Beechcraft Skipper Aircraft under $500,000

Under $500k for a piston single is the high-end price band — typically modern composite singles (Cirrus SR22/SR22T from mid-2000s+), late-model Bonanza or Mooney with full glass, low-time airframes with current engine status and full mandate compliance. Highest acquisition cost in piston class but lowest pre-buy discovery risk.

The Beechcraft Skipper (Model 77) is a simple two-seat trainer with docile handling, built to compete with the Cessna 152 and Piper Tomahawk. It is an inexpensive first airplane and time-builder. Check for corrosion and engine condition typical of trainer aircraft.

Beechcraft Skipper aircraft for sale

4 used Beechcraft Skipper aircraft for sale under $500,000 · 2-seat · Reference price ~$55,000 ($35,000–$85,000) · updated 17 hours ago

Beechcraft Skipper Specifications

Model spec

The Beechcraft Skipper is a 2-seat single engine piston with a cruise speed of 105 kt (194 km/h), a range of 400 nm (741 km), and a useful load of 550 lbs (249 kg).

Performance
Cruise105 kt (194 km/h)
Range400 nm (741 km)
Service Ceiling12,900 ft (3,932 m)
Engine & Fuel
EngineLycoming O-235
Horsepower115 HP
Fuel Burn6.0 GPH (23 L/h)
TBO2,400 hrs
ICAO TypeBE77
Weights & Seats
Seats2
Useful Load550 lbs (249 kg)
Production1979–1983

Beechcraft Skipper for Sale

Beechcraft Skipper asking prices range from $25,500 to $98,700, with a median of $74,700 (market reference $55,000).

1981 Beechcraft Skipper

1981 Beechcraft Skipper for sale
$25,500
For Sale
Total Time 3,200
Reg# TF-BEZ
Location Reykjavik, Iceland
Via Gjonson Contact
Listed 2mo ago

1980 Beechcraft Skipper

1980 Beechcraft Skipper for sale
$59,900
For Sale
Total Time 1,944
Reg# N3812U US
Location PA USA
Via Virtual Airplane Broker LLC
Listed 1mo ago

1980 Beechcraft Skipper

1980 Beechcraft Skipper for sale
$89,500
For Sale
Total Time 1,190
Reg# N67217 US
Location Pompano, FL
Via Robert Booth
Listed 2mo ago

1981 Beechcraft Skipper

1981 Beechcraft Skipper for sale
$98,700
For Sale
Total Time 7,300
Reg# N1804R US
Location Fairfield, NJ
Listed 1mo ago

Compare Beechcraft Skipper

See how the Beechcraft Skipper stacks up against similar aircraft in specs, price, and operating costs.

Beechcraft Skipper vs Piper Tomahawk

Beechcraft Skipper Price & Cost

How much does a Beechcraft Skipper cost? Used Skipper prices: $25K – $98K, average $68K (median $74K); market reference $55K, across 4 priced of 4 active listings.

Beechcraft Skipper Price Guide

Key price factors: engine time to overhaul, year and airframe hours, avionics, damage history and logbook completeness — see the buying guide below for the full pre-purchase checklist.

Beechcraft Skipper Cost of Ownership estimate
Fuel (6.0 GPH × $6.20, 100 hrs)$3,720/yr
Estimates at 100 flight hours/year. Actual costs vary by usage, location and insurance.
Buying guides: Buyer's Guide | Financing Guide | Pre-Buy Inspection

Buying a Used Beechcraft Skipper

Buying a Beechcraft Skipper comes down to a focused pre-purchase checklist — here is what matters most on this model:

What to check before buying

The cost driver is age, training use, and parts/support availability. Corrosion, engine history, old avionics, landing gear wear, logs, and mechanic familiarity decide whether the low-cost trainer idea holds up.

Frequently Asked Questions — Beechcraft Skipper

What is the Beechcraft Skipper?
The Skipper is the Beechcraft Model 77 — a two-seat, fixed-gear primary trainer with a T-tail, built in the late 1970s and early 1980s as a low-cost entry-level Beechcraft trainer, part of the broader Musketeer family.
How much does a Beechcraft Skipper cost?
As an entry-level two-seat trainer, the Skipper is among the most affordable Beechcraft aircraft. Prices vary with engine time, avionics and condition. See the live price range and median above.
How many seats does the Beechcraft Skipper have?
Two, side by side.
What engine does the Beechcraft Skipper use?
A Lycoming O-235 engine, the same family used in several common two-seat trainers, keeping operating cost low.
Is the Beechcraft Skipper a good trainer?
Yes — the Skipper is a stable, forgiving and economical two-seat primary trainer with a distinctive T-tail. Condition and engine time drive value.
What is the difference between the Skipper and the Musketeer?
The Skipper is a two-seat trainer, while the Musketeer, Sundowner and Sierra are four-seat models. All are part of Beechcraft's family of low-cost training and touring singles.
Is the Beechcraft Skipper still in production?
No — the Skipper was built in the late 1970s and early 1980s. It is supported by the Beechcraft and Lycoming parts networks.

Beechcraft Skipper Inventory by Country

United States4
Iceland1

Beechcraft Skipper by Price

Under $100k5
Under $200k5
Under $300k5
Under $500k5

Beechcraft Skipper by Decade

1980s4

Recently Sold Beechcraft Skipper

1981 Skipper$33,700

Beechcraft Skipper Safety Record

No NTSB events on record for the Beechcraft Skipper. Individual aircraft safety records may be available on detail pages.

Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database

Disclaimer: All prices, cost estimates, and market values shown are based on asking prices from third-party sources and are provided for informational purposes only. AeroGurus is not an appraiser, broker, or financial advisor. Always obtain a professional appraisal and independent inspection before making a purchase decision.
Listings last refreshed 17 hours ago · Data: FAA Registry, NTSB · About our data