The popularity and importance of single-engine piston airplanes in general aviation are undeniable. These planes consistently lead other categories in unit sales and are the starting point for most pilots earning their wings. Add in their affordability and the wide range of missions they can support, and it’s easy to understand the appeal of owning a piston single.
Find Your Next Single Engine Piston Aircraft On Controller.com
Whether you’re a new pilot, flight school operator, charter business owner, or bush pilot, Controller.com offers an expansive selection of new or used piston-single aircraft to match your mission. The site’s powerful search tools and helpful buyer resources make it easy to efficiently browse thousands of for-sale listings to find the plane for you.
“Controller provides a vast selection of aircraft from different manufacturers and areas worldwide,” says Controller Sales Manager Terrin Mohl. “With options for financing, calculating operating costs, AI-generated recommendations, and direct communication with sellers, Controller is the one-stop shop for buying and selling piston singles and all other types of aircraft.”
How To Start Your Piston Single Plane Search
Buying a piston-single airplane is a significant investment, and choosing the right model requires assessing your budget, mission, and experience level. When comparing models like the Cessna 182T Skylane, Beechcraft A36 Bonanza, and Cirrus SR22-G6 Turbo, consider the following:
- Your mission - Knowing your primary intended use—whether it’s flight training, business trips, aerial photography, or weekend getaways—will impact key decisions around your ideal aircraft’s:
- Cabin layout
- Flight range and speed
- Avionics: Visual Flight Rules (VFR) vs. Instrument Flight Rules (IFR)
- High-wing or low-wing design
- Fuel efficiency
- Short-field performance
- And more
- New vs. used - Buying used offers more planes to choose from and typically involves lower upfront costs. Many used models also feature attractive upgrades, such as glass-panel avionics, repainted exteriors, and refurbished interiors. Buying new usually costs more upfront but offers the latest safety systems, advanced avionic suites, and factory warranty support.
- Operating costs and resale - Budget for ongoing operating expenses such as fuel, maintenance, insurance, inspections, hangar fees, and future upgrades. If you plan to upgrade later, it’s also a good idea to consider resale value.
- Pilot experience - Pilot skill level is another substantial buying consideration. For example, entry-level models like the Piper Cherokee and Diamond DA20 are known for their forgiving handling. High-performance models, such as the Cirrus SR22T, offer greater speed, longer range, and advanced avionics, and are generally better suited for experienced pilots.
Helpful Tools & Resources For Buyers
When you’re ready to start shopping, Controller.com offers intuitive tools and convenient buyer resources to simplify the process, including:
- Search tools - Filter piston-single aircraft by manufacturer, model, year, price, total time, seating, location, and other parameters.
- User features - Register and log into Controller.com to save searches, add planes to your Watch List, and receive regularly updated AI-powered recommendations tailored to your interests.
- Listing details - Each aircraft listed on Controller.com includes high-resolution photos, videos, specs, and direct contact to sellers via built-in email, phone, and messaging apps to ask about upgrades, maintenance history, repairs, and more.
Additionally, each listing includes a link to Aircraft Cost Calculator, a powerful online tool for calculating accurate ownership and operating cost estimates for the piston-single you’re interested in.
Find Your Next Piston-Single Airplane
Explore Controller.com to find new and used single-engine piston airplanes for sale from Beechcraft, Cessna, Cirrus, Diamond, Mooney, Piper, and other leading manufacturers. For easy access to a network of lenders and some of the aviation industry’s most competitive rates and longest terms, visit CurrencyAir.
Piston Singles For Lease
In addition to single-engine piston planes for sale, Controller.com often has piston singles for lease. Leasing typically means lower upfront costs and fixed monthly payments, making budgeting easier. Leasing can also provide easier access to newer technologies, safety systems, and features, as well as potential tax advantages if your lease payments qualify as deductible business expenses.
Posted On: 11/25/2025 9:03:00 AM
