Howard DGA-15P vs Beechcraft Staggerwing

The Howard DGA-15P and Beechcraft Staggerwing are golden-age radial cabin classics — the Howard a rugged, substantial high-wing cabin single; the Staggerwing the elegant, faster negative-stagger biplane and the blue-chip of the era.

Live Market Snapshot

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

Howard DGA-15P
For sale now
2
Source marketplaces
2
Model years available
1943–1943
Beechcraft Staggerwing
For sale now
4
Listed on 2+ marketplaces
3
Source marketplaces
3
Model years available
1943–1949

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 Howard DGA-15P Beechcraft Staggerwing
Howard DGA-15P
View 2 listings →
Median $249,250
Beechcraft Staggerwing
View 5 listings →
Median $289,000
Price Range $204,475 – $294,025 $244,810 – $726,400
Category Single Engine Piston Single Engine Piston
Model Specifications
Seats 1 1
Horsepower 450 HP
Cruise Speed 120 kts (222 km/h) 180 kts (333 km/h)
Range 750 nm (1,389 km)
Max Gross Weight 4,250 lbs (1,928 kg)
Useful Load 1,100 lbs (499 kg)
TBO 1,500 hrs
Engines 1 x Piston 1 x Piston

Which Should You Buy: Howard DGA-15P or Beechcraft Staggerwing?

Bottom line: Choose the Staggerwing for elegance, speed and top-tier collector prestige (and price). Choose the Howard DGA-15P for rugged, roomy radial-cabin character at lower acquisition cost — a substantial, characterful golden-age classic.

Pick the DGA-15P if…

  • Budget matters — from $204,475 vs $244,810, you save ~$40,335.

Pick the Staggerwing if…

  • Faster cruise — 180 kts vs 120 kts.
  • More inventory — 5 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, Howard DGA-15P or Beechcraft Staggerwing?
It depends on your mission and budget. The DGA-15P cruises at 120 kts. The Staggerwing cruises at 180 kts with 750 nm range. Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Howard DGA-15P: from $199,500. Beechcraft Staggerwing: from $239,900. Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Howard DGA-15P and Beechcraft Staggerwing?
Staggerwing engine: Pratt & Whitney R-985 (450 hp). Cruise: 120 vs 180 kts.
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?
DGA-15P: 1 seats. Staggerwing: 1 seats / 1,100 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?
Staggerwing: 1,500-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