Luscombe 8A vs Porterfield CP-65
Live Market Snapshot
Current asking-price market, aggregated across multiple marketplaces · re-checked on a rolling daily cycle
Luscombe 8A
- For sale now
- 4
- Model years available
- 1941–1947
Porterfield CP-65
- For sale now
- 2
- Model years available
- 1940–1940
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 | Porterfield CP-65 |
|---|---|---|
| All events | 216 | 3 |
| Serious | 20 | 0 |
| Fatal | 27 | 2 |
| Fatalities | 38 | 3 |
| % Fatal | 12% | 67% |
Full Specs Comparison
Swipe to see all specs
| Spec / Model | Luscombe 8A | Porterfield CP-65 |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $24,344 – $37,751 | $17,000 – $35,000 |
| Category | Single Engine Piston | Single Engine Piston |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 2 | 2 |
| Horsepower | 65 HP | 65 HP |
| Cruise Speed | 90 kts (167 km/h) | 85 kts (157 km/h) |
| Range | 350 nm (648 km) | 300 nm (556 km) |
| Service Ceiling | 17,000 ft (5,182 m) | 12,000 ft (3,658 m) |
| Useful Load | 500 lbs (227 kg) | 500 lbs (227 kg) |
| Fuel Burn | 4.5 GPH (17 L/h) | 4.5 GPH (17 L/h) |
| Engines | 1 x Piston | 1 x Piston |
Which Should You Buy: Luscombe 8A or Porterfield CP-65?
Pick the 8A if…
- Faster cruise — 90 kts vs 85 kts.
- Longer range — 350 nm vs 300 nm.
- More inventory — 4 listings vs 2.
Pick the CP-65 if…
- Budget matters — from $17,000 vs $24,344, you save ~$7,344.
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 Porterfield CP-65?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The 8A cruises at 90 kts with 350 nm range.
The CP-65 cruises at 85 kts with 300 nm range.
Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Luscombe 8A: from $38,000.
Porterfield CP-65: from $16,000.
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Luscombe 8A and Porterfield CP-65?
Cruise: 90 vs 85 kts.
Range: 350 vs 300 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.
CP-65: 2 seats / 500 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 re-checked on a rolling cycle — most within a few days · Data: FAA Registry, NTSB · About our data