Flying cost per mile

[Scott@KTYR]

Has anyone put together a chart that Compares Flying Cost Per Mile on different airplane with useful load and number of passengers included?

All the cost to operate the plane per hour, assuming 150 hours per year (fuel burn, oil, engine rebuild, annual cost, inspection cost, insurance, etc) no hanger because it varies so much with location.

The cost per hour divided by the average cruise speed = Cost Per Mile (CPM)

This would allow someone to compare a Cessna 310 to a 340 or a Saratoga to a King Air 90.

I think it would be a good tool to have when someone ask the Question
“What Plane to Buy”

As a group we could come up with such a chart.

 

[Sac Arrow]

I have run cost per trip calculations and compared it with driving, and found that in most cases the cost per trip is equivalent to driving a large van.

 

[James331]

Too many variables, operator experience is also a huge factor, this will dictate how smoothly the aircraft is flown, how much you pay in mx, etc.

Also location and mission, are you operating somewhere you need FIKI? Landing backcountry/water/skis?

Are you scared of flying a single engine plane?

 

[frfly172]

i used a spread sheet ,when I owned a 172,after a while I realised I didn't really want to know the true hourly cost. With my current airplane I know my fuel burn per hour. That's enough for me.

 

[dans2992]

That's what I like about owning. The incremental cost to go on a trip (or not go) is just fuel... Makes the true cost more palatable by hiding it...

 

[Sac Arrow]

i used a spread sheet ,when I owned a 172,after a while I realised I didn't really want to know the true hourly cost. With my current airplane I know my fuel burn per hour. That's enough for me.

It's one of those cases of "those who love to eat sausage shouldn't watch it be made."

 

[Warlock]

I don't want to know...if I did I would not like it...

 

[James331]

That's what I like about owning. The incremental cost to go on a trip (or not go) is just fuel... Makes the true cost more palatable by hiding it...

Do the same math on your car, you won't drive anymore.

Do the same math for wear and rear on your joints for walking, you'll never leave home.


I put gas in, check my oil, nip any problems in the bud and mostly have un eventful annuals.

Don't over complicate things, just look at the cost for the average annual inspection, fuel flow and amount life limited parts.