Welcome to our Aircraft Ownership Calculator!

Enter your mission and walk through fixed and direct operating costs for any aircraft using our aircraft ownership calculator. Ready to get going? Give us a call to talk about it!

Amelia

FLYING Finance AI Specialist

Permanent member of the FLYING Finance team

"You have run the ownership numbers. Now let's talk about what financing does to them. The monthly loan payment is one line in your budget — I can tell you exactly what that line looks like."

Monthly payment on a $350K aircraft at 15% down?

Financing vs paying cash - how does it affect total cost?

What rate applies to my aircraft type?

Can bonus depreciation offset the cost?

You have modeled the ownership costs. The financing line is one of the most controllable inputs in that model. Tell me what aircraft you are looking at and I can give you the exact monthly payment, the rate that applies, and what documentation you will need to get pre-approved.

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Aircraft Ownership Costs — Common Questions (FAQ)

Understanding the full picture before you buy.

What does it actually cost to own an aircraft?

Total cost of ownership includes fixed costs (hangar or tie-down, insurance, annual inspection, loan payment) and variable costs (fuel, maintenance, avionics upgrades). For a typical certified piston like a Cessna 172 or Cirrus SR20, fixed annual costs run $15,000–$30,000 before fuel and flying. A Cirrus SR22 or Piper Archer adds $5,000–$10,000 more annually. Use the Ownership Planning Tool above to model your specific aircraft and flying hours.

How much does aircraft insurance cost?

Aircraft insurance premiums vary widely based on aircraft value, pilot experience, and usage. A private pilot with 250 hours insuring a $150,000 Cessna 172 can expect $1,500–$2,500/year. A high-performance aircraft like a Cirrus SR22 ($400,000–$600,000 hull value) typically runs $4,000–$8,000/year. Insurance is a lender requirement and must be in place before closing.

Does owning an aircraft qualify for tax deductions?

Aircraft used for business purposes may qualify for Section 179 expensing or bonus depreciation, which can substantially reduce the net cost of acquisition in the year of purchase. The One Big Beautiful Bill Act currently moving through Congress proposes restoring 100% bonus depreciation. Consult your CPA for your specific situation — the tax structure of your purchase can significantly affect how you finance it. Learn about bonus depreciation →

Is it cheaper to own or rent an aircraft?

The break-even point depends on how much you fly. At 50–75 hours per year, ownership typically begins to approach parity with rental costs on comparable aircraft, assuming reasonable fixed costs. Above 100 hours annually, ownership is almost always more economical per flight hour than rental. The Ownership Planning Tool models this break-even for your specific aircraft target and flying frequency.

Can I offset ownership costs with a leaseback arrangement?

Yes — placing your aircraft on leaseback with a flight school or charter operator is a common strategy to generate revenue that offsets fixed costs. FLYING Finance finances leaseback aircraft and understands the underwriting differences between personal-use and commercial-use financing structures. Lenders typically require 20% down for leaseback configurations and evaluate the aircraft's revenue potential as part of underwriting. Explore leaseback financing →