vincent p. norris wrote in message . ..
Can anyone who owns a Cessna 172 tell me approximately what it costs
per hour to operate--fuel, oil, normal maintenance, engine overhaul
fund?

Thanks.

vince norris

I'm a member of a 5-man partnership in a 1979 172N based at BED, near
Boston.

Currently we charge $120/member/month to cover insurance, tiedown, and
some maintenance costs, and $60/hour (tach) for variables. Pilots are
a mix from 200-hour VFR to 900-hour IFR.

Currently we are discussing raising these by about 20% due to reserve
fund depletion after two rough (4-5k) annuals, but they're in the
ballpark. Be aware that BED is among the most expensive airports to
operate out of with $150/month tiedowns and $4.30 gas.

You can spend anywhere from $15-$25k when the engine goes, though a
good 0-320 will run well beyond TBO with good upkeep and cylinder
repairs.

What you have to be prepared for, as in all things aviation, is the
unexpected. In general a Skyhawk in good shape when you buy it and
taken good care of will not bite you. But when things break, and they
will, the numbers can add up very quickly. I would want an "oh, #$@!"
budget of at least $2500 in addition to planned costs, in case a
cylinder goes or the annual exceeds expectations. Radios and
autopilots are great but also create liabilities and if you get a real
christmas tree panel you might want to up that number, if keeping all
the toys working all the time is a requirement.

Best,
-cwk.