How much does a Cessna 172 cost to maintain?
Cessna Skyhawk operating costs are typically broken down by hour and include, fuel, insurance, tie-down or hangar storage fees, regular maintenance inspections, and landing fees. Typical Cessna 172 Operating costs average between $100-$200 per hour depending on a wide range of variables. As an average breakdown of owning and operating a Cessna 172 or similar: Total fixed costs $2,000-$5000, including insurance, hangar, and maintenance. Variable costs are $100-$200 per flight hour, including fuel, oil, landing fees, etc. Maintenance/repairs $50 per flight hour.They include: Fuel: A Cessna 172 burns about 7-9 gallons per hour, with Avgas typically costing around $6 per gallon. Hence, your hourly fuel costs may range between $42 and $54 per hour of flight time. Engine Overhauls: They are not an annual expense but will be required over time, based on your usage.The annual inspection is one of the most significant cost drivers for Cessna 172 owners. Because one needs an A&P/IA, the labor cost is a tick higher than standard maintenance. Based on my experience, you can expect to spend around $1,700. The amount is just the inspection fee and is a fixed cost.A Cessna 172 engine overhaul can cost between $20,000 and $40,000, depending on the extent of the work required. An engine replacement, on the other hand, can be significantly more expensive. For example, the amount to replace can potentially exceed $50,000. Therefore, a rebuild might be the best approach.
How much is a good used Cessna 172?
A new Cessna 172 can cost between $400,000 and $500,000; a used Skyhawk can range from $40,000 to $300,000 depending on multiple factors. The Cessna 172, also known as the Skyhawk, is one of the most popular airplanes in the world. The Cessna 172S Skyhawk has long been the standard for flight training around the world—and for good reason. It’s often the first aircraft that comes to mind when people think of small airplanes, and it remains one of the safest single-engine planes available today.Without question, after all these years the venerable Cessna 172 Skyhawk still delivers enormous practical value. There isn’t a mechanic around that can’t wrench one, parts are plentiful, it carries a reasonable load and it’s stone simple to fly. These desirable traits only scratch the surface.
What is the TBO for a Cessna 172?
Cessna 172’s with Continental engines have a TBO (time before overhaul) of 1800 hours vs Lycoming engines, who’s TBO is 2,000 hours. Getting the aircrafts (SMOH) Time since major overhaul is a major factor affecting the price. The Continental O-200 engine in the Cessna 150 is rated for 1,800 hours of use before overhaul. The Lycoming O-235, in the Cessna 152 interval is 2,400 hours. The cost of overhaul varies widely, but is at least $8,000 for a low budget field overhaul, up to $20,000 for a factory overhaul.
How much does insurance cost for a Cessna 172?
Cessna 172 insurance is among the most affordable in all of general aviation, thanks to its strong safety record, simple systems, and widespread availability of parts and training. Most Cessna 172 owners pay between $1,000 and $1,800 per year for comprehensive coverage, including both hull and liability insurance. Purchasing a Cessna 172 can be a good investment. Cessna 172s can maintain their value or even appreciate in price over time. Buying as opposed to renting a Cessna 172 could make the most sense for some pilots.The Cessna 150 is a budget friendly choice for any pilot when comparing their hull value and annual insurance rates. A lot roomier than its little brother the Cessna 150, the Cessna 172 is a 4-seat reliable trainer and personal plane.
What is the airframe life of a Cessna 172?
Retirement of this airframe is recommended when 30,000 flight hours have been accumulated. The document is listed on a portion of the Cessna Aircraft Web site that requires registration and a password. That’s why Cessna’s Special Inspection Documents now put a life limit on the Cessna 172 airframe (and a few other single-engine models, as well) of 30,000 hours.
What is the life expectancy of a Cessna 172 engine?
Cessna 172s can be flown for nearly 30,000 hours if properly maintained. The engines need to be replaced every 2000 or about 12 years depending which one comes first, whereas the Cessna 182 only has about a 1500 hour engine life. The Cessna 172 is the most durable small airplane that has ever been manufactured. Modern Cessna 172’s have a maximum altitude of 13,000ft – 15,000ft. Anything over 10,000ft is known as the transition layer, and pilots should not cruise above this altitude. For long haul flights, it’s recommended to cruise at 9,500ft and 4,500ft for short flights.A Cessna 172 can typically fly around 640–800 miles on a full tank, depending on weather, weight, and altitude. That’s about 4–5 hours of flight time. Efficient planning and favorable conditions are key to maximizing range during longer flights in small aircraft.