Beechcraft Skipper vs Piper Tomahawk

The Piper Tomahawk (PA-38) and Beechcraft Skipper (BE-77) are near-identical-concept late-1970s two-seat trainers — both low-wing, T-tail, two-seat primary trainers introduced to challenge the Cessna 150/152.

Live Market Snapshot

Current asking-price market, aggregated across multiple marketplaces · refreshed daily

Beechcraft Skipper
For sale now
4
Source marketplaces
3
Model years available
1980–1981
Piper Tomahawk
For sale now
8
Listed on 2+ marketplaces
2
Source marketplaces
4
Model years available
1978–1979

Live data from AeroGurus, aggregated daily across the used-aircraft market. Figures are current asking prices, not appraisals — confirm with a pre-buy inspection.

Full Specs Comparison

Swipe to see all specs
Spec / Model Beechcraft Skipper Piper Tomahawk
Beechcraft Skipper
View 4 listings →
Median $77,200
Piper Tomahawk
View 8 listings →
Median $46,856
Price Range $31,410 – $97,320 $34,816 – $67,511
Category Single Engine Piston Single Engine Piston
Model Specifications
Seats 2
Horsepower 115 HP
Cruise Speed 105 kts (194 km/h) 100 kts (185 km/h)
Range 400 nm (741 km) 468 nm (867 km)
Max Gross Weight 1,670 lbs (758 kg)
Useful Load 550 lbs (249 kg)
TBO 2,400 hrs
Engines 1 x Piston

Which Should You Buy: Beechcraft Skipper or Piper Tomahawk?

Bottom line: Choose by fleet and parts availability — the Tomahawk had the larger production run and support base; the Skipper is rarer. Both offer roomy low-wing trainer cabins; condition and parts access on the specific airframe should decide. ================================================================ # CLASSICS / CUBS / AG (10) [Сем 2026-06-05] ================================================================ # 🚩 rival-слаги для Ігора звірити: cubcrafters-carbon-cub·aviat-husky·aeronca-champ·taylorcraft-bc-12·stinson-108·cessna-188·grumman-ag-cat·air-tractor-at-502

Pick the Skipper if…

  • Budget matters — from $31,410 vs $34,816, you save ~$3,406.
  • Faster cruise — 105 kts vs 100 kts.

Pick the Tomahawk if…

  • Longer range — 468 nm vs 400 nm.
  • More inventory — 8 listings vs 4.

Auto-generated from current market data and published specs. Confirm with a pre-buy inspection and professional appraisal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is better, Beechcraft Skipper or Piper Tomahawk?
It depends on your mission and budget. The Skipper cruises at 105 kts with 400 nm range. The Tomahawk cruises at 100 kts with 468 nm range. Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Beechcraft Skipper: from $98,700. Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Beechcraft Skipper and Piper Tomahawk?
Skipper engine: Lycoming O-235 (115 hp). Cruise: 105 vs 100 kts. Range: 400 vs 468 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
Variable cost includes fuel, reserves and overhaul accruals. Annual fixed costs (hangar, insurance, annual inspection) add to the total.
Which has more seats and useful load?
Skipper: 2 seats / 550 lb useful load. Useful load = max gross weight minus empty weight; it determines how much fuel plus payload you can carry.
How does maintenance compare — TBO and overhaul cost?
Skipper: 2,400-hour TBO. Reaching the time-between-overhaul (TBO) triggers a mandatory engine/airframe rebuild that affects resale value.
Disclaimer: All prices and cost estimates are from third-party sources for informational purposes only. Always obtain professional appraisal and inspection before purchase.
Prices updated daily · Data: FAA Registry, NTSB · About our data