Nanchang CJ-6A vs Yakovlev Yak-52

The Nanchang CJ-6 and Yakovlev Yak-52 are the two classic affordable radial-engined ex-military trainers — the CJ-6 a Chinese tandem trainer, the Yak-52 a more aerobatic Soviet design with a larger flying fleet in the West.

Live Market Snapshot

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

Nanchang CJ-6A
For sale now
3
Listed on 2+ marketplaces
1
Source marketplaces
2
Model years available
1979–2001
Yakovlev Yak-52
For sale now
21
Median asking
$75,659
Range
$39,618–$122,970
Listed on 2+ marketplaces
7
Source marketplaces
7
Model years available
1980–2001

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)Nanchang CJ-6AYakovlev Yak-52
All events64
Serious20
Fatal23
Fatalities43
% Fatal33%75%
View full Nanchang CJ-6A NTSB record →View full Yakovlev Yak-52 NTSB record →

Full Specs Comparison

Swipe to see all specs
Spec / Model Nanchang CJ-6A Yakovlev Yak-52
Nanchang CJ-6A
View 3 listings →
Median $79,900
 Yakovlev Yak-52
View 18 listings →
Median $75,659
Price Range $43,540 – $187,090 $39,618 – $122,970
Category Warbirds Warbirds
Model Specifications
Seats 2 2
Cruise Speed 160 kts (296 km/h) 100 kts (185 km/h)
Range 380 nm (704 km) 300 nm (556 km)
Max Gross Weight 3,086 lbs (1,400 kg) 2,877 lbs (1,305 kg)
Fuel Burn 18.0 GPH (68 L/h) —
TBO 1,500 hrs —
Overhaul Cost $45,000 —
Annual Fixed $20,000 —
Hourly Variable $200 —
Engines 1 x Reciprocating 1 x Piston

Cost of Ownership

Estimate

Nanchang CJ-6A

Fuel$99/hr
Variable$200/hr
Annual Fixed$20,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr) $60,000/yr

Yakovlev Yak-52

Which Should You Buy: Nanchang CJ-6A or Yakovlev Yak-52?

Bottom line: Choose the Yak-52 for stronger aerobatic capability and a bigger Western support/parts base; choose the CJ-6 for relaxed radial character, comfort and often lower cost. Yak-52 = aerobatic/support; CJ-6 = relaxed/value.

Pick the CJ-6A if…

  • Faster cruise — 160 kts vs 100 kts.
  • Longer range — 380 nm vs 300 nm.

Pick the Yak-52 if…

  • Budget matters — from $39,618 vs $43,540, you save ~$3,922.
  • Newer design — production from 1974 vs 1971.
  • More inventory — 18 listings vs 3.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is better, Nanchang CJ-6A or Yakovlev Yak-52?
It depends on your mission and budget. The CJ-6A cruises at 160 kts with 380 nm range. The Yak-52 cruises at 100 kts with 300 nm range. Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Nanchang CJ-6A: from $79,900. Yakovlev Yak-52: from $129,900. Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Nanchang CJ-6A and Yakovlev Yak-52?
Yak-52 engine: Vedeneyev M-14P. Cruise: 160 vs 100 kts. Range: 380 vs 300 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
CJ-6A: about $200/hr variable cost. 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?
CJ-6A: 2 seats. Yak-52: 2 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?
CJ-6A: 1,500-hour TBO, overhaul ~$45,000. 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