For example here's the estimated breakdown for a Cessna 172 (C172) or Piper Cherokee 180 (PA-28). You must separate Fixed Costs (you pay these even if the plane sits) and Variable Costs (you pay only when the engine runs). 1. Fixed Costs (Annual): Hangar: $400–$800/month ($4,800–$9,600/yr). Insurance: $1,500–$3,000/yr (varies by hull value and pilot experience). Annual Inspection: $1,800 base fee + $2,000 in unexpected repairs = ~$3,800/yr. Database Subscriptions: Garmin + ForeFlight = ~$1,000/yr. Total Fixed: ~$12,000 – $17,000 per year. 2. Variable Costs (Per Hour): Fuel: 9 gal/hr @ $6.50/gal = ~$58.50/hr. Oil: Changes every 50 hours = ~$3.00/hr. Engine Reserve: $35,000 overhaul / 2000 hr TBO = *$17.50/hr*. (Crucial: put this in a savings account every hour you fly). General Maintenance: Tires, brakes, lights = ~$15.00/hr. Total Variable: ~$94.00/hr. The Formula: If you fly 100 hours/year: ($15,000 Fixed / 100) + $94 Variable = *$244/hr* ----------------- Assumptions: 9 gal/hr: This is the standard cruise fuel burn for the Lycoming O-320 or O-360 engines found in almost all 172s and Cherokees. (A smaller Cessna 152 burns ~6 gph, while a larger Cessna 182 burns ~13 gph). 2,000 Hour TBO: This is the standard Time Between Overhauls for those specific Lycoming engines. $35k Overhaul: This is the current going rate for a 4-cylinder engine overhaul. (A 6-cylinder engine for a Bonanza or Cessna 206 would be closer to $50k–$70k).