Douglas AD-4 Skyraider vs Beechcraft T-34 Mentor
Live Market Snapshot
Current asking-price market, aggregated across multiple marketplaces · refreshed daily
Douglas AD-4 Skyraider
- For sale now
- 2
- Listed on 2+ marketplaces
- 2
- Source marketplaces
- 2
- Model years available
- 1951–1952
Beechcraft T-34 Mentor
- For sale now
- 8
- Listed on 2+ marketplaces
- 2
- Source marketplaces
- 5
- Model years available
- 1952–1984
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
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| Spec / Model | Douglas AD-4 Skyraider | Beechcraft T-34 Mentor |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $819,514 | $296,250 – $1,312,500 |
| Category | Warbirds | Warbirds |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 1 | 2 |
| Horsepower | — | 225 HP |
| Cruise Speed | 172 kts (319 km/h) | 150 kts (278 km/h) |
| Range | 1,144 nm (2,119 km) | 770 nm (1,426 km) |
| Max Gross Weight | 25,000 lbs (11,340 kg) | 2,950 lbs (1,338 kg) |
| Useful Load | — | 800 lbs (363 kg) |
| TBO | — | 1,700 hrs |
| Engines | 1 x Piston | 1 x Piston |
Which Should You Buy: Douglas AD-4 Skyraider or Beechcraft T-34 Mentor?
Pick the AD-4 Skyraider if…
- Faster cruise — 172 kts vs 150 kts.
- Longer range — 1144 nm vs 770 nm.
Pick the T-34 Mentor if…
- Budget matters — from $296,250 vs $819,514, you save ~$523,264.
- More seats — 2 vs 1.
- Newer design — production from 1953 vs 1951.
- More inventory — 8 listings vs 2.
Auto-generated from current market data and published specs. Confirm with a pre-buy inspection and professional appraisal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Douglas AD-4 Skyraider or Beechcraft T-34 Mentor?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The AD-4 Skyraider cruises at 172 kts with 1,144 nm range.
The T-34 Mentor cruises at 150 kts with 770 nm range.
Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Douglas AD-4 Skyraider: from $819,514.
Beechcraft T-34 Mentor: from $750,000.
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Douglas AD-4 Skyraider and Beechcraft T-34 Mentor?
AD-4 Skyraider engine: Wright R-3350-26W.
T-34 Mentor engine: Pratt & Whitney Canada J33-A-35 (225 hp).
Seats: 1 vs 2.
Cruise: 172 vs 150 kts.
Range: 1144 vs 770 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?
AD-4 Skyraider: 1 seats.
T-34 Mentor: 2 seats / 800 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?
T-34 Mentor: 1,700-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