Waco UPF-7 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.
3 used Waco UPF-7 aircraft for sale under $500,000 · 2-seat · $128K – $285K · 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 Specifications
Model specThe Waco UPF-7 is a 2-seat single engine piston.
3 Waco UPF-7 For Sale
There are currently 3 used Waco UPF-7 for sale, ranging from $128,000 to $285,000, with a median asking price of $259,000.
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: $128K – $285K, average $224K (median $259K), across 3 priced of 3 active listings.
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.
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?
What are the ownership realities of a WACO UPF-7?
Waco UPF-7 Inventory by Country
| United States | 2 |
Waco UPF-7 by Price
| Under $200k | 1 |
| Under $300k | 2 |
| Under $500k | 2 |
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. |
NTSB records 1982–2024. Includes all Waco UPF-7 variants. Events ≠ aircraft fault.