Waco Aircraft

16 used Waco aircraft listings · $128,000–$590,000 · last refreshed 1 hour ago

About Waco Aircraft Company

Waco is a storied American biplane name spanning two eras: classic 1930s open-cockpit biplanes such as the **UPF-7** and **Taperwing**, and the modern **Waco Classic YMF-5** — a new-build, type-certificated three-seat open-cockpit biplane that recreates the golden-age experience with modern construction and a radial engine. Wacos are the quintessential open-cockpit, leather-helmet flying experience. There are currently 16 Waco aircraft for sale.

Waco Aircraft Price & Cost

How much does a Waco aircraft cost? Current pricing for used Waco aircraft (also known as Waco choppers or Waco helis) is broken down per model in the table below — covering acquisition price, hourly operating cost and overhaul cost.

Type Model Used price range Op cost / hr Annual fixed Overhaul cost Listings for sale
Single Engine Piston $128,000–$285,000 $200 $18,000/yr $40,000 3
Single Engine Piston
Waco YMF-5C3 variants
$133,714–$590,000 12
Single Engine Piston 1

The cost of a Waco aircraft depends on model, year, hours flown, avionics and condition. See operating costs and pre-buy checklist in the About section, or open a specific model page for a detailed price guide.

Waco Models

Waco Models — Specifications

Model spec
Model Years Seats Cruise Range Useful load Listings for sale
1941–1947 2 99 kts (183 km/h) 348 nm (644 km) 3
2005–now 3 100 kts (185 km/h) 432 nm (800 km) 6
3 99 kts (183 km/h) 350 nm (648 km) 1

Compare Waco Aircraft

vs. Competitors (3)

Showing the most-searched matchups. Open a model or family page for its full set of comparisons, or browse all comparisons.

Frequently Asked Questions — Waco

Are new WACO biplanes still being made?

Yes — WACO Aircraft Corporation in Battle Creek, Michigan handcrafts new YMF-5 biplanes. Each aircraft requires over 6,000 labor hours and is highly customizable: land or amphibious floats, classic gauges or IFR glass cockpit, and personal interior choices. There are over 150 YMF-5 owners worldwide. The YMF-5 is approved for night flight and basic aerobatics, making it far more than a fair-weather toy.

How does the WACO YMF-5 fly?

The YMF-5 is powered by a Jacobs radial engine, providing the authentic sound and feel of 1930s open-cockpit flying with modern reliability. At 2,950 lbs gross weight with a 30-foot wingspan, it is substantially larger than a Stearman or Great Lakes biplane. Handling rewards good stick-and-rudder technique, especially for tailwheel operations. Forward visibility is limited, requiring S-turns during taxi — standard biplane procedure.

Is a WACO YMF-5 a good investment?

New WACOs start well above $300,000, making them premium collectibles. The handcrafted nature and limited production (a few dozen per year) supports value retention. Used YMF-5s hold value well compared to mass-produced aircraft. For commercial operators, the three-place configuration (spacious front bench seat) makes the YMF-5 popular for scenic biplane rides. It is one of the few new-production biplanes available today.

Waco Inventory by Country

United States 20
Australia 1
Canada 1
United Kingdom 1
Prices updated daily · Data: FAA Registry, NTSB · About our data