Aircraft overview

The Waco YMF-5 is a modern, FAA certified open cockpit biplane built by WACO Classic Aircraft, later WACO Aircraft Corporation, in Battle Creek, Michigan. The type first flew in 1985 and entered production in 1986. It is a contemporary production aircraft inspired by the 1930s Waco YMF, but it is not an antique restoration or experimental replica. Its role is primarily sport flying, scenic touring and owner flown leisure use, with a steel tube fuselage, fabric covering, radial engine and tailwheel landing gear. For buyers, its importance is that it combines vintage biplane handling and presentation with modern manufacture, parts support and certification standards.

Performance & specifications

Typical Waco YMF-5 performance reflects its open cockpit biplane layout rather than modern cross country efficiency. Published figures commonly list cruise speed at about 98 knots, with maximum speed around 115 knots. Range is approximately 330 nautical miles, depending on fuel, loading and operating technique. Maximum takeoff weight is about 2,950 lb, with useful load commonly around 1,000 lb. Service ceiling is published at about 14,800 feet. The standard powerplant is the Jacobs R-755-A2, a 275 hp seven cylinder radial engine, usually driving a fixed pitch propeller. Buyers should evaluate performance in context: short local flights, fair weather touring and grass strip operations are central to the aircraft’s appeal.

Cabin & avionics

The Waco YMF-5 seats three occupants, with the pilot in the rear cockpit and two passengers side by side in the front cockpit. Both cockpits are open, with windscreens, conventional controls and limited baggage space. Comfort depends heavily on weather, clothing and headset choice, and the aircraft is normally flown visually. Avionics vary by production year and owner upgrades. There is no standard Garmin Perspective or G1000 style integrated flight deck. Typical panels include analog flight instruments, VHF communication, transponder, intercom and often ADS-B Out. Some aircraft have modern Garmin radios, panel mounted GPS or electronic engine monitoring added during refurbishment.

Buying & value

On the used market, the Waco YMF-5 occupies a specialized position: newer and more supportable than many vintage biplanes, but more niche than mainstream piston singles. Condition matters more than model year alone. Pre purchase review should focus on fabric age and quality, corrosion protection, landing gear and tailwheel condition, rigging, logbook continuity and radial engine history. Jacobs engine time, cylinder condition, oil consumption and parts availability should be checked carefully. Common value drivers include fresh fabric, recent paint, upgraded radios, ADS-B compliance, leather interior, wheel pants, smoke system installations and documented factory or specialist maintenance. Later aircraft and factory refurbished examples usually command stronger prices, while older airframes can be attractive if records and inspection results are strong.