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

2016 Beechcraft Bonanza G36

Good Deal

$799,999

For Sale

Total Time 1,177

Reg# N873L US

Location San Diego, CA

Via Coast Air Center

5 sources

Listed 2mo ago

2006 Beechcraft Bonanza G36

Contact for Price

For Sale

Total Time 1,720

Reg# N95TH US

Location Fort Lauderdale, FL

Via JetPro Aviation, Inc.

3 sources

Listed 2mo ago

1977 Commander 114

Overpriced

$299,000

For Sale

Total Time 3,190

Reg# N4931W US

Location East Peoria, IL

Via Kent Cook Aircraft Intl

5 sources

Listed 2mo ago

2008 Beechcraft Bonanza G36

Great Deal

$559,000

For Sale

Total Time 2,024

Reg# N939P US

Location Los Angeles, CA

Via Latitude Aviation

3 sources

Listed 2mo ago

2011 Beechcraft Bonanza G36

Good Deal

$789,000

For Sale

Total Time 890

Reg# N36JZ US

Location Columbus, OH

Via Lane Aviation

3 sources

Listed 2mo ago

1977 Commander 114

Overpriced

$240,000

For Sale

Total Time 2,519

Reg# N4943W US

Location Upland, CA

Via Foothill Aircraft Sales & Service

5 sources

Listed 2mo ago

2012 American Champion 8-KCAB

Great Deal

$220,000

For Sale

Total Time 1,325

Reg# VH-ZFT Australia

Location Perth, Western Australia, Australia

Via Airflite Pty Ltd

3 sources

Listed 2mo ago

1976 Rockwell 114 Commander 114

Overpriced

$144,900

For Sale

Total Time 3,504

Reg# N4734W US

Location Louisburg, NC

Via AircraftMerchants, LLC

5 sources

Listed 2mo ago

2004 Cessna 182T

Contact for Price

For Sale

Total Time 1,630

Reg# PR-JCN Brazil

Location Sao Paulo, Brazil

Via TFS Aviation USA

4 sources

Listed 2mo ago

2011 Beechcraft Bonanza G36

Good Deal

$649,000 ↓ -$70K

For Sale

Total Time 1,288

Reg# N413PM US

Location Stuart, FL

Via Robert Russo

3 sources

Listed 2mo ago

2006 Beechcraft Bonanza G36

Good Deal

$649,000

For Sale

Reg# N7133Y US

Location Louisburg, NC

Via AircraftMerchants, LLC

6 sources

Listed 2mo ago

2014 Beechcraft Bonanza G36

$995,000

For Sale

Total Time 650

Reg# N88VV US

Location NC

Via Carolina Aircraft, Inc.

5 sources

Listed 2mo ago

1979 Rockwell 114 A GT Commander

$150,006 ↓ -$1K

For Sale

Total Time 4,035

Reg# HB-NDG Switzerland

Location Switzerland

Via Aeromeccanica SA

3 sources

Listed 2mo ago

1999 Rockwell Commander 114B

$199,392 ↓ -$1K

For Sale

Total Time 1,200

Location United Kingdom

Via BluebirdAviation Contact

2 sources

Listed 2mo ago

1966 Piper Comanche

Overpriced

$180,888

For Sale

Reg# N9114P US

Location Irvine, CA

Via Kevin Esau

Listed 2mo ago

1978 Cessna 152

Fair Price

$80,000

For Sale

Reg# N530CA US

Location San Francisco, CA

Via Nick Williams

2 sources

Listed 2mo ago

2020 Cirrus SR20

Great Deal

$395,000

For Sale

Reg# N1144G US

Location Denver, CO

Via Jared Harris

Listed 2mo ago

2006 Beechcraft Bonanza G36

Contact for Price

For Sale

Total Time 1,310

Reg# N802PN US

Location Arlington, TX

Via Van Bortel Aircraft, Inc.

5 sources

Listed 2mo ago

2007 Beechcraft Bonanza G36

Overpriced

$875,000

For Sale

Total Time 2,129

Reg# N575W US

Location Canton, OH

Via Kyle Pentz

3 sources

Listed 2mo ago

2015 Cirrus SR22T

Fair Price

$649,888

For Sale

Total Time 975

Reg# N264TA US

Location Greenville, SC

Via DoubleDay Aviation Inc.

Listed 2mo ago

1979 Cessna 152

Overpriced

$74,950

For Sale

Total Time 9,800

Reg# N89114 US

Location CA

Via American Aircraft Sales Co.

Listed 2mo ago

1977 Commander 114 Super Commander

Contact for Price

For Sale

Total Time 3,475

Reg# N4874W US

Location United Kingdom

Via Flightline Aviation Ltd

Listed 2mo ago

1976 Commander 114 “hot Shot”

Overpriced

$168,500

For Sale

Total Time 3,996

Reg# N767AP US

Location Lawrenceville, GA

Via Nationwide Service

3 sources

Listed 2mo ago

1993 Commander 114B

Great Deal

$195,000

For Sale

Total Time 2,230

Reg# N768F US

Location Waco, TX

Via Nationwide Service

2 sources

Listed 2mo ago

Single Engine Piston for Sale

2016 Beechcraft Bonanza G36

2006 Beechcraft Bonanza G36

1977 Commander 114

2008 Beechcraft Bonanza G36

2011 Beechcraft Bonanza G36

1977 Commander 114

2012 American Champion 8-KCAB

1976 Rockwell 114 Commander 114

2004 Cessna 182T

2011 Beechcraft Bonanza G36

2006 Beechcraft Bonanza G36

2014 Beechcraft Bonanza G36

1979 Rockwell 114 A GT Commander

1999 Rockwell Commander 114B

1966 Piper Comanche

1978 Cessna 152

2020 Cirrus SR20

2006 Beechcraft Bonanza G36

2007 Beechcraft Bonanza G36

2015 Cirrus SR22T

1979 Cessna 152

1977 Commander 114 Super Commander

1976 Commander 114 “hot Shot”

1993 Commander 114B

Report an Issue