How Much Does It Really Cost To Own A Small Plane In 2026?
Owning a small plane in 2026 may cost more than the purchase price. Here's what drives the real expense of flying a Cessna 172.

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A used Cessna 172 Skyhawk can cost about as much as a high-end SUV. The purchase price, however, is the easiest number to find. The harder question is how much cash you need to keep the airplane flying year after year, especially when an annual inspection uncovers work that was not in the budget.
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About this article
- Length
- 54 words · 1 min read
- Published
- October 25, 2026
- Byline
- Antonio Di Trapani
- Source
- Simple Flying