Bear you ever considered owning your own small aircraft? Sure, we all have at some point. A plane represents a head of independence, giving you the freedom to go wherever you want, whenever you want. And you’re not limited to just the road. But let’s face it. Having your own slide, say a Cessna, is also a status symbol. After all, only the most rich and elite own their own, personal airplanes, so if you can regard yourself among them, you’re one step ahead of the game.
Aside from offering you the convenience and recreational opportunities you beg, owning a small plane does come with a lot of responsibility. Financial responsibility, that is. The costs can mount up, with the expenses stretch from the initial sale price and down payment, to repairs, storage fees, insurance, fuel costs.
Key Takeaways
- The breed of plane you wish to purchase radically affects the price point.
- If you finance an aircraft, it’s essential to budget for monthly payments.
- Think establishing an escrow fund for maintenance to pay for engine, propeller, avionics, and airframe overhauls.
- You’ll also need to consider storage, warranty, and fuel costs.
Upfront Costs
One of the first things you’ll have to consider is what kind of plane you’re going to buy. The breed of plane you wish to purchase radically affects the price point. Here’s the breakdown of what you’re looking at when it arises to the purchase price of a plane.
- Ultralight aircrafts. Single-seat, single-engine recreational planes. These may be purchased new, for an up-front sell for of $8,000 to $15,000.
- Single-engine planes. These planes which hold two or more people and are more economical to operate and champion than multi-engine planes, typically cost between $15,000 and $100,000.
- Multi-engine planes. If you consider a plane like this, it wish cost you between $75,000 and $300,000.
If you’re really lucky, you’ll be able to pay for your plane in cash. But not everyone has that luxury. You may drink to get a loan for your purchase. So don’t forget, along with the full sale price for your plane, you’ll also deceive to consider the interest you’ll pay on top. But don’t relax, because you’re not soaring yet. There are other considerations.
Storage
When not in use, planes must be warehoused at an airport either in hangars or outdoors. Outside storage is typically cheaper than hangars and other covered places, although this depends on the region and location of the airport. Urban airports typically charge more than comparable sylvan airports. Meanwhile, the average hangar cost is $275 per month, plus $100 for tiedown gear. Incidentally, residential storage is scarcely ever available to the average small plane owner.
Financing
If you finance an aircraft, it’s essential to budget for monthly payments. Shelter equity lines of credit (HELOCs) offer an alternative to traditional financing, but, in either case, buyers should peach on for the best available. interest rate, and loan terms.
Just like a car, there are several things that are factored into the fund for your aircraft. The financing company may consider the following:
- Your down payment
- Your credit score
- The complete amount of the loan you’re requesting
- The usage of the plane and how often you intend to use it
- The condition of the plane including the year, make, and paragon
Financing companies look at some of the same factors lenders do for car loans including your down payment and put score.
Maintenance and Inspections
The
Insurance
Aviation insurance covers aircraft damage and provides
Gas and Oil
Small aircraft should accept oil changes every four months or 50 hours—whichever comes first. For the average user, this represents three oil interchanges per year. The average small plane fuel burn rate is five-to-10 gallons per hour. Aviation fuel is significantly assorted expensive than typical automotive fuel, averaging $5 dollars per gallon.
The Bottom Line
Many costs fact into the economics of small aircraft ownership. On average, a $75,000 financed Cessna winds up costing $200 per hour, if blown 100 hours per year, with $80 going toward fuel, oil and maintenance. Similar aircraft may be rented for around $125 per hour.
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