Cost of Flying a Fixed Wing Airplane: A Comprehensive Guide for Pilots and Enthusiasts
The cost of flying a fixed wing airplane is a subject that often comes up among pilots and airplane enthusiasts. This article will delve into the factors that contribute to the cost of a single flight, as well as the varying earnings for pilots throughout their careers. Whether you're a serious pilot considering your options or a curious onlooker, this guide will provide you with a clear understanding of what it costs to fly a plane.
Factors Affecting the Cost of Flying a Fixed Wing Airplane
The cost of flying a fixed wing airplane can vary significantly based on several factors, including the type of plane, fuel consumption, insurance, maintenance, and hourly rates. In this section, we will explore each of these factors to give you a comprehensive view of the costs involved in flying a fixed-wing aircraft.
Wet Hourly Rate of a 172
A common type of plane, the Cessna 172, is frequently rented for training purposes. At a school in Northern California, the wet hourly rate for the Cessna 172 is $155. This includes all fuel, which adds to the overall cost.
Fuel Consumption and Costs
Another significant factor affecting the cost is the fuel consumption of the airplane. For instance, the Cessna 172 consumes approximately 7.5 gallons per hour with 100LL fuel costing around $6.25 per gallon. This translates to a fuel cost of roughly $47 per hour. This figure is based on the plane’s expected fuel burn rate and the current price of aviation fuel.
Maintenance and Overhaul Costs
Mainstream single-engine aircraft like the Cessna 172 have certain maintenance costs that need to be considered. The engine, a Continental O-300, has a recommended time before overhaul of 4,000 hours, costing $23,900 to overhaul at a rate of $6 per hour. In addition, a propeller overhaul is needed every 1,000 to 2,000 hours, costing $6,000 and translating to a cost of $3 per hour. Combined, these maintenance costs add up to $9 per hour.
100-Hour Inspection and Other Costs
The 100-hour inspection is a mandatory safety inspection that needs to be performed each year. The cost for this inspection is $1,575, which adds $16 per hour to the overall cost. Other fixed costs include the annual tie-down fee at the airport, which for FME is $968, or $5 per hour if the plane is expected to fly 200 hours per year. Furthermore, a full coverage insurance policy for a 172 is around $1,100 per year, or $6 per hour.
Loan Payments for Owning a Plane
For those considering purchasing a plane, there is an additional cost of loan payments. For a 172 priced at $45,000 with a monthly loan payment of $834 (or $10,005 annually), this adds $50 per hour to the hourly cost of flying the plane.
Thus, when all the above costs are combined, the total hourly operating cost of flying a Cessna 172 comes to approximately $133. This makes it slightly cheaper to own and maintain a 172 than to rent it, unless something breaks, in which case the costs can skyrocket due to the high cost of aircraft parts.
The Earnings of Pilots
While the cost of flying a fixed-wing airplane can be daunting, it's important to note that there are significant differences in how pilots earn their money over their careers. The earnings of a pilot can range from negative to positive, depending on their experience level and the type of aircraft they fly.
Initial Earnings for New Pilots
New pilots typically start out with rates around $100 to $130 per hour for single engine propeller planes. These rates include the cost of hiring a certified flight instructor. As pilots gain experience and acquire more licenses, their earnings can significantly increase throughout their career.
Mid-Career Earnings
For pilots who have flown for several years, their earnings can increase substantially. After gaining seniority, a pilot flying wide-body jets for legacy or large freight carriers can expect to earn over $300 per flight hour.
Conclusion
The cost of flying a fixed-wing airplane and the earnings of pilots are influenced by a myriad of factors, including the type of aircraft, experience level, and specific career paths. Understanding these factors can help pilots make informed decisions about their flying careers and help enthusiasts appreciate the financial demands of this ambitious pursuit.