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Do You Want to Buy a Light Plane?
Having a small plane can help turn your travel dream possible anytime. However, before you take the plunge into owning one of these aircraft, it is important to understand what light aircraft ownership really means.
This complete guide will cover you in everything from how to purchase, own and operate your own light plane.
What Qualifies as a Light Aircraft?
Light planes are small, propeller-driven fixed-wing aircraft. While what is defined as "light" can be subjective, light aircraft are normally no more than 12,500 pounds maximum takeoff weight. That keeps them below the regulatory requirements for larger and more complicated aircraft.
The following are some key characteristics of light planes:
- Seating for 1-6 people
- Typically single engine (some light twins also exist)
- Nose wheel: Fixed landing gear (not retractable wheels)
- More basic instruments than big aircraft
- For recreation, training or personal transportation
Light aircraft are less expensive to buy and easier to fly than larger jets or even turboprops; thus, owning your own private plane is much more accessible.
Some of the most common light airplane models are the Cessna 172 Skyhawk, Piper Cherokee and Beechcraft Bonanza.
Maximum Size and Weight Limits
In the light aircraft class, even smaller airplanes with MTOWs of less than 5,000 pounds are called very light aircraft or VLAs. At the high end you get the biggest light planes (max takeoff weight ~12,500 lbs).
This includes bigger 4 to 6 seat models like the Piper Seneca, Beechcraft Baron, and Cessna 400-series twins.
Wingspan is another significant unit of measure for light aircraft. Typical wingspans are: 30 feet for smaller single engine planes, 40-45 feet on larger single engine planes and up to 50 feet on the biggest light aircraft like the Pilatus PC-12 turbo-prop. Cabin widths can range from less than 3 feet to wider models with a width of 5 ft.
Understanding these size metrics will guide you in selecting an aircraft with sufficient cabin dimensions, payload capacity, range, and performance to meet your needs. As a rule of thumb, purchase the smallest simplest aircraft that will serve your mission.
Pros of Light Aircraft Ownership
Flexibility and Freedom
The freedom and flexibility afforded by light aircraft attracts many buyers.
The big advantage of owning your own plane is that you fly to and from where you want on at the time of your choosing, direct to the destination point.
You can go in and out of more than 5,000 public airports scattered around the U.S. Light aircraft facilitate spur-of-the-moment travels, flights to see relatives.
Recreation and Sport
Light plane are very popular among the flying public in regards to recreational aviation. For many fliers, the act of taking to open skies and flying an aircraft responsive to their control inputs needs no further elaboration.
Some are light sport aircraft models, such as the Cub Crafters Carbon Cub, and designed to be fun planes right from the start. Organizations like the Experimental Aircraft Association contribute to a relatively thriving recreational flying sector.
Affordability over Jets
Although light planes are still a sizeable purchase, they present much more affordable ownership options for the private sector than jets.
A new or used light airplane will cost you $50,000-$2 million+, compare that to a turboprop jet (the most basic of business jets) which starts at nearly $3 million+. Lower costs for in particular fuel, maintenance, storage and insurance.
Simpler Licensing
You can fly most light aircraft with a Sport Pilot or Private Pilot certificate. Unlike the ATP higher-level license for jets, these are simpler to gain. In many cases, the medical requirements are less strict.
Cons of Light Aircraft Ownership
Flying Challenges
There are actually a few reasons that light aircraft as a type could be considered suboptimal. While buoyantly correcting that, these have slower speeds as compared to jets, shorter range and altitude is limited. Since they are light, light planes may experience turbulence more vigorously.
There are also more severe weather and climate-related hazards - ice, snow, and winds in particular.
Less Passenger/Cargo Space
The tight cabin does not allow much more than 1-6 seats for passengers. Since they have reduced interior volume and restricted payload ceilings, you cannot fit and deliver as many bags and equipment as you can on bigger airplane types. This can restrict long trips.
More Frequent Maintenance
Piston engines are simpler but offer more maintenance than Jet turbine play. Look forward to regular oil changes every 50 hours, spark plug service, engine rebuilds and inspections. For some pilots, this hands-on care cultivates a pride of ownership.
In general, light aircraft provide a fantastic experience for flying, adventure and most of all, the simple pleasure of flight.
A Look at the Most Popular Light Aircraft Models
With excess of a whole bunch of various gentle plane fashions to contemplate both new and used, it pays to stay with among the most confirmed and greatest sellers in every section:
Cessna 172 Skyhawk -The most produced airplane in the world with over 44,000 having been built A high Wing 4-seater that is rugged and reliable. Ideal for training, utility tasks or both.
The Piper Cherokee - A classic workhorse plane of general aviation S/LS and S/LSB: Low-wing models for 2-6 occupants A favorite of flight schools.
The Cirrus SR22 - one of the most widely used modern composite planes with sophisticated safety features. It has futuristic cabin and accomodates 4.
Van's RV Kitplanes - Lots of thousands built!!! famous kits.homebuilt aircraft. You can select from single or two seat models Top speed and efficiency.
CubCrafters Carbon Cub - A stunning re-interpretation of the Piper Cub taildragger. Providing superb fun and low field performance.
Pilatus PC-12 - The king of the food chain for light aircraft. 6-9 seat cabin-class turboprop aircraft with very high performance.
That's just a smattering of the great new and used light planes coming from established manufacturers well worth your consideration.
What Are the Costs of Purchasing and Operating Light Aircraft?
Owning an airplane is expensive, and there is no sugar coating the fact. Light aircraft, however, are generally a far lower price than private jets. Now, let's take a peek at the purchase price, operating costs and other financial factors you should know about:
New Plane Purchase Price - $100,000 to over $2 million
You can get an entry-level plane like a new LSA for as low as $100k to around $200k, while the new high-performance singles or light twins cost between $500k and over $2 million.
Used Plane Purchase Price - $20,000 to $1 million+
A basic older single engine plane will cost you between $30k to $60k. Cost is anywhere from $300k to over $1 million for newer model used planes and twins.
Annual Operating Costs - $5,000 to $50,000+ per year
This includes costs such as fuel, maintenance, insurance, hangar /parking, pilot supplies, training etc. Further further costs are incurred every few years for major overhauls or engine replacement.
Financing - Aircraft loans available with 10-20% down payment
For eligible buyers, banks will typically finance about 80% of an aircraft's purchase price. Interest rates are usually variable.
Well, obviously you should have a significant budget to own a light plane. However, if you can realistically plan to fly a light aircraft is still the most cost-effective way to gain personal air transport ownership.
How to Purchase Your Light Aircraft
After you know that light aircraft ownership is a financially viable prospect for you, this section runs through the process of buying one from start to finish.
Step 1: Determine What You Want to Accomplish
Determine what you want your mission to be (cross-country, local flying, fun weekends), how many people do you want to carry and their range & performance requirements as well as some of the features you need. This will narrow down your aircraft options.
Step 2: Research Models and Options
Explore relevant models using aircraft comparison tools and guides. You might want to check out airshows and demonstration flights. Chat with other owners on online forums.
Step 3: Get Pre-Approved for Financing
Before you even start looking for a home, it is best to get pre-approved for your financing
Always talk to banks familiar with aviation lending before you fall in love with a plane. Pre-approval for financing will solidify your financial parameters and seriousness as a buyer.
Step 4: Find used aircraft or order new build from factory
Browse trade in ads and planes for sale databases. Or go out to manufacturers as they will be getting ordered for a new plane; expect lead times of 6 months+. See logs, comply with AD, overall health.
Step 5: Negotiate the Best Deal
Do not hesitate and make offers, even if they are below the asking price. Same thing with negotiating from a broker, dealer or private seller. Price comps available from similar aircraft sales. Understand the points of leverage, like terms of financing
Step 6: Complete Pre-Buy Inspection
Have an independent A&P mechanic you hire conduct an exhaustive inspection prior to purchase. This is going to detect any problems in the early days.
Step 7: Close the Deal and Transfer Title
Once the deposit has been completed, the purchase paperwork. Get FAA registration set, arrange for transfer of insurance, check that title is clear with no liens and pay any sales tax.
Hope this helps!