If some of the most affordable and reliable models available on the market, we’ll list their current price and technical specifications as well as their interiors or cabin. So our top pick, Bush airplanes, were initially designed for Canada’s remote north and the harsh environments of Alaska.
These Top 5 Cheapest Airplanes are not only budget-friendly but also built to handle extreme off-airport conditions. These are essentially piston engine aircraft outfitted with skis, tundra tires, or floats. They feature high-mounted wings that offer more clearance and help reduce damage while loading, and larger flaps that help performance on short field takeoffs and landings. Nowadays, bush planes are used all over the world, from New Zealand’s rugged mountains, Kenya’s deserts, to the lush Amazon jungles.
They are the perfect aircraft for daring, non-traditional pilots. This is the Aviation Federation sharing with you exciting information about the latest and greatest in aviation and beyond.
Table of Contents
1. Zenith STOL CH701
This aircraft was first shown to the public in 1986. It was made as an off-airport short takeoff and landing kit aircraft to meet the needs of both sports pilots and first-time builders. As one of the Top 5 Cheapest Airplanes, it offers exceptional value for those looking to enter the world of bush flying on a budget.
It has a maximum cruise speed of 85 knots and a gross weight of 1,100 pounds. This model has approximately 20 gallons of fuel capacity and can accommodate up to four passengers.
2. Cabin Comfort and Features in Zenith STOL CH701
The STOL CH701 has a cabin that is 40 inches wide and has comfortable side-by-side seating for two people. The inside of the cabin is made to be comfortable for two adults. Large doors on both sides of the cabin make it easy to get in and out, and can be taken off quickly. As part of the Top 5 Cheapest Airplanes, this model combines affordability with practical cabin design for bush flying enthusiasts.
A new single-piece formed acrylic bubble door can be added as an option to make the most of the cabin’s width. The door opens from the top, and each entry is curved 82 millimeters to give the cabin as much extra space as possible. This model is worth over 29,000 US dollars.
3. Performance and Capacity of the Murphy Radical
The Murphy Radical has been built to be a rigid STOL bush plane that incorporates all of Murphy Aircraft’s best concepts and design techniques. It has a maximum cruise speed of 112 knots and a gross weight of 1,900 pounds. This model has approximately 44 gallons of fuel capacity and can accommodate up to four people.
4. Spacious Cabin and Practical Features
Murphy is a two-seater aircraft with plenty of space, a lot of space. Even the highest or largest pilots can have plenty of room for their shoulders and legs. Two large doors swing to make people easier to enter. As top 5 cheapest airplanes, the generous cabin space gives it beyond strength or performance.
Since the seats are in a side-by-side configuration, there is ample space behind the seats that can be used to carry small cargo. This space behind is big enough that two people can even sleep there in comfort. This aircraft has a reported price tag of around 36,000 US dollars.
5. Just Aircraft SuperSTOL
The bus flies on Superstop number three. Superstol is just a version of the aircraft to the Highlander model that can quickly take off and land. It has a maximum cruise speed of 87 knots and a gross weight of 1,550 pounds. As top 5 cheapest airplanes, it offers impressively short start and landing features, while the budget remains beneficial for the backcountry pilots.
This model has approximately 27 gallons of fuel capacity and can accommodate up to two passengers. The improved design of the SuperSTOL includes a landing gear that can fit 29-inch tundra tires and is claimed to be almost unbreakable. The new slatted wing has significantly enhanced the performance numbers and slow flight control from the previous versions of this model. This new design provides access to considerably more off-airport landing sites, making the SuperSTOL one of the most versatile backcountry machines out there. Also, the wing has self-deploying leading edge slats and long-span Fowler flaps that help the plane’s STOL range even more. This model has a starting price of over 41,000 US dollars.
6. Kitfox Series 7 Speedster
Kitfox Series 7 Speeds is our second choice. Kitfox aircraft claims that this model offers sporty performance for both the world’s best. It has a maximum cruise speed of 113 knots and a gross weight of 1,550 pounds. This model has about 27 liters of fuel capacity and can accommodate two passengers. The top 5 cheapest airplanes provide an ideal mix of speed, efficiency, and strength for adventure pilots.
7. Kitfox Series Unique Features and Build Quality
An interesting feature of the 7 Kitfox series is that each aircraft comes standard with folded wings. While allowing non-traditional aircraft for storage and transport, they can bend within 15 minutes. This unique design combines its appeal top 5 cheapest airplanes, making it both cost-effective and very versatile.
Owners can also choose the wheel configuration that they prefer between a tailwheel and a tricycle. With Part 23 standards and certification, kit builders can be assured that every part of the build is manufactured with exceptional quality. This Kitfox aircraft costs over 41,000 US dollars.
8. Barrows Four-Place Bearhawk
Look at the number one spot. Finally, at number one is the Barrows Four-Place Bearhawk. Bob Barrows, a professional engineer, first made the Bearhawk in 1995 to carry aircraft engines for his business of fixing up engines. It has a maximum cruise speed of 130 knots and a gross weight of 2,500 pounds. This model has approximately 50 gallons of fuel capacity and can accommodate up to four passengers.
9. Cargo Flexibility and Rugged Construction
When the back seat is taken out, a massive space for cargo is easy to get to. Not only does the back seat have its own door, but that door can also be used as the cargo door, giving you a six-foot-long space to load things. In addition, the back seat can be flipped around and mounted with the seat facing aft.
The 4130 steel tube fuselage has been around for a long time and has been proven to last and be safe in a crash. For people who want to do serious work in the bush, it is also the easiest to fix if something goes wrong. The Barrows Four-Place Bearhawk is worth 61,000 US dollars and stands out as one of the Top 5 Cheapest Airplanes for pilots seeking strength, reliability, and affordability in extreme condition.
1. What makes these airplanes suitable for bush flying?
These aircraft are specifically designed for off-airport operations with features like high-mounted wings for clearance, larger flaps for short field performance, and the ability to be fitted with skis, tundra tires, or floats for extreme terrain conditions.
2. Which is the most affordable option among the top 5 cheapest airplanes?
The Zenith STOL CH701 is the most budget-friendly option, starting at around $29,000, making it an excellent entry point for those interested in bush flying on a budget.
3. Can these aircraft carry passengers and cargo effectively?
Yes, most models can accommodate 2-4 passengers with varying fuel capacities. The Barrows Four-Place Bearhawk stands out for cargo flexibility, offering a six-foot-long cargo space when the back seat is removed, making it ideal for serious bush work.