Nanchang CJ-6A vs Fairchild PT-23
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
Fairchild PT-23
- For sale now
- 1
- Source marketplaces
- 1
- Model years available
- 1942–1942
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-6A | Fairchild PT-23 |
|---|---|---|
| All events | 6 | 1 |
| Serious | 2 | 1 |
| Fatal | 2 | 0 |
| Fatalities | 4 | 0 |
| % Fatal | 33% | 0% |
Full Specs Comparison
Swipe to see all specs
| Spec / Model | Nanchang CJ-6A | Fairchild PT-23 |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $43,540 – $187,090 | $65,000 |
| Category | Warbirds | Warbirds |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 2 | 1 |
| Cruise Speed | 160 kts (296 km/h) | 103 kts (191 km/h) |
| Range | 380 nm (704 km) | 278 nm (515 km) |
| Max Gross Weight | 3,086 lbs (1,400 kg) | 2,900 lbs (1,315 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
EstimateNanchang CJ-6A
Fuel$99/hr
Variable$200/hr
Annual Fixed$20,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$60,000/yr
Fairchild PT-23
Which Should You Buy: Nanchang CJ-6A or Fairchild PT-23?
Pick the CJ-6A if…
- Budget matters — from $43,540 vs $65,000, you save ~$21,460.
- More seats — 2 vs 1.
- Faster cruise — 160 kts vs 103 kts.
- Longer range — 380 nm vs 278 nm.
- More inventory — 3 listings vs 1.
Pick the PT-23 if…
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 Fairchild PT-23?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The CJ-6A cruises at 160 kts with 380 nm range.
The PT-23 cruises at 103 kts with 278 nm range.
Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Nanchang CJ-6A: from $79,900.
Fairchild PT-23: from $65,000.
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Nanchang CJ-6A and Fairchild PT-23?
Seats: 2 vs 1.
Cruise: 160 vs 103 kts.
Range: 380 vs 278 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.
PT-23: 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?
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