Home » Aircraft for Sale » Single Engine Piston for Sale
Single Engine Piston Airplanes for Sale
Discover an extensive selection of new and pre-owned single engine piston aircraft for sale on AvPay, the premier global marketplace for general aviation. Our comprehensive listings feature high-quality SEP aircraft and piston singles from leading manufacturers including Cirrus, Cessna, Piper, Diamond, Beechcraft and Mooney...
As a leading digital platform for general aviation procurement, our global inventory supports diverse training and cross-country mission profiles across the UK, Europe, the United States and beyond. Whether you are looking to purchase a personal aircraft directly, source flight training fleet additions through established aircraft brokers or connect with private sellers worldwide, AvPay seamlessly bridges the gap between buyers and dependable piston singles across the USA, North America, South America and Australia. From highly efficient cross-country cruisers to robust flight school trainers, find your next personal asset on a trusted marketplace built for international aviation professionals.
Find Your Ideal Single Engine Piston Aircraft on AvPay
AvPay, the leading global marketplace for general aviation, connects discerning buyers and sellers across the UK, Europe, North America, South America, Asia, Africa and Australasia. Our centralized digital network hosts an extensive, high-quality online selection of new and pre-owned single engine piston (SEP) aircraft suited for training, cross-country travel and personal operations.
Refine your search parameters smoothly using our integrated filtering infrastructure. You can quickly isolate your ideal piston-driven single by filtering the marketplace by manufacturer, model, condition, year of manufacture, total time on airframe (TTAF), geographic location, price and seller.
As a prominent platform tailored to owner-operators, private pilots and commercial flight schools, AvPay showcases a diverse range of light aircraft inventory. Discover our complete selection of light sport and SEP aircraft listed on this page, or browse all alternative aircraft categories and aviation manufacturers here.
Once you locate a light aircraft asset that aligns with your mission profile, connect instantly with the listing broker or private seller via WhatsApp, secure private message or phone to discuss specifications, maintenance logs, time before overhaul (TBO) and pricing details.
Why buy a Single Engine Piston Airplane For Sale?
✈ Affordability and Accessibility: Single engine piston platforms represent a highly cost-effective and practical entry point into private aircraft ownership. Compared to turbine fleets or multi-engine aircraft, they deliver significantly lower capital entry thresholds and lower insurance premiums for newly qualified pilots.
✈ Operational Versatility and Flexibility: Light piston singles are remarkably versatile assets capable of executing flight training modules, weekend cross-country trips and recreational flight missions. Their short-field performance capabilities allow them to operate seamlessly out of smaller regional grass strips and unpaved airfields, expanding your destination accessibility.
✈ Fuel Efficiency and Controlled Running Costs: SEP aircraft are highly regarded for their fuel efficiency, manageable hourly burn rates and low ongoing operating costs. They offer a practical path toward personal cross-country mobility without the steep maintenance and inspection overheads associated with complex turbine aircraft.
✈ Simplified Maintenance and Handling: Because they utilize dependable, time-tested powerplants and simpler mechanical systems, single engine piston aircraft are straightforward to maintain and handle. Sourcing spare parts is highly efficient, and regular maintenance can be performed by most regional general aviation engineers.
✈ Aviation Community and Camaraderie: Owning a light piston aircraft grants access to an active global general aviation network. Connect with fellow owner-operators, share cross-country routing experiences and participate in regional fly-ins, breakfast runs and aviation events worldwide.
Single Engine Piston Aircraft are ideal for
✈ Personal and Leisure Travel: Savor the absolute freedom of regional travel on your own schedule. Explore new destination airfields, conduct business trips or execute weekend leisure travel with complete autonomy over your personal itinerary.
✈ Ab-Initio and Advanced Flight Training: Piston singles serve as the universal backbone for flight training organizations worldwide, providing an exceptional platform for student pilots working toward private, commercial or instrument ratings.
✈ Recreational and Sport Flying: Perfect for pilots who fly for pure enjoyment, whether that involves local sightseeing, basic aerobatics or low-stress cross-country air navigation.
✈ Small Business Operations: Supporting specialized commercial applications such as basic aerial photography, agricultural crop management, pipeline inspections and regional flightseeing operations where low overheads are vital to profitability.
✈ Community Support and Humanitarian Missions: Providing critical transport resources for general aviation search and rescue assistance, remote medical supply delivery and disaster relief operations in hard-to-reach geographical areas.
Get help buying a Single Engine Piston Aircraft
Can't locate the exact airframe configuration, engine hour specifications or avionics suite your missions demand? Bypassing the stock inventory layout is simple. Contact an established aviation professional through our global Aircraft Broker Directory to initiate a dedicated search. Alternatively, explore tailored Aircraft Brokerage and Aircraft Acquisition Services through the marketplace to professionalize your next aircraft purchase.
For highly targeted or uncommon aircraft specifications, you can also submit a bespoke request form. We will distribute your precise procurement criteria directly to our global networks of aircraft brokers to help source premium off-market piston options matching your budget.
Sell your Single Engine Piston Aircraft on AvPay
Maximise your market reach by listing your single engine piston plane on AvPay to engage active buyers worldwide. Offering both intuitive DIY listing options and zero-workload marketing programs for aircraft brokers and private owners, our digital infrastructure automatically updates, syncs and syndicates your light aircraft advertisements. Every active listing is promoted across our specialized social media channels, positioning your aircraft straight in front of our audience of 175,000+ active aviation enthusiasts and industry followers.
With AvPay, you do not simply generate leads on your active inventory. You also build long-term digital authority through your custom broker profile and any associated service listings mapped to our aviation marketplace. Let us streamline your remarketing efforts. List your Single Engine Piston Aircraft on AvPay Today!
Single Engine Piston Aircraft for sale on AvPay FAQ
Find single engine piston airplanes for sale on AvPay, including top aircraft manufactures such as Beechcraft, Cessna, Cirrus, Diamond, Extra, Piper and Socata. These single engine piston aircraft for sale are desirable due to the lower operating costs, lower maintenance cost and mission adaptability into smaller airports and shorter runways.
While several aircraft types of aircraft are technically Single Engine Piston Aircraft (such as microlights and motor gliders), the term Single Engine Piston Aircraft is used throughout the AvPay website to refer to a conventional three-axis aircraft that uses ailerons for roll, elevators or stabilators for pitch and a rudder for yaw, that has a Maximum Take-Off Weight (MTOW) of above 650kg and that’s designed to be operated with the engine continuously running (unlike a motor glider). Examples of Single Engine Piston Aircraft include the Cessna 182, the Piper PA28 Warrior and the Cirrus SR22.
Cessna 172
The Cessna 172 is a four seat Single Engine Piston Aircraft. Built with a high wing, the Cessna 172 gives both the pilot and passengers excellent visibility of the ground, making it an ideal aircraft to learn to navigate on. Since first being flown back in 1955, over 44,000 aircraft have been built and the aircraft is still in product today.
Cirrus SR22
The Cirrus SR22 is a four seat Single Engine Piston Aircraft. Developed from the SR20 it has a larger wing, a more powerful engine and a greater fuel capacity. Since being entered into product in 2001, over 6,100 SR22s have been built. The Cirrus SR22 is equipped with the Cirrus Airframe Parachute System (CAPS), which is a large parachute designed to be deployed should the enter and be unrecoverable from uncontrolled flight.
Piper PA28
The Piper PA28 is a family of similar aircraft models which include the Piper Cherokee, Piper Warrior, Piper Archer, Piper Dakota, Piper Arrow and the Piper Cadet. The PA28 is a four seat Single Engine Piston Aircraft, first introduced in 1960. Since then over 32,000 have been built and the aircraft is still in production today. Unlike the Cirrus SR22, which is made up of 30% composite material, the PA28 is an all-metal aircraft.
Diamond DA40
The Diamond DA40 is a four seat Single Engine Piston Aircraft, which has been in production since 1997. The aircraft is built in both Austria and Canada and since its inception, over 2,200 have been built. The aircraft is built of composite materials, has tricycle undercarriage and is fitted with a T-Tail. Versions of the Diamond DA40 include the DA40D, DA40F, DA40NG, T-52A, DA40 XLT, DA40 Tundra Star and the eDA40.
Cessna 206
The Cessna 206 is a six seat Single Engine Piston Aircraft more commonly known as the Stationair. Frequently used for bush flying, skydiving and aerial photography, the Cessna 206 has been in production since 1962 and over 8,500 aircraft have been built. The Stationair cruises at just over 160mph. Combining its fast speed with its roomy cabin, the Cessna 206 is an ideal touring aircraft.
Beechcraft Bonanza
The Beechcraft Bonanza is a six seat Single Engine Piston Aircraft, which has been built in Kansas since 1947. Since then over 17,000 aircraft have been built. The aircraft is an all-metal construction and was revolutionary when first introduced, as a lot of other aircraft were built from wood and fabric. Some Bonanzas are distinguishable with their V tail ruddervators, which combined the rudder and elevator of the aircraft. The Bonanza family comprises of three main models: the model 35, model 33 and the model 36.
Piper M350
Setting new standards in terms of value for money operations, efficiency and capability, the Piper M350 offers standard safety features while travelling in luxury and comfort. The cabin features Integrated Digital Pressurisation, accommodating one pilot and five passengers with its lush leather seating, executive writing tables and Piper AirStair Door, it boasts the finest cabin in its class. Cabin noise is reduction is achieved by the Lycoming TIO-540-AE2A turbocharged engine and Hartzell Three-Blade Composite Constant Speed Propeller.
Additional safety is provided by the Garmin G1000NXI Next Generation Three Screen Avionics Suite with Synthetic Vision Technology, Garmin GFC-700 Autopilot/Flight Guidance Computer and Garmin GTX-345R Transponder with ADS-B (In and Out). Electronic Stability Protection provides stability during flight, applying control force during over- or under speed conditions.
The Piper M350 comes standard equipped with PiperAire Air Conditioning System, Speed Brakes, Rosen Sun Visors, and Garmin SafeTaxi.
Piper Saratoga II TC
The Piper Saratoga II TC has a reputation of being a hardworking, heavy carrying aircraft that combines cabin comfort with speed, accessibility to remote areas and pilot-friendly cockpit.
Powered by the 300 hp Lycoming TIO-540 turbocharged engine, the Piper Saratoga II TC cruises at 183 kts, has the ability of carrying up to six passengers in the club configured cabin, up to a 690nm range. This high-performance aircraft is fitted with a three blade Hartzell constant speed propellor, ensuring cabin noise reduction. Enabling easy access to the cabin, this aircraft provides a wide cabin door and storage hatch aft of the passenger seating.
Cessna 210
As single engine, six-seater high performance Cessna 210 has been in production since 1957 which ended in 1986. Derived from the four-seater Cessna 182, the 210 was redesigned to a wider, larger cabin aircraft with retractable gear and an enhanced performance engine. Also available in the pressurized cabin version with an increased take-off weight, longer span stabilizers and a 325 hp Continental TSIO-520-CE engine, only forty of these were built between 1985 and 1986.
Cirrus SR20
Small but nifty, this four-seat aircraft is a small giant to be reckoned with! Business or pleasure has no boundaries when it comes to the Cirrus SR20. It’s spacious four passenger luxurious leather interior with various USB ports. Uncompromised safety features such as Electronic Stability and Protection System, along with the Cirrus Airframe Parachute System makes the Cirrus SR20 a positive contender in the current market.
Cirrus Perspective+ designed by Garmin provides for the avionics suite.
Powered by a Lycoming IO-390-C3B6 engine delivering a cruise speed of approximately 155 kts and a 709 nm range makes the Cirrus SR20 the perfect family mode of transport.
Mooney Ovation M20J
Manufactured by the Mooney International Corporation and first introduced in 1955, this low wing, four-seater aircraft, equipped with tricycle gear and piston powered, the Moony Ovation M20J is one of the leading choices when it comes to small family transportation options that are available on the market. Delivering extraordinary performance with a cruising of 169 kts and achieving a 1,125 nm range, the Mooney Ovation can carry up to 1,100 useful load. Avionics are provided by a state-of-the art avionics suite, allowing for increased pilot cognisance and awareness.
Cessna Skyhawk 182
Providing the owner of a range of 915nm range at a cruise speed of 145 kts, this four-seater Cessna Skylane 182 delivers 1,110 lb of useful load. With its high wing design allowing for magnificent window isle views this high-performance aircraft delivers short take-offs and landings on different platforms.
Complemented by the Garmin G1000 NXi Next Generation Avionics Suite enabled with ADS-B Out and In, Standard Garmin Electronic Stability Protection, Under Speed Protection and VSI makes this aircraft one of the safest and most economical options available on the market
Diamond DA-20
Taking to the sky in the Diamond DA-20 is similar to taking your taking a Lamborghini to the racetrack - just adding wings! With its attractive, customized design, this affordable aircraft offers unlimited performance, durability that is impressive and matched economically to its peers. Usually used for training, this two-seater aircraft delivers a 729 nm rage at an impressive 126kts cruise speed. Its elegant interior and surpassed Garmin G500 Avionics Suite, it also boasts four-point inertia reel safety harnesses and low-cost maintenance features such as PistonPower, enabling owners and operators to benefit form the cost predictability and peace of mind.
Cessna Cardinal 177 RG
Intended to replace the Cessna Skyhawk C172, the Cessna Cardinal C177 RG which has been in production since 1970. The main landing gears and nose-wheel retract to the rear of the aircraft. Powered by the Lycoming IO-360 engine, the Cessna Cardinal C177 RG offers increased gross weight with at least 300 lbs and an increase of 146 lbs empty weight. According to the statistics of the Cessna R177RG, the aircraft is able to deliver a 230 km/h cruise speed, delivering a range of up to 1,119 km, making this little biscuit a cookie to look out for!
What defines the “best” Single Engine Piston Aircraft ultimately depends on the type of flying you’re looking for.
If you’re looking for something that’ll get you from A to B quickly, the Mooney Acclaim, Cirrus SR22, Piper M350, Mooney Ovation Ultra, Beechcraft Bonanza G36, Cessna Turbo Stationair will all get you there at a cruising speed over 150 knots.
If you’re looking for an aircraft capable of aerobatics, you may want to start-off with the Cessna 152 Aerobat since the aircraft’s docile flying characteristics are ideal for getting used to flying at unusual attitudes. For the more advanced aerobatic pilot, the Extra 300 series has been a very popular aerobatic aircraft. Designed in 1987 the aircraft is built in Germany and is capable of pulling +/- 10 G.
While the Pilot’s Operating Handbook will give you a rough idea of an aircraft’s range, the distance an aircraft can fly can vary depending on the amount of fuel you carry, how well you manage the engine’s mixture, the weight of the aircraft, the speed at which you fly, how accurately you fly the aircraft (i.e. in balance) and the prevailing winds. To give you an idea of range, the Cessna 172 is reported to be able to fly just short of 700 miles, the Piper Cherokee 465 miles and the Cirrus SR22 1,049 miles.
There’s a big difference between the entry-level Single Engine Piston Aircraft and the top-end models, so you can’t really put a price on an “average” SEP. You can buy an older Robin HR200 or an older Cessna 150 for between £25,000 - £60,000, however you can expect these aircraft to have relatively high hours and some wear and tear. On the top-end of the SEP market you can buy a top-spec, low hour and relatively new Cirrus SR22 G6 GTS for around the $1,000,000 mark.
The Antonov AN-2 is the world’s biggest Single Engine Piston Airplane. Entering service back in 1947, the biplane has enjoyed great success owing to its ability to take-off and land from rough runways and its high lifting power. Powered by a 1,000hp engine, the AN-2 burns through around 2.5 litres of fuel per minute!
The Antonov AN-2 can carry a maximum payload of 2,140kg, which is almost the equivalent of carrying 5 Cessna 150s!
An aircraft engine will run as efficiently as the pilot runs it. Once above 5,000 feet, pilots should start reducing the engine’s mixture (the fuel to air ratio of) in order to get the most efficient fuel burn. The higher you climb the less oxygen there is, therefore you need to lean the mixture as you climb and then enrichen the mixture as you descend. Unless flying from higher-altitude airstrips, care should be taken that the mixture is set to full-rich, before re-joining the circuit.
Generally speaking the more you look after an engine (regular services, avoid shock-loading etc.), the more it’ll look after you. Some pilots look after their engines by avoiding using too much carburettor heating while flying at cruise power settings over the ocean, while others opt for a lean fuel mixture when taxying back, to burn-off any dirt from the sparkplugs. Lycoming is a popular aircraft engine manufacturer. Based in the US, they have produced a variety of aircraft engines throughout the last century and are still active today. Rotax is another popular aircraft engine manufacturer and they’re based out of Austria.
The world’s fastest Single Engine Piston Aircraft is said to be the heavily modified P51 Mustang known as “Voodoo”, which is said to have flown at 554mph in September 2017. The P51 Mustang was originally a Second World War, single-seat, Single Engine Piston fighter aircraft operated by the United States Air Force and the Royal Air Force in the early 1940s. Surprisingly, there are still around 175 in airworthy condition today!
The main Single Engine Piston Aircraft Manufacturers include:
- Beechcraft
- Beechcraft is a manufacturer of Single Engine Piston, Multi Engine Piston and Turbprop aircraft. Headquartered in Wichita Kansas, the company was founded in 1932 and has since manufactured around 54,000 aircraft including models such as the Beechcraft Bonanza, Beechcraft Debonair, Beechcraft Twin Bonanza, Beechcraft Baron, Beechcraft Duke, Beechcraft Duchess and more recently the Beechcraft Denali, which is set to compete with Cessna’s Caravan and Pilatus’ PC12.
- Cessna
- Cessna is an American manufacturer of Piston, Turboprop and Jet Aircraft headquartered in Wichita, Kansas. Founded in 1927. In 2014 Cessna, along with Hawker Aircraft and Beechcraft, was incorporated into Textron. Popular Cessna models include the Cessna 150, Cessna 152, Cessna 172 Skyhawk, Cessna 177 Cardinal, Cessna 182 Skylane, Cessna 206 Stationair, Cessna 208 Caravan and the Cessna 210 Centurion.
- Cirrus Aircraft
- Cirrus Aircraft was founded in 1984 and is headquartered in Duluth, Minnesota. The Cirrus Aircraft models were revolutionary in being fitted with a parachute device, that could save the crew should the pilot lose control of the aircraft. The aircraft is also well-known for the side-stick control column layout and the glass cockpit.
- Diamond Aircraft
- Diamond Aircraft was founded in 1981 and is headquartered in Wiener Neustadt, in Austria. The company also has manufacturing facilities in Ontario, Canada. Popular Diamond Aircraft models include the DA20 Katana, DA40 Star and more recently the DA50.
- Mooney
- Mooney was founded in 1929 and is headquartered in Kerrville, Texas. Some Mooney Aircraft are easily recognisable from their distinctive vertical stabiliser. The most popular series of Mooney Aircraft is the Mooney M20, of which there are several variants.
- Piper Aircraft
- Piper Aircraft is headquartered in Vero Beach Florida and was founded in 1927. Over 90,000 Piper Aircraft are still flying today and popular models include the Piper Cub, Piper Cherokee, Piper Warrior, Piper Arrow and the Piper Archer.
- Tecnam
- Tecnam was founded in 1986 and is based out of Casoria in Italy. Tecnam produce piston aircraft including the Tecnam P2002 Sierra, the Tecnam P2004 Bravo and the Tecnam P2006T.
