PlaneFox tracks 1 Wassmer WA-52 Europa 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.
The Wassmer WA-52 Europa is a French four-seat touring aircraft built by Wassmer Aviation at Issoire. It belongs to the WA-50 family, which originated with the WA-50 prototype first flown in 1963. The WA-52 Europa was the retractable-landing-gear version of the line, produced in limited numbers during the 1960s and early 1970s. It matters in the used market because it offers classic European touring-aircraft character, four-seat utility and modest operating costs, while remaining much rarer than comparable American singles.
The WA-52 Europa is typically powered by a Lycoming O-320 series flat-four engine rated at 150 hp, driving a two-blade propeller. Published figures vary by equipment fit and operating weight, but the type is generally associated with cruise speeds in the region of 120 knots, with a practical touring range of roughly 500 nautical miles when flown at economy settings with reserves. Service ceiling is commonly listed around 13,000 feet. Maximum takeoff weight is about 2,400 lb, and useful load depends heavily on individual aircraft, paint, avionics and interior fit. The retractable gear gives the WA-52 a cleaner profile than the fixed-gear WA-51 Pacific, but it also adds inspection and maintenance items.
The cabin is arranged for four seats, with two front seats and a rear bench or two rear places depending on configuration. Access, noise levels and ventilation reflect its 1960s design era, so condition and refurbishment quality are more important than catalog features. Most WA-52 Europas were delivered with conventional analog flight and engine instruments. Modern examples may have updated radios, Mode S transponders, 8.33 kHz communications, GPS navigators such as Garmin GNS or GTN units, or compact electronic flight instruments. Integrated glass systems such as Garmin G1000 or Perspective are not typical for this aircraft.
Prospective buyers should focus on airframe condition, maintenance history, engine time, propeller records, landing-gear rigging and corrosion protection around fittings and metal components. As with many low-volume European types, parts availability, specialist knowledge and documentation quality are central to value. Common upgrades include modern avionics, refreshed interiors, updated wiring, improved engine instrumentation and compliant radios or transponders. In market terms, the Wassmer WA-52 Europa usually sits as a niche alternative to mainstream four-seat retractables, appealing to buyers who value rarity and efficient touring more than broad fleet support or high-speed performance.