"Larry D. Cosby" lcosby at knology dot net wrote in message
...
What are the real cost of operating a single engine airplane in today's
economy? I've rented planes over the years since I've been a licensed
pilot. (1976) . Would like to own my own, but wife says it cost too much
in maintenance costs to own our own. I'm thinking along the lines of a
Piper 180 of the mid to late 60's. A Cherokee 235 would be great for
hauling the family, but it burns a lot of fuel. 15-17 GPH. Would rather
stay below about 12 gallons an hour. Any ideas?

I was considering it briefly, but the fixed costs alone ruled it out, In my
area, a covered tiedown will run $1200/yr. Insurance will vary, but for me
and a fixed gear under 200hp was about $1500/yr. Add at least $1000/yr for
an annual. That's at least $3700/yr to *have* an aircraft. The variable
costs are directly related to the aircraft you buy, so you would have to
figure that out.

I got into a club for $1200/yr dues and $100/hr wet tach time for 2 IFR 182s
and a newer IFR 172. I would have to fly hundreds of hours a yr to justify
buyng.