34,816 – $67,511 |
| Category | Single Engine Piston | Single Engine Piston |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 2 | 2 |
| Horsepower | 65 HP | 112 HP |
| Cruise Speed | 90 kts (167 km/h) | 100 kts (185 km/h) |
| Range | 350 nm (648 km) | 468 nm (867 km) |
| Service Ceiling | 17,000 ft (5,182 m) | 13,000 ft (3,962 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | — | 1,670 lbs (758 kg) |
| Useful Load | 500 lbs (227 kg) | 550 lbs (249 kg) |
| Fuel Burn | 4.5 GPH (17 L/h) | 6.0 GPH (23 L/h) |
| Engines | 1 x Piston | 1 x Piston |
Which Should You Buy: Luscombe 8A or Piper Tomahawk?
Pick the 8A if…
- Budget matters — from $25,000 vs $34,816, you save ~$9,816.
Pick the Tomahawk if…
- Faster cruise — 100 kts vs 90 kts.
- Longer range — 468 nm vs 350 nm.
- More inventory — 9 listings vs 4.
Auto-generated from current market data and published specs. Confirm with a pre-buy inspection and professional appraisal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Luscombe 8A or Piper Tomahawk?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The 8A cruises at 90 kts with 350 nm range.
The Tomahawk cruises at 100 kts with 468 nm range.
Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Luscombe 8A: from $38,000.
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Luscombe 8A and Piper Tomahawk?
Cruise: 90 vs 100 kts.
Range: 350 vs 468 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?
8A: 2 seats / 500 lb useful load.
Tomahawk: 2 seats / 550 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?
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