Republic RC-3 vs Lake LA-4-200 Buccaneer
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) | Republic RC-3 | Lake LA-4-200 Buccaneer |
|---|---|---|
| All events | 29 | — |
| Serious | 6 | — |
| Fatal | 4 | — |
| Fatalities | 6 | — |
| % Fatal | 14% | — |
Full Specs Comparison
Swipe to see all specs
| Spec / Model | Republic RC-3 | Lake LA-4-200 Buccaneer |
|---|---|---|
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| Price Range | $141,401 – $235,000 | — |
| Category | — | — |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 4 | — |
| Cruise Speed | — | 105 kts (194 km/h) |
| Range | — | 717 nm (1,328 km) |
| Max Gross Weight | — | 2,690 lbs (1,220 kg) |
| Fuel Burn | 12.0 GPH (45 L/h) | — |
| TBO | 1,500 hrs | — |
| Overhaul Cost | $30,000 | — |
| Annual Fixed | $15,000 | — |
| Hourly Variable | $150 | — |
| Engines | 1 x Reciprocating | — |
Cost of Ownership
EstimateRepublic RC-3
Fuel$66/hr
Variable$150/hr
Annual Fixed$15,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$45,000/yr
Lake LA-4-200 Buccaneer
Which Should You Buy: Republic RC-3 or Lake LA-4-200 Buccaneer?
Pick the RC-3 if…
Pick the LA-4-200 Buccaneer 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, Republic RC-3 or Lake LA-4-200 Buccaneer?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The LA-4-200 Buccaneer cruises at 105 kts with 717 nm range.
Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Republic RC-3 and Lake LA-4-200 Buccaneer?
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
RC-3: about $150/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?
RC-3: 4 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?
RC-3: 1,500-hour TBO, overhaul ~$30,000.
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