"People want economy and they will pay any price to get it." - Lee Iaccocca

The worst mistake here is to buy a plane "cheap", then not be able to afford to fly it. Many factors make up the cost of operating an airplane. In general, the categories of cost are not unlike those of a car, but they vary much more widely.

• Fuel: actually the most expensive category. Fuel consumption varies widely.
  • Single Engine plane: 7-8 gph
  
  
  
  • High Performance single: 13-18 gph
  
  
  
  • Light Twin engine plane: 25-35 gph
  
  
  
  • Cabin Class Twin: 40-55 gph
  
  
  
  • Single Engine Turbine 55-65 gph
  
  
  
  • Twin Turboprop [Propjet]: 75-110 gph
  
  
  
  • Light Jet: 120-160 gph
  
  
  
  • Medium Jet: 250-275 gph
  
  
  
  At prices from $1.30-1.80 for jet fuel [Jet A], to $1.80-2.50 for aviation fuel [Avgas], it pays to know fuel consumption rates, plan ahead and ask about discounts for volume!
  
• Maintenance: One of the most difficult numbers to budget! However, once determined, it can be budgeted with good reliability. Past history of that type of plane, its own history of care and the future decisions you make will combine to give you a maintenance budget. Visit deeper into this site spreadsheets developed by owners for up to date and accurate operating cost information on particular makes and models! Generally, manufacturers no longer estimate operating costs. However, several services are available on larger aircraft for a fee. Conklin & d'Decker, as well as ARGUS, both charge upwards of $1000 or more per plane. Jetnet provides this information on turbine powered planes to subscribers, who pay $1000 or more per month. Click for an operating cost spreadsheet template.



• Engine Overhauls: Each engine manufacturer recommends a certain "Time Before Overhaul" [TBO] on each of its engines. Most owners follow the recommendation, but it is only required, if the plane is operated for rental or charter. When reduced to an hourly cost, overhauls cost less than fuel! Most turbine manufacturers offer fixed hourly cost service plans.



• Single Engine: 1800-2000 hours TBO, $6-8 per hour
• High Performance Single: 1600-1800 hours TBO, $10-15 per hour
• Light Twin: 1600-1800 hours TBO, $20-30 per hour
• Cabin Class Twin: 1400-1600 hours TBO, $30-40 per hour
• Single Engine Turbine: 3000-3500 hours TBO, $50-55 per hour
• Twin Turboprop [Propjet]: 3000-5400 hours TBO, $50-120 per hour
• Light Jet: 3000-3500 hours TBO, $100-150 per hour
• Medium Jet: 3000-5000 hours TBO, $140-400 per hour
  
• Click on any of the manufacturers listed for more details.
  • Continental
  • Lycoming
  • Pratt & Whitney
  • General Electric
  • Garrett [Allied Signal]
• Click on any of the Overhaul Facilities for more details.
  • G & N Engines
  • Victor Engines
  • Dallas Airmotive
  • Standard Aero
• Propellers: Each manufacturer, like Hartzell, McCauley, Sensenich, Hamilton have their own recommended TBO's. Typical TBO's fall into the range of 5-10 years or 1500-3000 flight hours. Costs range from $1500 to $10,000. So, it is wise to set aside a reserve for the future overhaul. Remember: "It's the prop that keeps the pilot cool! Just watch one stop and see that pilot sweat!"



• Thrust Reversers: On jet engines the TR's also have and inspection and overhaul interval depending on the manufacturer. So, a reserve could be set up here, too. $9-10/hour should be adequate.



• Paint and Interior: A wise man once said that a "pig in a pretty dress with nice make up and a beautiful wig is still just a pig."
  New paint and interior can cover a multitude of sins. The lack of it can also detract from an otherwise excellent aircraft. We all buy what we can see. New paint and interior will help sell a plane faster. It will also make the use of it more enjoyable for all concerned. Paint helps protect the metal from corrosion. So, it pays to keep the plane looking good. Typically, 10 years is about the maximum that can be planned on. Smaller aircraft can cost from $5,000 to 20,000 depending on materials and the quality of work. Jets and propjets can cost from $30,000 to 50,000. Medium size jet owners budget $100,000 to 300,000. So, it is wise to budget a reserve for this important area of care.

The rest of the costs of the plane are fixed costs. So, whether or not it ever gets flown, it will still need to be parked or hangared somewhere, be insured and have a properly trained pilot ready to fly it. More about this later.