Let’s talk about the Cessna 172, the most popular single-engine prop plane ever made. If you’re thinking about getting one, you might be wondering about the costs. Here’s the scoop:
A brand-new Cessna 172 will set you back about $359,000, but if you’re okay with a used one, you can find them from $30,000 to $235,000, depending on how old it is and what shape it’s in. Now, owning a plane isn’t just about buying it. You’ve got to think about insurance (which can be anywhere from $150 to $11,500) and parking it in a hangar (that’ll cost you between $1,800 and $12,000 a year). All in all, if you fly about 100 hours a year, you’re looking at around $30,000 in total costs.
The Cessna 172 is a favorite for good reasons. It’s great for learning to fly and for longer trips too. They’ve made over 44,000 of these planes, so let’s dive into what it costs to keep one in the air.
Cessna 172
This little plane is pretty cool. It can carry a pilot and three passengers. It’s about 27 feet long and has wings that stretch out 36 feet. When it’s empty, it weighs about 1,691 pounds, but it can take off weighing up to 2,450 pounds. It’s got one engine that puts out 160 horsepower, which is like a decent-sized car engine.
Cessna, the company that makes these planes, is now part of Textron Aviation. They started making the 172 back in 1955, and it’s been in production ever since. Textron says it’s the perfect plane for learning to fly because it’s easy to handle and has great visibility. Plus, it’s got some fancy gadgets in the cockpit that make flying it a real treat.
New or Used?
When you’re thinking about getting a Cessna 172, you’ve got to decide if you want a new one or a used one. A brand-new 2023 model will cost you about $359,000. That comes with a warranty and all the latest tech. But if you’re okay with a used one, you could spend anywhere from $30,000 to $235,000, depending on how old it is and what kind of shape it’s in.
If you’re really trying to save some cash, you might want to look at a Cessna 150. You can find those used for as little as $12,000 to $18,000. A newer, well-kept Cessna 150 or 172 might cost between $30,000 and $50,000. Just make sure you get it checked out thoroughly before you buy!
The Costs That Don’t Change
Now, let’s talk about the costs that you’ll have no matter how much you fly. Insurance is a big one. For a new Cessna 172, you might pay between $6,500 and $11,500 a year. If you buy a used one, basic insurance could be as low as $150 to $250 a year, but if you want full coverage on a $50,000 Cessna, you’re looking at $550 to $1,200 a year.
You’ve also got to park your plane somewhere. Renting a hangar can cost anywhere from $1,800 to $12,000 a year. You could park it outside for less (about $450 to $950 a year), but then you’ve got to worry about weather damage. Don’t forget about yearly inspections (about $1,800) and general upkeep (around $700 to $900).
The Costs That Change
Some costs depend on how much you fly. Fuel is a big one. Cessnas use a special kind of gas that costs about $6 a gallon. You’ll burn through $42 to $54 worth of fuel for every hour you’re in the air. You’ll need to change the oil every 50 to 100 hours, which costs about $200 each time. Landing fees vary a lot depending on where you’re flying, but figure on $50 to $150 a year. And don’t forget to budget for cleaning your plane – that’ll run you about $100 for a basic wash.
The Big Picture
So, what’s it all add up to? Well, if you fly about 100 hours a year:
- You’ll spend about $5,000 on fixed costs (things like insurance and parking).
- Each hour you fly will cost about $200 in variable costs (like fuel and landing fees).
- Maintenance and repairs will run you about $50 per hour of flight time.
- All told, you’re looking at about $30,000 a year to own and fly your Cessna.
If you fly more, say 300 hours a year, your costs will go up to about $80,000 a year.
In the end, owning a Cessna 172 might not be as expensive as you think, especially once you’ve bought the plane. If you don’t fly much, storage costs can be a big chunk of your expenses. But if you fly a lot, your per-hour costs go down. The key is to really think about how much you’ll be flying before you decide to buy. Do your homework, and you’ll be ready to make the best choice for your flying dreams!
