Fairchild PT-26 vs North American AT-6
Live Market Snapshot
Current asking-price market, aggregated across multiple marketplaces · refreshed daily
Fairchild PT-26
- For sale now
- 2
- Source marketplaces
- 2
- Model years available
- 1943–1943
North American AT-6
- For sale now
- 2
- Source marketplaces
- 2
- Model years available
- 1940–1957
Live data from AeroGurus, aggregated daily across the used-aircraft market. Figures are current asking prices, not appraisals — confirm with a pre-buy inspection.
Safety Record
Absolute counts scale with fleet size — the most-produced types log more events without being less safe. Compare the % fatal.
| NTSB (1982–now) | Fairchild PT-26 | North American AT-6 |
|---|---|---|
| All events | 1 | 68 |
| Serious | 0 | 3 |
| Fatal | 0 | 13 |
| Fatalities | 0 | 18 |
| % Fatal | 0% | 19% |
Full Specs Comparison
Swipe to see all specs
| Spec / Model | Fairchild PT-26 | North American AT-6 |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $81,300 – $122,700 | $166,155 – $278,745 |
| Category | Warbirds | Warbirds |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 1 | 1 |
| Cruise Speed | 99 kts (183 km/h) | 126 kts (233 km/h) |
| Range | 450 nm (833 km) | 630 nm (1,167 km) |
| Max Gross Weight | 2,741 lbs (1,243 kg) | 5,617 lbs (2,548 kg) |
| Engines | 1 x Piston | 1 x Piston |
Which Should You Buy: Fairchild PT-26 or North American AT-6?
Pick the PT-26 if…
- Budget matters — from $81,300 vs $166,155, you save ~$84,855.
Pick the AT-6 if…
- Faster cruise — 126 kts vs 99 kts.
- Longer range — 630 nm vs 450 nm.
Auto-generated from current market data and published specs. Confirm with a pre-buy inspection and professional appraisal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Fairchild PT-26 or North American AT-6?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The PT-26 cruises at 99 kts with 450 nm range.
The AT-6 cruises at 126 kts with 630 nm range.
Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Fairchild PT-26: from $79,000.
North American AT-6: from $285,000.
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Fairchild PT-26 and North American AT-6?
Cruise: 99 vs 126 kts.
Range: 450 vs 630 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?
PT-26: 1 seats.
AT-6: 1 seats.
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?
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