How much does a single-engine airplane cost?

Used single-engine piston aircraft range from $18K for a basic Cessna 150 to $700K+ for a new Cirrus SR22T. The most popular models — Cessna 172 Skyhawk ($50K-$150K), Piper Cherokee ($40K-$100K), and Cessna 182 Skylane ($80K-$200K) — offer the best balance of price and capability. Glass cockpit aircraft command a $30K-$80K premium over steam gauge versions.

What is the best first airplane to buy?

The Cessna 172 Skyhawk is the most popular first airplane — forgiving handling, low operating costs ($100-$140/hr), widely available parts and training. A good used Cessna 172 costs $50K-$120K. The Piper Cherokee PA-28 ($40K-$90K) and Diamond DA40 ($120K-$220K) are also excellent choices for new owners looking for reliable, easy-to-fly aircraft.

How much does it cost to own a small airplane?

Budget $12,000-$25,000 per year at 100 flight hours, including fuel ($4,500-$7,000 at $6/gal), hangar ($2,400-$6,000 depending on region), insurance ($1,500-$3,000), annual inspection ($1,500-$3,000), and maintenance reserves ($2,000-$5,000). Total hourly cost works out to $120-$250/hr depending on the aircraft type and how much you fly.

What is the cheapest airplane to buy and fly?

The cheapest airplanes to buy are Cessna 150/152 trainers ($18K-$45K) and older Piper Cherokee 140 models ($25K-$50K). Operating costs run $80-$120/hr. For a four-seater, the Cessna 172 offers the lowest total cost of ownership. Luscombe, Aeronca Champ, and Piper J-3 Cub are even cheaper to operate but carry only two people.

Single engine piston vs. multi engine — which should I buy?

For most private owners, a single-engine piston offers lower purchase price (50-70% less), lower operating costs (single engine overhaul vs. two), lower insurance, and simpler maintenance. Multi-engine aircraft provide engine redundancy but require a multi-engine rating and have higher total costs. A Cirrus SR22 with CAPS parachute offers comparable safety to a light twin at half the operating cost.

Single Engine Piston for Sale

1976 Cessna U206F

$475,000

For Sale

Total Time 4,156

Location Craig, AK

Via Scott Van Valin

2 sources

Listed 2mo ago

1967 Cessna 206

$225,000

For Sale

Total Time 2,432

Reg# N3895G US

Location San Antonio, TX

Via Karl Purdy

Listed 2mo ago

1965 Cessna 206

Good Deal

$249,000

For Sale

Reg# N2592X US

Location Merced, CA

Listed 2mo ago

1966 Cessna TU206A

Overpriced

$230,000

For Sale

Total Time 7,957

Reg# C-FUGQ Canada

Location Sidney, BC, Canada

Via Island Aero Services

Listed 2mo ago

1981 Cessna TU206

Overpriced

$375,000

For Sale

Total Time 1,290

Reg# N954PW US

Location Hawkesbury USA

Via Canadian Aircraft Sales

Listed 2mo ago

1972 Cessna U206F

Contact for Price

For Sale

Total Time 16,731

Reg# ZS-TAU South Africa

Location Randburg, Gauteng, South Africa

Via NAC National Airways Corporation

4 sources

Listed 2mo ago

1981 Cessna TU206G

Good Deal

$199,500

For Sale

Total Time 10,148

Reg# C-GPXA Canada

Location Oshawa, ON, Canada

Via AVIATION UNLIMITED

3 sources

Listed 2mo ago

2008 Cessna U206H

Overpriced

$599,000

For Sale

Reg# N137P US

Location Placerville, CA

Via Skywagons LLC

8 sources

Listed 2mo ago

1982 Cessna U206G

Fair Price

$445,000 ↓ -$75K

For Sale

Reg# RP-C528

Location Pasay City, Metro Manila, Philippines

Via Airflite Pty Ltd

3 sources

Listed 2mo ago

1980 Cessna U206

Overpriced

$715,000

For Sale

Total Time 2,976

Reg# N171RS US

Location Boynton Beach, FL

Via Seneque USA

3 sources

Listed 2mo ago

1981 Cessna U206G

Contact for Price

For Sale

Total Time 1,821

Reg# N6428Z US

Location Brainerd, MN

Via NorthPoint Aviation

3 sources

Listed 2mo ago

1975 Cessna U206F

Overpriced

$249,000

For Sale

Total Time 16,715

Reg# C-GWVT Canada

Location Fort St. John, BC, Canada

Via Aircraft Canada

3 sources

Listed 2mo ago

1979 Cessna U206G

Overpriced

$360,000

For Sale

Total Time 3,470

Reg# N732JM US

Location Placerville, CA

Via Skywagons LLC

7 sources

Listed 2mo ago

1982 Cessna TU206G

Good Deal

$253,000

For Sale

Reg# N9774Z US

Location Hollywood, FL

Via A To Z Aircraft Inc

3 sources

Listed 2mo ago

1983 Cessna U206G

Overpriced

$595,500

For Sale

Total Time 7,571

Reg# N9939Z US

Location Port Alsworth, AK

Via Kent Williams

4 sources

Listed 2mo ago

1981 Cessna 206

Overpriced

$345,000

For Sale

Total Time 2,278

Location Hawkesbury, ON, Canada

Via Canadian Aircraft Sales

2 sources

Listed 2mo ago

1979 Cessna 206G

Great Deal

$255,000

For Sale

Total Time 5,950

Reg# N331LC US

Location Fort Lauderdale, FL

Via Luis Cruz

Listed 2mo ago

1967 Cessna U206

Contact for Price

For Sale

Total Time 12,800

Reg# N206KY US

Location St Louis, MO

Via Mike Piccirilli

2 sources

Listed 2mo ago

2005 Cessna TU206H

Overpriced

$498,500 ↓ -$16K

For Sale

Total Time 986

Reg# C-GAGP Canada

Location St-Mathieu-de-Beloeil, QC, Canada

Via Etienne Mottet-Desilets

Listed 2mo ago

1975 Cessna U206F

Overpriced

$159,950

For Sale

Total Time 7,926

Reg# TF-MYY

Location Iceland

Via Derrick Ings Aircraft Sales

4 sources

Listed 2mo ago

1982 Cessna U206G

Overpriced

$205,995 ↓ -$36K

For Sale

Total Time 4,565

Reg# TF-MYF

Location DO

Via Derrick Ings Aircraft Sales

4 sources

Listed 2mo ago

1976 Cessna U206F

$194,900

For Sale

Total Time 7,676

Reg# C-GEXT Canada

Location Whitehorse, YT, Canada

Via Aircraft Canada

3 sources

Listed 2mo ago

Single Engine Piston for Sale

1976 Cessna U206F

1967 Cessna 206

1965 Cessna 206

1966 Cessna TU206A

1981 Cessna TU206

1972 Cessna U206F

1978 CESSNA U206 STATIONAIR

1981 Cessna TU206G

2008 Cessna U206H

1982 Cessna U206G

1980 Cessna U206

1981 Cessna U206G

1975 Cessna U206F

1979 Cessna U206G

1982 Cessna TU206G

1983 Cessna U206G

1981 Cessna 206

1979 Cessna 206G

1967 Cessna U206

2005 Cessna TU206H

1975 Cessna U206F

1982 Cessna U206G

1976 Cessna U206F

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