Stinson L-5 vs Fairchild PT-26
Live Market Snapshot
Current asking-price market, aggregated across multiple marketplaces · refreshed daily
Stinson L-5
- For sale now
- 1
- Source marketplaces
- 1
- Model years available
- 1944–1944
Fairchild PT-26
- For sale now
- 2
- Source marketplaces
- 2
- Model years available
- 1943–1943
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) | Stinson L-5 | Fairchild PT-26 |
|---|---|---|
| All events | 13 | 1 |
| Serious | 0 | 0 |
| Fatal | 1 | 0 |
| Fatalities | 1 | 0 |
| % Fatal | 8% | 0% |
Full Specs Comparison
Swipe to see all specs
| Spec / Model | Stinson L-5 | Fairchild PT-26 |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $78,000 | $81,300 – $122,700 |
| Category | Warbirds | Warbirds |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 1 | 1 |
| Cruise Speed | 87 kts (161 km/h) | 99 kts (183 km/h) |
| Range | 326 nm (604 km) | 450 nm (833 km) |
| Max Gross Weight | 2,250 lbs (1,021 kg) | 2,741 lbs (1,243 kg) |
| Engines | 1 x Piston | 1 x Piston |
Which Should You Buy: Stinson L-5 or Fairchild PT-26?
Pick the L-5 if…
- Budget matters — from $78,000 vs $81,300, you save ~$3,300.
Pick the PT-26 if…
- Faster cruise — 99 kts vs 87 kts.
- Longer range — 450 nm vs 326 nm.
- More inventory — 2 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, Stinson L-5 or Fairchild PT-26?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The L-5 cruises at 87 kts with 326 nm range.
The PT-26 cruises at 99 kts with 450 nm range.
Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Stinson L-5: from $78,000.
Fairchild PT-26: from $79,000.
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Stinson L-5 and Fairchild PT-26?
Cruise: 87 vs 99 kts.
Range: 326 vs 450 nm.
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?
L-5: 1 seats.
PT-26: 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?
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