Re: Cost of aircraft ownership?

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Cost of aircraft ownership?

Ransman 26/02/2009, 9:17 AM
Can anyone point me in the right direction, I'm looking at the true cost of ownwership of say a PA28-140. Obviously fuel costs, landing fees and hangar space are easily calculated it's the other items I need though, such as service schedule, and cost, annual check and any other "fixed" or "hidden"costs that need to be taken into account. I'm aware a fund needs to be built for the unexpected, so if anyone has any info, or a link, much appreciated. I've searched through Pilot mag but can't find any articles. Could be a good subject for the mag? Thanks.

Re: Cost of aircraft ownership?

Silver Fox 27/02/2009, 10:49 AM

Hi Ransman, the question is one that's often asked and there are a fair few opinions as to the answer. The short answer is whatever you think it will cost, it will actually cost more. I was told before I bought mine that I should budget for at least £8 per year. That has proved to be a pretty fair estimate so far (3 Years). However it will depend upon a fair number of factors, where you keep it? how many hours will it fly each year? How many pilots will be flying? and awhole host of other things too. I have a basic excel spreadsheet into which you can enter your fixed and variable costs and it will then tell you what the projected hourly cost will be. For me the result was quite surprising as it showed the aircraft would need to fly at least 300 hours a year to break even at £120 per hour. History has borne this out. If you'd like a copy I could email it to you. Some more info can be found here http://www.faqs.org/faqs/aviation/faq/section-13.html There is also a very good book available which I bought and learned a lot from try here http://www.amazon.com/Buying-Owning-Your-Airplane-Third/dp/0813801761

If you do decide to go ahead it will cost you dear, but the satisfaction is something else. Best of luck.

Re: Cost of aircraft ownership?

Peregrino Volador 15/08/2009, 12:16 PM

Hello Mr. Silver Fox,

If you could email your cost spread sheet to : www.cenecorta@hotmail.com .It will be very much appreciated.

Regards,

Peregrino Volador.