Pros and Cons of Owning an Airplane

Some benefits of ownership (some of these assume you are the sole owner):

  • No scheduling problems. The airplane is available whenever you want it. (For me, the best reason to own.)
  • No rental minimums. (Go for the day or the week, and fly as much or as little as you want. My #2 reason.)
  • Knowing and controlling how and when maintenance is done
  • Nobody flies the airplane without your permission (no wondering what damage might have been done since your last flight).
  • Customize the airplane to suit your needs
  • Snob appeal. (“I was out flying MY airplane the other day…”)
  • Market value can increase enough to pay for ownership costs (or so I’ve heard).
  • You can leave your stuff (charts, airport guide, etc.) in the airplane.
  • A great excuse to fly more often, to reduce the hourly cost
  • Parking in the hangar instead of on the ramp, in the sun

Disadvantages:

  • Maintenance costs and responsibility
  • Fixed costs like insurance and hangar space, even when the airplane isn’t used
  • Repairs and upgrades can drive up your investment above the resale value
  • Disincentive to learn from flying other types of airplanes
  • Loss of use of airplane when it’s in the shop
  • Washing, waxing, vacuuming, etc.

Continue to Costs of Ownership.

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