North American Aircraft
12 used North American aircraft listings · $159,900–$3,400,000 · last refreshed 39 min ago
About North American Aircraft Company
North American Aviation was one of the most important American aerospace manufacturers of the 20th century, responsible for some of the most celebrated military aircraft ever built. Founded in 1928, the company produced the P-51 Mustang, B-25 Mitchell, F-86 Sabre, T-6 Texan, and the X-15 rocket plane before merging with Rockwell International in 1967. Today, North American aircraft are prized in the warbird and vintage military market, with the T-6 Texan and SNJ variants being among the most commonly traded.
A flyable P-51 Mustang commands $2-4 million depending on provenance and condition, while T-6/SNJ trainers typically sell for $175,000-350,000. These aircraft require specialized maintenance knowledge, Pratt & Whitney R-1340 or R-1830 radial engine expertise, and access to increasingly scarce OEM parts. Buyers should budget 2-3 times the annual maintenance cost of a comparable piston single and maintain relationships with warbird-specialized shops.
North American Aircraft for Sale
Price $159,900–$3,400,000
North American Aircraft Price & Cost
How much does a North American aircraft cost? Current pricing for used North American aircraft (also known as North American choppers or North American helis) is broken down per model in the table below — covering acquisition price, hourly operating cost and overhaul cost.
| Type | Model | Used price range | Op cost / hr | Annual fixed | Overhaul cost | Listings for sale |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Warbirds | $159,900–$285,000 | — | — | — | 2 | |
| Warbirds | $265,000–$265,000 | — | — | — | 1 | |
| Warbirds | $295,000–$295,000 | — | — | — | 1 | |
| Warbirds | $355,000–$355,000 | — | — | — | 1 | |
| Warbirds | $220,000–$259,000 | — | — | — | 3 | |
| Warbirds | $950,000–$1,150,000 | — | — | — | 2 | |
| Warbirds | $3,400,000–$3,400,000 | — | — | — | 1 | |
| Warbirds | $275,000–$275,000 | — | — | — | 1 |
The cost of a North American aircraft depends on model, year, hours flown, avionics and condition. See operating costs and pre-buy checklist in the About section, or open a specific model page for a detailed price guide.
North American Models
North American Models — Specifications
Model specFrequently Asked Questions — North American
How much does a P-51 Mustang cost?
A restored, airworthy North American P-51 Mustang sells for $2-4.5 million, with historically significant examples exceeding $5 million. Even non-flying project Mustangs rarely drop below $1 million. The P-51 is the most iconic and sought-after WWII fighter, which drives prices relentlessly upward as the airworthy fleet shrinks. Annual operating costs run $50,000-$100,000 just to keep it airworthy. The Merlin engine overhaul alone costs $150,000+ and is needed every 300-700 hours. Warbird ownership is for passionate aviators, not budget-conscious buyers.
How much does a T-6 Texan cost to buy and operate?
The North American T-6 Texan (WWII-era military trainer) is the most accessible warbird for new warbird owners. Airworthy examples sell for $150,000-$250,000, well below fighter prices. The Pratt & Whitney R-1340 radial engine overhaul costs approximately $40,000. Fuel burn is 30-40 GPH of avgas at $6-9/gallon ($180-$360/hour in fuel alone). Hangar rental runs $500-$5,000/month; specialty warbird insurance costs $5,000-$50,000/year. The T-6 is the gateway warbird — it teaches radial engine management and tailwheel skills needed for fighters.
Can civilians buy and fly WWII warbirds?
Yes. Civilians can own and fly WWII-era military aircraft in the United States under FAA Experimental Exhibition or Limited airworthiness certificates. Requirements include: appropriate pilot ratings (usually commercial certificate minimum with tailwheel and high-performance endorsements), type-specific training from a qualified instructor, adequate insurance (not all companies insure warbirds), and a maintenance program with warbird-qualified mechanics. Organizations like the Commemorative Air Force and Warbird Heritage Foundation offer training and mentorship for new warbird owners.
What North American warbirds are most sought after?
The most valuable and sought-after North American Aviation warbirds are: P-51D Mustang ($2-5 million — the crown jewel of warbird collecting), B-25 Mitchell bomber ($1-3 million — surprisingly affordable for a twin-engine bomber), T-6 Texan ($150,000-$250,000 — the entry-level warbird), F-86 Sabre jet ($300,000-$800,000 — for jet-rated pilots), and the ultra-rare P-82 Twin Mustang (essentially priceless, only 1 airworthy). On AeroGurus, North American listings include T-6 Texans and other warbird types across various price ranges.
North American Inventory by Country
| United States | 31 |
| Canada | 3 |
| Argentina | 2 |
| France | 1 |
| United Kingdom | 1 |
| Norway | 1 |
Recently Sold North American
| American T28B Trojan Piston | $94,000 |
| 1944 American AT6 Harvard III | $305,896 |
| 1951 AT-6G | $275,000 |
| 1957 T28C | $219,000 |
| 1942 American SNJ 3 T6 Texan Harvard | $293,874 |
| 1946 American Navion | $100,184 |