PlaneFox tracks 2 CP-301 Emeraude aircraft for sale and re-reads every one of them from the broker and dealer sites it watches, so the figures below move when the market moves. Every number on this page is measured from those live listings, not taken from a published price guide.
A Piel CP-301 Emeraude flies about 540 nm, roughly 1,000 km, which is about 4 h 52 min in still air at typical cruise.
A Piel CP-301 Emeraude costs about EUR 1,555 a month to run, or about EUR 162 for every flight hour when it is flown 150 hours a year.
The Piel CP-301 Emeraude is a French two-seat light aircraft designed by Claude Piel as part of the Emeraude family. It traces its roots to the CP-30, which first flew in the 1950s, with the CP-301 developed as a refined variant for club, touring and private use. Construction is primarily wood, with a low-wing layout, fixed tailwheel landing gear and side-by-side seating. Its importance lies in its combination of simple structure, pleasant handling and broad amateur-built and small-series production history. Many examples were completed from plans or kits, so individual aircraft can differ meaningfully in finish, equipment and engine installation.
Typical Piel CP-301 Emeraude performance depends strongly on engine, propeller, empty weight and build quality. Common powerplants include Continental C90 and Continental O-200 engines, with some aircraft fitted with other comparable four-cylinder piston engines. Cruise performance is generally in the light touring category, commonly around 90 to 110 knots. Range varies with tank installation and engine choice, but the aircraft is normally used for local flying and modest cross-country trips rather than long-distance touring. Service ceiling figures are often quoted in the low-to-mid teens in feet for well-performing examples. Useful load should be checked aircraft by aircraft, since homebuilt equipment, paint, radios and engine changes can materially affect payload.
The cockpit seats two occupants side by side under a compact canopy or cabin enclosure, depending on the individual aircraft. Cabin width and baggage capacity are modest, consistent with 1950s light aircraft design, but the layout gives good visibility and simple access to flight controls and engine instruments. Avionics are usually basic VFR installations rather than integrated glass suites such as Garmin Perspective or Garmin G1000. Typical equipment may include analog flight instruments, a VHF com radio, a transponder, portable GPS or panel-mounted light GA navigation equipment. Buyers should verify radio spacing, transponder status and ADS-B compliance where relevant.
Used Piel CP-301 Emeraude aircraft occupy a niche position among classic wooden sport aircraft and economical two-seat tailwheel tourers. Condition and documentation matter more than model year. Key inspection areas include wood structure, glue joints, fabric or plywood covering condition, wing attachment points, landing gear fittings, fuel system condition and evidence of moisture damage. Complete build logs, maintenance records and engine history are especially important because many aircraft were amateur-built. Common upgrades include modern radios, lightweight electrical systems, improved engine instrumentation and engine conversions within approved or accepted local practices. Values are usually shaped by workmanship, airworthiness status, engine time and avionics rather than by standardized factory specification.