Beechcraft Skipper vs Piper Tomahawk

The Piper Tomahawk and the Beechcraft Skipper are two two-seat trainers from the same era — both low-wing primary trainers designed to teach genuine stick-and-rudder and spin awareness. They are close rivals with small, loyal followings. Where each trades now is below.

Live Market Snapshot

Current asking-price market, aggregated across multiple marketplaces · re-checked on a rolling daily cycle

Beechcraft Skipper

For sale now: 5
Model years available: 1980–1981

Piper Tomahawk

For sale now: 8
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.

Full Specs Comparison

Swipe to see all specs

Spec / Model	Beechcraft Skipper	Piper Tomahawk
	View 4 listings → Median $64,900	View 8 listings → Median $52,466
Price Range	$32,380 – $96,060	$34,610 – $80,242
Category	Single Engine Piston	Single Engine Piston
Model Specifications
Seats	2	2
Horsepower	115 HP	112 HP
Cruise Speed	105 kts (194 km/h)	100 kts (185 km/h)
Range	400 nm (741 km)	468 nm (867 km)
Service Ceiling	12,900 ft (3,932 m)	13,000 ft (3,962 m)
Max Gross Weight	—	1,670 lbs (758 kg)
Useful Load	550 lbs (249 kg)	550 lbs (249 kg)
Fuel Burn	6.0 GPH (23 L/h)	6.0 GPH (23 L/h)
TBO	2,400 hrs	—
Engines	1 x Piston	1 x Piston

Which Should You Buy: Beechcraft Skipper or Piper Tomahawk?

Bottom line: Choose the Tomahawk for an honest, economical trainer — a low-cost two-seater that teaches stick-and-rudder skills, and the more common of the two. Choose the Skipper for the Beechcraft alternative — a similar low-wing trainer, rarer, with Beechcraft build. On safety both are benign primary trainers that reward proper spin and stall training; the difference is brand and availability, not safety. Common honest trainer, or the Beechcraft rarity.

Pick the Skipper if…

Budget matters — from $32,380 vs $34,610, you save ~$2,230.
Faster cruise — 105 kts vs 100 kts.

Pick the Tomahawk if…

Longer range — 468 nm vs 400 nm.
More inventory — 8 listings vs 4.

Auto-generated from current market data and published specs. Confirm with a pre-buy inspection and professional appraisal.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between the Tomahawk and Skipper?

Both are two-seat, low-wing primary trainers from the late 1970s — the Piper Tomahawk and the Beechcraft Skipper. They are very similar; the Tomahawk is more common, the Skipper rarer.

Which is more common?

The Tomahawk — built in larger numbers, so the used market and support are deeper. The Skipper is a less common alternative.

Are they good trainers?

Yes — both are honest, spin-capable primary trainers that teach real stick-and-rudder skills, best flown with quality instruction.

Which is better, Beechcraft Skipper or Piper Tomahawk?

It depends on your mission and budget. The Skipper cruises at 105 kts with 400 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?

Beechcraft Skipper: from $85,500. Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.

What's the difference between Beechcraft Skipper and Piper Tomahawk?

Skipper engine: Lycoming O-235 (115 hp). Cruise: 105 vs 100 kts. Range: 400 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?

Skipper: 2 seats / 550 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?

Skipper: 2,400-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 re-checked on a rolling cycle — most within a few days · Data: FAA Registry, NTSB · About our data