Cessna O-2A Aircraft (Military Skymaster)

The Cessna O-2A is the military version of the 337 Skymaster — a centerline-thrust twin with one engine in the nose and one in the tail, used by the US military for forward air control, observation and liaison. Many surplus O-2s have passed into civilian and warbird ownership, where they are valued for their military heritage and the Skymaster's easy engine-out handling. See the live price range and median above for the Cessna O-2A listings currently on the market.

Cessna O-2A aircraft for sale

1 used Cessna O-2A aircraft for sale · 2-seat · Reference price ~$220,000 ($120,000–$450,000) · updated 2026-07-10

Cessna O-2A Specifications

Model spec

The Cessna O-2A is a 2-seat single engine piston with a cruise speed of 144 kt (267 km/h), a range of 800 nm (1,482 km), and a useful load of 1,400 lbs (635 kg).

Performance
Cruise144 kt (267 km/h)
Max Speed150 kt (278 km/h)
Range800 nm (1,482 km)
Service Ceiling18,000 ft (5,486 m)
Engine & Fuel
EngineCONTINENTAL IO-360C;IO-360D
Horsepower210 HP
Fuel Capacity80.0 gal (303 L)
Fuel Burn22.0 GPH (83 L/h)
TBO1,500 hrs
ICAO TypeC337
Weights & Seats
Seats2
Max Gross Weight5,400 lbs (2,449 kg)
Useful Load1,400 lbs (635 kg)
Production1967–1970

Cessna O-2A for Sale

1968 Cessna O-2A

1968 Cessna O-2A for sale
Contact for Price
On Request
Total Time 2,950
Reg# N409TH US
Location Prague, Czech Republic
Via AIRTRADE Contact
Listed 2mo ago

Compare Cessna O-2A

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Cessna O-2A Price & Cost

Cessna O-2A 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.

Cessna O-2A Cost of Ownership estimate
Fuel (22.0 GPH × $6.20, 100 hrs)$13,640/yr
Annual Fixed (hangar, insurance, annual)$25,000/yr
Variable (per hour)$260/hr
Engine Overhaul (every 1,500 hrs)$30,000
Estimates at 100 flight hours/year. Actual costs vary by usage, location and insurance.

The O-2A's two IO-360s burn approximately 22 gph combined - twin-engine economics at light-twin fuel burn. Annual inspection covers both engines, their systems, and the aft (pusher) engine's installation. Military-specification parts may require sourcing through specialized surplus suppliers where they differ from the civilian 337 fleet. Collector-aircraft operating costs are driven by owner decisions about airshow use, restoration, and preservation level.

Buying guides: Buyer's Guide | Financing Guide | Pre-Buy Inspection

Buying a Used Cessna O-2A

Buying a Cessna O-2A comes down to a focused pre-purchase checklist — here is what matters most on this model:

What to check before buying

The Cessna O-2A is a military push-pull twin - two Continental IO-360 engines (about 210 hp each, one fore and one aft on the centerline), two seats and fixed tricycle gear, cruising around 144 knots. Originally a militarized Cessna 337 Skymaster built for the US Air Force as a Forward Air Control platform in the Vietnam era, it is now found in civilian hands as a warbird and collector aircraft.

Centerline-thrust push-pull configuration. Like all 337-family aircraft, the O-2A places both engines on the centerline - one ahead of the cabin, one behind. Losing either engine produces no asymmetric thrust and none of the strong yaw that makes a conventional twin demanding on engine failure. This was operationally valuable for single-pilot military FAC missions, and is the same safety feature that distinguishes every Skymaster-family aircraft from a conventional light twin.

Military-surplus civilian ownership. The O-2A carries military history and documentation. Civilian buyers acquire O-2As as warbird collector aircraft, not utility transport. Ownership requires confirming the aircraft's civil airworthiness status, sourcing military-specification parts where they differ from civilian 337 parts, and finding mechanics familiar with the militarized variant.

Buy it if you want a warbird-category Cessna push-pull twin with military heritage - understanding it is a collector and history aircraft, not utility transport, and that its maintenance context differs from the civilian 337 Skymaster.

Frequently Asked Questions — Cessna O-2A

What is the Cessna O-2A?
The O-2A is the military version of the 337 Skymaster — a centerline-thrust twin with one engine in the nose and one in the tail, used by the US military for forward air control, observation and liaison.
What was the Cessna O-2 used for?
The O-2 was used for forward air control, observation, liaison and psychological-operations roles, taking advantage of the Skymaster's twin-engine reliability and good visibility.
How much does a Cessna O-2A cost?
As a military-heritage warbird, O-2A prices vary with condition, provenance, engine times and configuration. See the live price range and median above.
How is the O-2A different from the civilian 337?
The O-2A is based on the civil 337 Skymaster but was equipped for military roles. Many surplus O-2s are now privately owned and flown as warbirds alongside civil Skymasters.
What engines does the Cessna O-2A use?
Two Continental piston engines in a push-pull centerline arrangement, like the civil Skymaster.
Can you own a Cessna O-2A as a civilian?
Yes — many surplus O-2s are privately owned and flown as warbirds, valued for their military heritage and the Skymaster's easy engine-out handling.
Is the Cessna O-2A still in production?
No — the O-2 and the civil Skymaster ended production decades ago. They are supported by a used fleet and parts network.

Cessna O-2A Inventory by Country

Czechia1

Cessna O-2A by Decade

1960s1

Cessna O-2A Safety Record

Across all O-2A variants, 1 NTSB-recorded events are on file from 1993–1993. As with any aircraft, most outcomes depend on pilot training, maintenance and operating conditions rather than the airframe itself.

1

Total Events

1

Incidents

0

Serious

0

Fatal

Most Recent Events

Date Location Severity Probable Cause
Oct 01, 1993 TUCSON, AZ Incident was the partial loss of engine power during initial climb due to partial clogging of the engine's fuel injectors. Blocka…

NTSB records 1993–1993. Includes all Cessna O-2A variants. Events ≠ aircraft fault.

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 2026-07-10 · Data: FAA Registry, NTSB · About our data