How much does a single-engine airplane cost?

Used single-engine piston aircraft range from $18K for a basic Cessna 150 to $700K+ for a new Cirrus SR22T. The most popular models — Cessna 172 Skyhawk ($50K-$150K), Piper Cherokee ($40K-$100K), and Cessna 182 Skylane ($80K-$200K) — offer the best balance of price and capability. Glass cockpit aircraft command a $30K-$80K premium over steam gauge versions.

What is the best first airplane to buy?

The Cessna 172 Skyhawk is the most popular first airplane — forgiving handling, low operating costs ($100-$140/hr), widely available parts and training. A good used Cessna 172 costs $50K-$120K. The Piper Cherokee PA-28 ($40K-$90K) and Diamond DA40 ($120K-$220K) are also excellent choices for new owners looking for reliable, easy-to-fly aircraft.

How much does it cost to own a small airplane?

Budget $12,000-$25,000 per year at 100 flight hours, including fuel ($4,500-$7,000 at $6/gal), hangar ($2,400-$6,000 depending on region), insurance ($1,500-$3,000), annual inspection ($1,500-$3,000), and maintenance reserves ($2,000-$5,000). Total hourly cost works out to $120-$250/hr depending on the aircraft type and how much you fly.

What is the cheapest airplane to buy and fly?

The cheapest airplanes to buy are Cessna 150/152 trainers ($18K-$45K) and older Piper Cherokee 140 models ($25K-$50K). Operating costs run $80-$120/hr. For a four-seater, the Cessna 172 offers the lowest total cost of ownership. Luscombe, Aeronca Champ, and Piper J-3 Cub are even cheaper to operate but carry only two people.

Single engine piston vs. multi engine — which should I buy?

For most private owners, a single-engine piston offers lower purchase price (50-70% less), lower operating costs (single engine overhaul vs. two), lower insurance, and simpler maintenance. Multi-engine aircraft provide engine redundancy but require a multi-engine rating and have higher total costs. A Cirrus SR22 with CAPS parachute offers comparable safety to a light twin at half the operating cost.

6,963 Used Piston Aircraft for Sale

1979 Yakovlev YAK-18T

1958 Piper PA-18-160

Beagle Pup Series 1

1982 Piper Arrow

1978 Piper Arrow

Piper Tired Dog (pa28) Seeks Loving Home. ?8000.00

1946 Luscombe Silvare 8E

1976 Rockwell 112B

Beechcraft Bonanza A36

1946 Aeronca Chief 11AC

Cessna 177 RG

Piper Gamston Warrior 2 Non Equity Hire.

Cessna 150 Brand New Engine And Prop

De Havilland For Sale DH82A Tiger Moth G Bpaj

Cessna 172 Choice Of 3

Beagle Pup ?12,000

Cessna 182

Cessna 150 Aerobat

Slingsby T67M

1985 Robin A T Ls

Piper P28R

De Havilland DHC-1

1944 Auster Mark 5

Cessna 150M

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