Owning an aircraft isn’t just for billionaires or Fortune 500 companies. Today, private individuals, business owners, and aviation enthusiasts operate their own aircraft, ranging from ultralight aircraft to heavy jets. This article covers a wide variety of airplane types, from small recreational models to large commercial jets. But what is the real price for aeroplane ownership?
Airplane prices range from under $20,000 dollars for basic recreational aircraft to over $440 million dollars for the largest commercial jets in 2026. However, the initial purchase price is just one part of the total cost. The average annual cost to own an airplane is approximately $30,000, which includes ongoing expenses such as maintenance, fuel, insurance, and storage.
This guide provides a grounded, prestige-informed breakdown of pricing, operating costs, and strategic decisions that matter most for those seriously exploring aircraft ownership—from weekend pilots to corporate decision-makers. Some airplanes are surprisingly affordable, making them accessible options for first-time buyers or recreational pilots.
Key Takeaways
What This Guide Covers
This article is tailored for prospective buyers and corporate leaders researching the true cost of owning an aircraft in North America. Whether you’re interested in single-engine planes or multi-engine planes, you’ll learn:
Typical price bands by aircraft category
Major ongoing expenses to budget for, including maintenance costs, fuel costs, insurance, and storage costs
Financial first steps to consider before making your small plane purchase, including understanding your intended use, which is critical for selecting the right aircraft and estimating total ownership costs
Price Ranges by Aircraft Type
Small Aircraft, Small Planes, and Ultralight Aircraft
Ultralights & Gliders: Entry-level aircraft, such as powered hang gliders or sailplanes, range from $15,000 to $60,000, depending on the manufacturer, aircraft condition, and features. Ultralight aircraft typically cost between $8,000 and $15,000 new and are some of the least expensive airplanes available.
Used Small Planes: Expect $20,000 to $150,000 for vintage two-seaters (Cessna 150s, Piper Cubs). Single-engine piston used models can be found for $20,000 to $40,000. Airworthiness, avionics, and operational history significantly affect price. Affordable models include the ERCO Ercoupe, often priced under $20,000 and considered the cheapest plane for personal flying in 2025. The Aeronca Champion can be found for under $25,000, making it one of the most affordable certified planes. The Cessna 140 is often available for sale under $30,000, showcasing its affordability and simple design. The Cessna 150 is often available for as little as $30,000 when purchased used.
Upgrade Budget: Budget at least $10,000–$25,000 post-purchase for avionics, radios, or interior upgrades, especially for older aircraft. Aircraft with advanced avionics command higher prices due to their technological sophistication. Other aircraft, such as gliders, ultralights, and vintage planes, are also affordable options for recreational pilots.
Single-Engine Small Plane Prices
New Models: Factory-new single-engine aircraft like the Cirrus SR22 or Cessna 172 start at $400,000–$1 million, depending on avionics packages and aircraft condition. New high-performance single-engine piston models typically start at $300,000+.
Used Models by Decade:
1970s–1980s: $40,000–$120,000
1990s–2000s: $120,000–$250,000
2010s+: $250,000–$500,000
Upgrades: Modern glass cockpit upgrades (e.g., Garmin G3X or G1000) typically range from $20,000–$80,000.
Small Private Jets and Regional Aircraft
Light Jets** & Turboprops**:
Very Light Jets (VLJs) cost between $2 million and $6 million for new models.
Jet cards for prepaid flight hours typically start around $100,000 to $215,000.
Midsize jets like the Challenger 350 cost between $11 million and $30 million when new.
Multi-engine piston aircraft range from $75,000 (used) to $300,000+ (new).
Fractional ownership shares of a light jet can range from $300,000 to $600,000 upfront. Due to high acquisition costs, there is a shift toward fractional and co-ownership of private jets in 2026.
Commercial Airliners and Large Jets
Regional Jets (CRJ-200, ERJ-135): Used models start at $3–$7 million; often purchased for private conversions.
Full-Scale Airliners (Boeing, Airbus): Retired narrow-body jets can be acquired for $10–$30 million, but require significant retrofitting, crew, and operation infrastructure.
The overall cost of a commercial airliner can vary greatly depending on the range and the number of passengers it can carry. There is heightened demand for long-range narrow-body aircraft allowing airlines to open direct routes previously served only by wide-body jets. For example, narrowbody aircraft like the Airbus A320 family are priced between $75 million and $115 million. Smaller airliners, such as the Boeing 737 or the Airbus A320, are used by airlines to serve regional markets, with prices ranging from $50 million to $110 million or more. Larger airliners, such as the Boeing 747 or the Airbus A380, are used by airlines to serve long-haul markets, with prices ranging from $200 million to $400 million or more.
Specific examples include the Boeing 777-9, which is one of the most expensive commercial aircraft at around $442 million, and the Boeing 787 Dreamliner, which costs approximately $230 million. The Boeing 737 Max8 has a price tag of about $121 million, the Boeing 737-700 is priced at approximately $89 million, and the Boeing 737-800 costs around $106 million. The Airbus A350 ranges from $317 million to $367 million, while widebody aircraft like the Boeing 787 Dreamliner range from $248 million to $338 million. Heavy and Ultra-Long-Range jets can reach prices up to $80 million for top-tier models like the Gulfstream G700.
Tip: Consider fractional ownership or charter access before leaping into jet ownership if annual usage is under 200 hours.
Buying New vs Pre-Owned Small Aircraft
New Aircraft Benefits
Factory warranty
Latest avionics and performance specs
Lower maintenance costs in the first 5 years
Improved aircraft condition and modern safety features
Pre-Owned Considerations
Require a thorough pre-buy inspection by a certified pilots' association or maintenance expert
Check airframe hours, engine hours, service bulletins, and aircraft condition
Budget $15,000–$40,000 for post-sale avionics or engine upgrades
Avionics Modernization Timeline
Most older planes (pre-2010) need modernization within 2–3 years of purchase. ADS-B compliance and GPS navigation systems are now baseline safety expectations.
Financing, Taxes, and Ownership Costs
Presenting Financing to Lenders
Prepare a dossier including:
Personal financials or company balance sheet
Intended aircraft operation (personal recreation, charter, corporate)
Insurance coverage plans
Estimated annual operating costs and ongoing expenses
For most buyers, the process of financing a small plane is similar to obtaining a car loan, with similar considerations such as down payment and credit score.
Taxes and Registration Fees
Sales Tax: 4–9% depending on state/province
Aircraft Registration (FAA): ~$5, plus state-level fees
Luxury Tax (Canada): May apply to aircraft over $100k CAD
Taxes applicable to an aircraft can be an additional expense or, for those using the aircraft for business purposes, an attractive tax deduction depending on the type of operation.
Multi-Year Cost Projection
Plan a 5-year total cost of ownership spreadsheet, including several factors such as insurance, maintenance, fuel, and financing, as these can significantly impact the overall cost. Be sure to include:
Ongoing Additional Costs
What Counts as Additional?
Beyond the purchase price, include:
Fuel costs
Insurance premiums
Scheduled maintenance and repairs
Hangar or tie down storage fees
Annual inspections
Modernization/upgrades
Crew and pilot training (if applicable)
Priority Recurring Expenses
Fuel: One of the most significant ongoing expenses associated with aircraft ownership.
Maintenance costs: Can range from 10 to 45 percent of the total yearly operating expenses. Maintenance and repairs are critical components of owning and operating an aircraft.
Storage costs: Hangar and storage costs refer to the cost of storing and maintaining an aircraft when it is not in use. Storage costs for small planes can vary significantly based on location and storage type, with rural airports often offering lower rates than urban airports.
Insurance: A critical component of ownership, insurance helps protect against financial consequences of accidents or damage. Insurance costs for small aircraft can range from hundreds to thousands of dollars annually.
Annual Inspections: For small aircraft, annual inspections can range in price from $750 to $2000, depending on the type of aircraft.
A typical small single-engine aircraft may come with annual expenses such as $3,000 for hangar space, $2,500 for fuel, and $1,500 for insurance. Many owners spend between $8,000 and $12,000 each year on ongoing costs after purchasing a small plane.
Fuel Costs
Annual Estimates
Single Engine Piston: $4,000–$12,000/year (based on 100–150 hours)
Light Jet: $60,000–$150,000/year
Heavy Jet: $300,000+/year
Fuel burn varies by engine type and speed. Use tools like ForeFlight or AvPlan to model projected fuel spend.
Efficiency Tactics
Inspection Costs
Annual Inspection Estimates
Single Engine Piston: $1,500–$3,000
Twin Engine/Complex: $3,000–$7,000
Jet Annual Maintenance: $30,000–$100,000+
Pre-Purchase Checklist
Include:
Mandated Bulletins
Budget for service bulletins or airworthiness directives compliance, particularly with older or imported aircraft.
Maintenance and Repair Costs
Scheduled Intervals
50- and 100-hour inspections
Engine TBO (time between overhauls) may cost $30,000–$80,000
Emergency Fund
Set aside $5,000–$10,000/year for unexpected issues on piston aircraft. Jets require far higher reserve funds.
Major Overhauls
Research FAA-certified shops early to get quotes for:
Insurance and Liability Costs
Cost Drivers
Annual premiums:
Request quotes from Avemco, Global Aerospace, and pilots' association insurance programs.
Hangar, Storage, and Airport Fees
Tie down: $75–$250/month at most airports
Private Hangar: $400–$1,500/month, depending on location, type of storage, and space availability
FBO Charges: Include overnight ramp fees, landing fees, deicing, and related fees.
Storage costs for aircraft depend heavily on location and storage type. Storage costs for small planes can vary significantly based on whether you choose urban or rural airports, with rural airports often offering lower storage costs and greater availability of storage options compared to urban airports.
Check utility charges, fuel contract minimums, and access restrictions at your target base airport.
Crew, Training, and Certification Costs
Piston Owner-Pilot Flight Training: $1,000–$5,000/year
Jet Type** Rating**: $15,000–$35,000
Recurrent Training: Often required annually for jets, costs ~$7,000/year
Additional costs may include:
Manufacturer Spotlight: Textron Aviation
Flagship Single-Engine Models
Cessna 172 Skyhawk: ~$450,000 new
Cessna 182T Skylane: ~$650,000
Cessna TTx: Used models ~$700,000
Comparison to Peers
Textron models are renowned for:
Compete with Cirrus, Piper, and Diamond—each offering unique performance and safety technologies.
Dealer Incentives
Textron often offers:
Financing packages
Flight training credit
Free maintenance periods
Explore incentives directly with factory-authorized dealers.
Upgrades, Avionics, and Modernization
Typical Upgrades
ADS-B Out: $2,000–$6,000
Glass Cockpit (Garmin G3X/G1000): $20,000–$80,000+
Autopilot: $8,000–$25,000
Prioritize
Budget labor separately from equipment—install time can exceed 100 hours.
Ownership Versus Renting and Fractional Options
Renting Considerations
Renting a small plane can be a more cost-effective option for infrequent flyers compared to ownership.
Fractional Ownership
Who Should Own?
Frequent flyers (100+ hours/year)
Those valuing full control over scheduling and aircraft setup
Businesses needing client-ready branding and presence
Annual Budget Snapshot for a Small Plane
Let’s assume 100 flight hours/year in a Cessna 172:
Fuel costs: $6,000
Maintenance costs: $2,000
Insurance premiums: $2,500
Hangar fees: $6,000
Annual Inspection: $2,000
Total ongoing expenses: ~$18,500/year
Adjust fuel and maintenance upward for complex aircraft or higher usage.
How to Reduce the Price of Aeroplane Ownership
Choose fuel-efficient airframes (Diamond DA40, Pipistrel)
Buy used—but with full logs and recent inspections
Join a pilots' association, flying club, or shared ownership group
Base at a rural airport with lower tie-down rates
Next Steps and Resources
Always schedule a pre-purchase inspection before committing
Talk to lenders who specialize in aircraft finance, like AOPA Finance, LightStream, or Global Jet Capital
For market data and aircraft condition details, use:
Controller.com
Trade-A-Plane
VREF Online
Conclusion: Build Your Personalized Ownership Plan
Aircraft ownership is rewarding, empowering—and complex. Start by building a custom spreadsheet with:
Aircraft purchase range
Expected usage and passengers
Fixed and variable operating costs, including storage costs and maintenance costs
Then consult with:
Own smarter. Fly better.
Discover how BlackJet redefines premium aviation access — without the ownership burden.
Explore Jet Card Programs → www.blackjet.com
Sign up with google
Sign up with Apple
