Single Engine Piston

Single Engine Piston Aircraft for Sale — Buy or Sell New & Used Singles Worldwide

Welcome to Airplane Trade's single engine piston aircraft marketplace — the world's most accessible and diverse category of aviation. Single engine piston aircraft are the foundation of general aviation: where pilots learn to fly, where private owners experience the freedom of personal air travel, where agricultural operators spray crops and inspect pipelines, where backcountry adventurers access remote airstrips, and where sport pilots enjoy the pure pleasure of flight. From classic fabric-covered taildraggers to modern composite speed machines, our single engine piston listings encompass the full breadth of what makes general aviation extraordinary.

Major Categories in Our Single Engine Piston Listings

Training Aircraft

The world's pilot population learns to fly in single engine piston trainers. The Cessna 152 and Cessna 172 Skyhawk are the most widely-produced training aircraft in history — the Skyhawk alone manufactured in greater numbers than any other aircraft in the world. The Piper PA-28 Cherokee and its variants (Warrior, Archer, Arrow) have trained generations of pilots. The Diamond DA20 and DA40 represent the modern glass-cockpit trainer generation with composite construction and Garmin G1000 avionics. These aircraft are consistently in high demand from flight schools and first-time buyers alike.

Four-Seat Touring Aircraft

The Cessna 182 Skylane is one of the most beloved four-seat singles ever produced — robust, high useful load, forgiving, ideal for family travel and cross-country touring. The Piper PA-28R Arrow adds retractable landing gear for added speed and complex aircraft experience. The Mooney M20 series offers the highest cruise speeds in the four-seat piston market. The Beechcraft Bonanza — produced continuously since 1947 and the longest-running aircraft production program in history — combines exceptional build quality, spacious cabin, and genuine touring performance in a timeless design.

High-Performance Singles

The Cirrus SR22 and SR22T — equipped with the Cirrus Airframe Parachute System (CAPS) — redefined safety and performance in general aviation and became the world's best-selling high-performance singles. The Piper M350 (formerly Piper Malibu) is the only single-engine pressurized piston aircraft ever produced at scale — cruising above 25,000 feet in a pressurized cabin. The Columbia/Cessna 350 and 400 brought composite construction and exceptional efficiency to the high-performance single market.

Light Sport Aircraft (LSA)

The Flight Design CTLS, Pipistrel Virus SW, Czech Sport Aircraft PS-28 Cruiser, Tecnam P2008, and dozens of other LSA designs offer modern avionics, excellent handling, and outstanding fuel efficiency — many burning diesel or jet-A, dramatically reducing fuel costs. Sport Pilot certificate holders can legally operate these aircraft, opening aviation to a broader audience.

Taildraggers and Classic Designs

The tailwheel community represents one of aviation's most passionate ownership groups. The legendary Piper J-3 Cub and modern CubCrafters Carbon Cub, the Cessna 180 and 185 Skywagon, the Aviat Husky, and the American Champion Decathlon attract pilots who value authentic flying and backcountry capability. The de Havilland DHC-2 Beaver and DHC-3 Otter remain highly sought-after utility aircraft for float and ski operations in remote areas.

Aerobatic Aircraft

The Extra EA-300 series, Pitts S-2C, Zivko Edge 540, and American Champion Decathlon allow pilots to execute loops, rolls, hammerheads, and full inverted sequences. These attract airshow performers, competition aerobatic pilots, and pilots seeking ultimate stick-and-rudder skill development.

Seaplanes and Amphibious Aircraft

The Icon A5, Progressive Aerodyne SeaRey, Lake LA-4, and Republic RC-3 SeaBee — plus Cessna and Piper models on floats — offer access to thousands of water surfaces inaccessible to land-based aircraft, opening an entirely different dimension of aviation.

Warbirds and Military Trainers

The North American AT-6/SNJ Texan — the standard advanced trainer for Allied pilots in World War II — remains one of the most popular warbird types today. The Boeing/Stearman PT-17 Kaydet biplane is an icon of pre-war aviation. The North American P-51 Mustang, Supermarine Spitfire, Hawker Hurricane, and Chance Vought F4U Corsair represent the pinnacle of single-engine piston combat aircraft from WWII.

Homebuilt and Experimental Aircraft

The Van's RV series — RV-4, RV-6, RV-7, RV-8, RV-10, and RV-12 — is the most successful homebuilt aircraft family in history, with thousands flying worldwide. The Glasair series, Zenair/Zenith series, Lancair, and Kitfox represent other popular homebuilt platforms. Purchasing a previously-built experimental aircraft requires evaluation of build quality, completeness, and airworthiness — assistance from an experienced A&P mechanic or DAR is recommended.

How to Buy a Single Engine Piston Aircraft

Define Your Mission

Identify your typical trip distance, number of passengers, airport types, and IFR requirements. Clarity about the mission eliminates most of the market before you begin looking — preventing costly mismatches between capability and operational reality.

Budget Realistically

Include annual operating costs: fuel, oil, insurance, annual inspection ($800–$3,000 depending on aircraft complexity), hangar or tie-down fees, and engine reserve ($15–$30 per flight hour depending on engine and current overhaul costs).

Pre-Purchase Inspection

Always commission a pre-purchase inspection by an independent, type-experienced mechanic. The PPI cost — typically $500–$1,500 — is the best money spent in any aircraft acquisition. It identifies hidden issues, verifies AD compliance, and provides the information needed to negotiate price or walk away from a bad deal.

Browse Single Engine Piston Aircraft for Sale on Airplane Trade

Use our search filters to find Cessna 172 trainers, Piper Archer touring planes, Beechcraft Bonanza classics, Cirrus SR22 high-performance singles, CubCrafters Carbon Cubs, North American AT-6 warbirds, Van's RV homebuilts, and hundreds of other types. List your single engine piston aircraft today and connect with qualified buyers worldwide.