Designed in 1934, the WACO YMF would normally belong in the antique section at a fly-in, but after a redesign and production reboot in 1986 by WACO Aircraft Corporation, the design soldiers on, with a few nods to modern advances in aviation. Powered by a 300-horsepower Jacobs radial engine, the WACO YMF features doublewide seating in the front cockpit, allowing the design to make money hopping rides to those wishing to get a taste of the barnstorming life of an era long gone. Variations available include options such as an MT constant-speed propeller, amphibious floats and a full-up Garmin IFR suite. The fuselage of the modern YMF is a tubular steel frame, but the wings remain wooden. Used copies built from the 1990s onward are available, advertised starting at $150,000 and up to $400,000 for nearly new examples with all the bells and whistles.
WACO YMF-5
Height: 8 ft 5 in
Wing Span: 30 ft
Length: 23 ft 1 in
Max T/O Weight: 2,650 lb
Empty Weight: 1,155 lb
Fuel Capacity: 48 gal lb
Useful Load: 965 lb
Max Range: 400 nm
Service Ceiling: 14,800 ft
Maximum Speed: 110 kts
Normal Cruise: 98 kts
Powerplant: Jacobs R-755
