Waco UPF-7 Aircraft under $200,000

Under $200k for a piston single is the mid-range price band — typically 1980s-2000s airframes, mid-life engines with reasonable run, GPS-equipped panels with ADS-B Out, often factory glass cockpit on modern variants (Cirrus G1/G2, Cessna 172 NAV-III). Solid value middle of the market.

1 used Waco UPF-7 aircraft for sale under $200,000 · 2-seat · from $128K · updated 2 hours ago

About the Waco UPF-7

The WACO UPF-7 is a classic two-seat open-cockpit biplane from the 1930s and 1940s, one of the most beloved vintage aircraft in American aviation. Burning approximately 16 gallons per hour, the UPF-7 offers the thrill of open-cockpit barnstorming. It appeals to warbird collectors, vintage aviation enthusiasts, and pilots who love the golden age of flight.

Waco UPF-7 helicopter for sale

Waco UPF-7 Specifications

Model spec

The Waco UPF-7 is a 2-seat single engine piston.

Engine & Fuel
Fuel Burn16.0 GPH (61 L/h)
TBO1,200 hrs
ICAO TypeWACF
Weights & Seats
Seats2
Max Gross Weight12,500 lbs (5,670 kg)
Production1941–1947

1 Waco UPF-7 For Sale

There are currently 1 used Waco UPF-7 for sale, ranging from $128,000 to $128,000, with a median asking price of $128,000.

$128,000
For Sale
Total Time 8,315
Reg# N32159 US
Location Petersburg, VA
4 sources
Listed 2mo ago

Compare Waco UPF-7

Detailed comparisons for the Waco UPF-7 are being prepared.

Browse all Waco models →

Waco UPF-7 Price & Cost

How much does a Waco UPF-7 cost? Used UPF-7 prices: from $128K, across 1 priced of 1 active listings.

Waco UPF-7 Price Guide
Market Deal RatingAeroGurus rating
Good Deal
33%
1
Overpriced
67%
2

Based on 3 priced listings.

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.

Waco UPF-7 Cost of Ownership estimate
Fuel (16.0 GPH × $6.20, 100 hrs)$9,920/yr
Annual Fixed (hangar, insurance, annual)$18,000/yr
Variable (per hour)$200/hr
Engine Overhaul (every 1,200 hrs)$40,000
Estimates at 100 flight hours/year. Actual costs vary by usage, location and insurance.

Buying a Used Waco UPF-7

Every Waco UPF-7 faces a mandatory 1,200-hour overhaul, so the single biggest factor in used price is how much time remains before that overhaul is due — a fresh-overhaul airframe can be worth a large share of the $40,000 overhaul cost more than one approaching its limit.

What to check before buying

  • Time to overhaul — hours and years remaining to the 1,200-hour limit; this dominates resale value more than total time.
  • Logbook completeness — continuous, gap-free maintenance records; missing logs cut value and complicate financing.
  • Damage history — any prior accident, hard landing or blade strike; cross-check the registration against accident databases.
  • Avionics — a glass panel vs steam gauges materially changes price.
  • Pre-buy inspection — always commission an independent inspection by a type-experienced mechanic before money changes hands.

Frequently Asked Questions — Waco UPF-7

What makes the WACO UPF-7 a prized biplane?
The WACO UPF-7 (1937-1942) is a classic American open-cockpit biplane powered by a Continental W-670 radial engine (220 hp). It was the primary civilian trainer of its era. Used prices of $80-180K for airworthy examples. The UPF-7 offers the quintessential barnstorming experience — tandem cockpits, round engine, and fabric-covered wings. Active WACO clubs provide excellent parts and maintenance support.
What are the ownership realities of a WACO UPF-7?
Radial engine maintenance requires specialist skills — the Continental W-670 needs pre-oiling, careful temperature management, and tolerant of oil consumption. Fabric covering requires periodic inspection and eventual recovering ($15-30K). Parts are available through specialty suppliers and WACO clubs. Annual costs run $5-10K. The UPF-7 is not practical transportation — it is a flying time machine that rewards hands-on owners.

Waco UPF-7 Inventory by Country

United States2

Waco UPF-7 by Price

Under $200k1
Under $300k2
Under $500k2

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Waco UPF-7 Safety Record

Across all UPF-7 variants, 45 NTSB-recorded events are on file from 1982–2024. As with any aircraft, most outcomes depend on pilot training, maintenance and operating conditions rather than the airframe itself.

Most Recent Events

Date Location Severity Probable Cause
Feb 24, 2024 Atlanta, GA Incident The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during the landing in gusting crosswind conditions.
Aug 20, 2023 Warrenton, VA Incident A ground loop during landing resulting from a partial separation of the right main landing gear strut during takeoff.
Aug 06, 2022 Erwinna, PA Minor The inability of both pilots to see and avoid the collision. Contributing to the accident was the pilot of the red airpl…
Mar 11, 2013 Paso Robles, CA Minor The pilot's failure to adequately compensate for crosswind conditions, which resulted in a loss of directional control d…
Aug 27, 2012 Jim Falls, WI Incident The blockage of the right fuel tank vent, which resulted in a total loss of engine power due to fuel starvation.
View all 45 NTSB events →

NTSB records 1982–2024. Includes all Waco UPF-7 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 2 hours ago · Data: FAA Registry, NTSB · About our data