North American AT-6C vs Nanchang CJ-6A
Live Market Snapshot
Current asking-price market, aggregated across multiple marketplaces · refreshed daily
North American AT-6C
- For sale now
- 1
- Source marketplaces
- 1
Nanchang CJ-6A
- For sale now
- 3
- Listed on 2+ marketplaces
- 1
- Source marketplaces
- 2
- Model years available
- 1979–2001
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) | North American AT-6C | Nanchang CJ-6A |
|---|---|---|
| All events | 8 | 6 |
| Serious | 0 | 2 |
| Fatal | 1 | 2 |
| Fatalities | 1 | 4 |
| % Fatal | 12% | 33% |
Full Specs Comparison
Swipe to see all specs
| Spec / Model | North American AT-6C | Nanchang CJ-6A |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $295,000 | $43,540 – $187,090 |
| Category | Warbirds | Warbirds |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 1 | 2 |
| Cruise Speed | 126 kts (233 km/h) | 160 kts (296 km/h) |
| Range | 634 nm (1,174 km) | 380 nm (704 km) |
| Max Gross Weight | 5,617 lbs (2,548 kg) | 3,086 lbs (1,400 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 Piston | 1 x Reciprocating |
Cost of Ownership
EstimateNorth American AT-6C
Nanchang CJ-6A
Fuel$99/hr
Variable$200/hr
Annual Fixed$20,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$60,000/yr
Which Should You Buy: North American AT-6C or Nanchang CJ-6A?
Pick the AT-6C if…
- Longer range — 634 nm vs 380 nm.
Pick the CJ-6A if…
- Budget matters — from $43,540 vs $295,000, you save ~$251,460.
- More seats — 2 vs 1.
- Faster cruise — 160 kts vs 126 kts.
- More inventory — 3 listings vs 1.
Auto-generated from current market data and published specs. Confirm with a pre-buy inspection and professional appraisal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better, North American AT-6C or Nanchang CJ-6A?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The AT-6C cruises at 126 kts with 634 nm range.
The CJ-6A cruises at 160 kts with 380 nm range.
Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
North American AT-6C: from $295,000.
Nanchang CJ-6A: from $79,900.
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between North American AT-6C and Nanchang CJ-6A?
Seats: 1 vs 2.
Cruise: 126 vs 160 kts.
Range: 634 vs 380 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?
AT-6C: 1 seats.
CJ-6A: 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