This 1967 Nanchang CJ-6A Is an ‘AircraftForSale’ Top Pick for Pilots Interested in Warbirds

Today’s Top Pick is a 1967 Nanchang CJ-6A.

When you see a Nanchang CJ-6 on display or flying in formation at an airshow, your first thought might be something like, “That airplane is not from around here.”  It is true that the aircraft, long used as a military trainer in China, is a departure from what we are accustomed to seeing at local airports. Still, the Nanchang boasts a following in the U.S. among pilots who cite its fun-to-fly qualities, which include aerobatics. There are quite a few of the aircraft registered here, and owners enjoy an active type club, the Red Star Pilots Association.

The Nanchang echoes the lines of the Soviet-era Yak 18. Over time it received a number of revisions, upgrades, and adjustments to improve its performance and maintain its relevance in the fleet. It seems like its appeal would be similar to that of the North American AT-6 Texan from World War II, which has become a favorite among warbird enthusiasts. There are many differences between the Nanchang and the Texan—including lower operating costs, in general—though the Chinese machine winds up occupying a category of its own. Its trailing-link tricycle landing gear, for example, reflects its use as a trainer for pilots headed for duty in jet fighters.

This Nanchang has 835 hours on the airframe since rebuild and 567 hours on the engine since overhaul. Its panel includes a Garmin GTR 200 and Bendix King KN165. The aircraft was last painted in 1992. In the U.S., the CJ-6 is operated under the FAA experimental/exhibition category.

Pilots interested in owning a unique, eye-catching military aircraft that gets attention at the airport—and could also fetch invitations to airshows—should take a close look at this Nanchang CJ-6, which is available for $85,000 on AircraftForSale.

You can arrange financing of the aircraft through FLYING Finance. For more information, email info@flyingfinance.com.