source for average annual costs?

[Badger]

I am entering into the world of aircraft shopping. As I begin my due diligence, and use some of the spreadsheets provided by fellow board members, I will be looking for estimated average annual costs.

I know they will vary significantly with location, shop, specific aircraft, etc., but I am only looking for a generalization. Instead of calling my local mechanic, I was hoping there was a web source that I could look up averages.

Any ideas?

 

[tonycondon]

you really just need to call your local mechanic and see what he estimates for different types you are considering. prices and scope just vary too widely to make a generalization

 

[Ted]

We'd first need to know what kind of aircraft you're even considering purchasing. A 172's annual will be significantly different in cost than a Navajo.

However, Tony is correct. In addition to his point, year-to-year annual costs can be significantly different. One year you have a couple of bad cylinders and decide to do a top overhaul so that annual costs $10,000. Next year, nothing's wrong, costs $1,000. You get the idea.

 

[Badger]

thanks Tony. I was thinking that, but I hate to pester him.

He was so helpful when I inquired about cost for a 182 vs r182 for example, but his time is valuable. I appreciate your response.

 

[Skylane81E]

Geography makes a difference to, labor rates can vary and even the weather can make a difference in what you actually pay.

For an R 182 add a couple/three hours if nothing is wrong vs. a straight leg. All cost estimates go out the window with the first discrepancy. If I'm the first guy to try and move that bolt in 30 years of Florida salt air...


Well you get the idea.

 

[Skylane81E]

Oh and a mechanic who already knows cessna retracts will save you good money if you get an "r" cessna.

 

[Datadriver]

Talk to a mechanic familiar with your model. If they aren't familiar and they work on it sometimes the learning part is something you wind up paying in terms of extra hours and unnecessary parts.