WACO YMF Series for Sale — Buy or Sell Classic American Cabin Biplanes
The WACO YMF Series is among the most celebrated antique biplanes in American aviation, combining the timeless appeal of the open biplane era with a modern-feeling enclosed cockpit and refined construction quality. Originally produced by the Waco Aircraft Company of Troy, Ohio, in the late 1930s, and later revived as a certified new-production aircraft by Classic Aircraft Corporation in the 1980s and 1990s, the YMF-5 in particular gives buyers the rare opportunity to acquire either a historic original or a newly manufactured certificated biplane. On Airplane Trade, WACO YMF aircraft — both vintage originals and new-production examples — are listed by motivated sellers for buyers who appreciate the finest in classic American aviation.
The YMF Heritage: Original and Revival
The original WACO YMF was produced in the late 1930s as part of WACO's refined cabin and open-cockpit biplane lineup. "Y" designated the cabin biplane design generation, "M" indicated the Jacobs or Menasco engine family, and "F" denoted the standard open-cockpit three-place biplane configuration. The aircraft was well-regarded by operators for its performance and reliability but was built in relatively small numbers before WWII priorities redirected production. Decades later, Classic Aircraft Corporation of Lansing, Michigan, obtained the type certificate and began manufacturing the YMF-5 as a brand-new certificated production aircraft, offering buyers the elegance of a 1930s biplane with the quality of modern manufacturing. Classic Aircraft Corporation produced YMF-5s through the 1990s, and these new-production aircraft are the most commonly available examples in today's market.
Design and Features of the YMF-5
The YMF-5 retains the classic three-place, open-cockpit biplane layout that made WACO aircraft famous — a large front cockpit seating two passengers side by side, and a rear cockpit for the pilot. The aircraft features:
- Welded steel tube fuselage with fabric covering and polished aluminum cowling panels
- Equal-span biplane wings of wooden spar and rib construction with Dacron fabric covering
- Fixed conventional tailwheel undercarriage with streamlined wheel fairings for reduced drag
- Jacobs R-755-A2M radial engine (in the YMF-5) producing 275 hp — smooth, characterful, and with excellent parts availability
- Modern avionics capability with panel space for transponder, comm radio, and GPS navigation
- Dual controls in some configurations for instruction or safety on cross-country flights
Performance Specifications (YMF-5)
- Engine — Jacobs R-755-A2M, 275 hp 7-cylinder radial
- Maximum Speed — 152 mph (245 km/h)
- Cruise Speed — 128 mph (206 km/h) at 75% power
- Range — 402 miles (647 km) with standard fuel
- Service Ceiling — 16,000 ft (4,877 m)
- Rate of Climb — 1,050 ft/min (320 m/min)
- Gross Weight — 2,950 lbs (1,338 kg)
- Empty Weight — 1,920 lbs (871 kg)
- Wingspan — 30 ft 0 in (9.14 m)
- Length — 23 ft 7 in (7.19 m)
- Seats — 3 (two forward, one aft — open cockpit)
Flying the WACO YMF
Pilots consistently describe the YMF as one of the most enjoyable biplanes available in the market today. The Jacobs radial's throaty bark and smooth power delivery set the tone from engine start, and the aircraft's light, harmonized controls reward skilled tailwheel pilots with responsive and precise handling. The wide front cockpit is genuinely comfortable for two adult passengers, making the YMF ideal for short sightseeing flights, airshow demonstrations, and cross-country touring. Takeoff and landing performance from grass strips is excellent, and the aircraft's sturdy construction gives confidence in the kind of farm-field operations for which it was designed.
Buying a WACO YMF: Inspection and Valuation
New-production YMF-5s carry standard FAA type certification and command premium prices reflecting their quality and relatively low airframe hours. Key evaluation criteria include:
- Serial number and production date — Classic Aircraft Corporation YMF-5s were produced from the mid-1980s to mid-1990s; verify serial number against production records
- Jacobs engine TBO status — Verify hours since major overhaul and current compression readings
- Fabric condition — Even Dacron fabric requires periodic testing and eventual replacement
- Cosmetic condition — Paint, polished cowling, and interior quality significantly affect market value
- Avionics fit — Modern comm and transponder capability add utility and resale value
Market values for airworthy YMF-5s range from approximately $90,000 to $175,000 depending on total time, engine status, cosmetic condition, and equipment. Low-time, professionally maintained examples in show condition can exceed these figures at auction or through private sale.
Buy or Sell a WACO YMF Series on Airplane Trade
Airplane Trade is the ideal platform for WACO YMF transactions. Our marketplace attracts serious aviation enthusiasts who understand and appreciate the value of these exceptional aircraft. List your YMF with professional photography, full specifications, and accurate pricing to reach a global audience of qualified buyers. Or search our current inventory to find the YMF-5 that meets your requirements. Connect with sellers, ask questions, and negotiate directly — all through a trusted marketplace built for the aviation community.