The question everyone asks: how much does it cost to own a small plane? The honest answer is probably more than you think – and the purchase price is just the beginning.
What “Small Plane” Actually Means
In aviation, “small” covers a lot of ground. A beat-up 1970s Cessna 150 trainer sells for $25,000. A new Cirrus SR22 with the whole avionics suite runs $850,000. Both are small planes. The numbers in between vary wildly based on age, engine time, avionics, and a dozen other factors.
Most first-time buyers end up looking at single-engine piston aircraft – Cessnas, Pipers, Beechcraft. Used examples from the 1970s and 80s in decent condition typically fall in the $40,000 to $100,000 range. That’s the realistic entry point for someone wanting to own rather than rent.
The Hidden Math: Operating Costs
Here’s where people get burned. A $60,000 Cessna 172 seems manageable until you add up annual expenses:
Hangar or tie-down: $200-800/month depending on your airport. California airports might run $1,200+. Yes, monthly.
Insurance: $1,500-4,000 annually for a standard single-engine. Your experience level and the plane’s value both affect the rate. New pilots pay more.
Annual inspection: Required by FAA regulations. Budget $1,500-3,000 for a typical single-engine, assuming no major issues are found. If something needs fixing, that number climbs fast.
Fuel: A 172 burns about 8 gallons per hour. At $6/gallon for 100LL avgas, that’s $48/hour just in fuel. Fly 100 hours a year (which isn’t much), and you’re spending $4,800 on gas.
Engine reserve: Engines don’t last forever. A typical piston engine needs overhaul around 2,000 hours, costing $25,000-40,000. Smart owners set aside $15-20 per flight hour to cover this eventual expense.
Add it up: that $60,000 airplane easily costs $15,000-25,000 per year to keep and fly. The purchase price is a fraction of total ownership cost.
Used vs. New
New planes depreciate like new cars – fast. A $400,000 Cessna 172 loses significant value the moment it leaves the factory. Five years later, it might sell for $300,000.
Used planes in the 30-40 year old range have already depreciated. A well-maintained 1980 model might cost the same to sell as it did to buy. Some pilots have flown for years and broken even on the airplane itself.
The trade-off: older planes need more attention. Corrosion, worn components, outdated avionics. A thorough pre-buy inspection by an experienced mechanic is non-negotiable. Budget $500-2,000 for a proper inspection before signing anything.
Real Numbers for Common Models
Cessna 150/152: The trainer everyone learns on. Used examples run $25,000-50,000. Cheap to operate but cramped – two seats, minimal useful load.
Cessna 172: The most produced airplane in history. Roomy, forgiving, reliable. Expect $50,000-120,000 for decent used examples, $400,000+ new.
Piper Cherokee/Archer: Comparable to the 172, slightly different handling characteristics. Similar price range, often a bit cheaper.
Cirrus SR22: The aspirational choice. Modern glass cockpit, airframe parachute, excellent performance. Used examples start around $200,000; new ones approach $900,000 fully equipped.
Is Ownership Worth It?
Run the numbers honestly. If you fly 100+ hours per year and value having a plane available whenever you want it, ownership can make sense. If you’re flying 30-40 hours annually, renting is almost certainly cheaper.
Many pilots find a middle ground through partnerships or flying clubs. Split the fixed costs with 2-4 other pilots, and the economics improve dramatically. You give up some scheduling flexibility but keep the benefits of having “your” airplane.
The worst financial move is buying a plane and then not flying it. Those fixed costs – hangar, insurance, annual – keep coming whether you fly or not.
