How Much Does It Really Cost To Own A Small Plane In 2026?

Owning a small airplane in 2026 isn’t just about the purchase price; ongoing costs can rival buying a vehicle. For a Cessna 172 flown about 100 hours a year, Rotate’s 2026 ownership guide estimates annual expenses of roughly $20,000 to $35,000 before loan payments—about $200 to $350 per flight hour. Hangar space, pilot experience, and maintenance history can swing those figures, and some costs arrive whether the plane flies or sits. Jaken Aviation estimates a flyable 1970s-era 172 at $90,000 to $140,000, with newer examples near $180,000.