Beechcraft Staggerwing Aircraft in California

California's diverse terrain (coastal, high-desert, mountain) makes it a strong test market for high-performance and turbocharged aircraft. Significant GA infrastructure spans LA Basin, SF Bay Area, San Diego and Central Valley. Coastal flying demands attention to corrosion; mountain flying needs hot-and-high training.

The Beechcraft Staggerwing (Model 17) is the iconic 1930s negative-stagger biplane — arguably the most beautiful aircraft ever built. Produced 1933-1948, fewer than 800 made. Radial engine, four-to-five seats in a fully enclosed cabin, retractable gear (one of the first such designs), and the distinctive backward-staggered wings. The Staggerwing is a prized collector aircraft and one of the most valuable on the vintage market — restored examples command serious money.

Beechcraft Staggerwing aircraft for sale

2 used Beechcraft Staggerwing aircraft for sale in California · 5-seat · Reference price ~$475,000 ($300,000–$800,000) · updated yesterday

Beechcraft Staggerwing Specifications

Model spec

The Beechcraft Staggerwing is a 5-seat single engine piston with a cruise speed of 180 kt (333 km/h), a range of 750 nm (1,389 km), and a useful load of 1,100 lbs (499 kg).

Performance
Cruise180 kt (333 km/h)
Range750 nm (1,389 km)
Service Ceiling20,000 ft (6,096 m)
Engine & Fuel
EnginePratt & Whitney R-985
Horsepower450 HP
Fuel Burn22.0 GPH (83 L/h)
TBO1,500 hrs
ICAO TypeBE17
Weights & Seats
Seats5
Max Gross Weight4,250 lbs (1,928 kg)
Useful Load1,100 lbs (499 kg)
Production1937–1948

Beechcraft Staggerwing for Sale

Beechcraft Staggerwing asking prices range from $289,000 to $575,000, with a median of $432,000 (market reference $475,000).

1943 Beechcraft Staggerwing

1943 Beechcraft Staggerwing for sale
$289,000
For Sale
Total Time 4,366
Reg# N67736 US
Location Redondo Beach, CA
Via Platinum Fighter Sales
Multiple sources

Beechcraft Staggerwing

Beechcraft Staggerwing for sale
$575,000
For Sale
Total Time 3,241
Reg# N16GD US
Location Marysville, CA
Via Eric Nelson
Multiple sources
Listed 1mo ago

Compare Beechcraft Staggerwing

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

Beechcraft Staggerwing vs Howard DGA-15P

Beechcraft Staggerwing Price & Cost

How much does a Beechcraft Staggerwing cost? Used Staggerwing prices: $289K – $575K, average $432K (median $432K); market reference $475K, across 2 priced of 2 active listings.

Beechcraft Staggerwing 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 Staggerwing Cost of Ownership estimate
Fuel (22.0 GPH × $6.20, 100 hrs)$13,640/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 Staggerwing

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

What to check before buying

Radial engine; fabric and wood structure (specialist restoration); retractable-gear condition; provenance/restoration documentation; logbooks (a Staggerwing's value is bound to its history). FAQ: Cost {{median}} (very wide range — restored vs project). Why so beautiful? (Negative-stagger biplane). Restoration. Beech 17 history.

Frequently Asked Questions — Beechcraft Staggerwing

What is the Beechcraft Staggerwing?
The Staggerwing is the Beechcraft Model 17, a 1930s cabin biplane and the company's first product. It was a fast, luxurious aircraft for its time, and is now a celebrated vintage collector aircraft.
Why is it called the Staggerwing?
The name comes from its negative wing stagger — the lower wing is positioned ahead of the upper wing, the reverse of most biplanes. This arrangement improved the pilot's visibility and the aircraft's handling.
What is the difference between the D17 and D17S?
D17 is a major production series of the Model 17 Staggerwing; the D17S is the version powered by the Pratt & Whitney R-985 radial engine. Both are negative-stagger cabin biplanes.
How much does a Beechcraft Staggerwing cost?
As a rare, restored vintage biplane, Staggerwing prices depend heavily on condition, originality and provenance. See the live price range and median above.
How many seats does the Staggerwing have?
The Model 17 Staggerwing is a cabin biplane typically seating four to five, unusually comfortable and enclosed for a 1930s biplane.
Is the Beechcraft Staggerwing still flying?
Yes — a number of restored Staggerwings remain airworthy and are flown and displayed by collectors and museums as one of the iconic aircraft of the golden age of aviation.
What engine does the Staggerwing use?
Most Staggerwings, including the D17S, use a Pratt & Whitney R-985 Wasp Junior radial engine; some earlier variants used other radials of the period.

Beechcraft Staggerwing Inventory by Country

United States4
Lffq1

Beechcraft Staggerwing Inventory by State

California2

Beechcraft Staggerwing by Price

Under $300k2
Under $500k2

Beechcraft Staggerwing Safety Record

No NTSB events on record for the Beechcraft Staggerwing. 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 yesterday · Data: FAA Registry, NTSB · About our data