{"id":1389,"date":"2024-02-07T16:20:55","date_gmt":"2024-02-07T16:20:55","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.wrightexperience.com\/?p=1389"},"modified":"2024-02-07T16:20:55","modified_gmt":"2024-02-07T16:20:55","slug":"how-much-does-a-cessna-172-cost","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.wrightexperience.com\/how-much-does-a-cessna-172-cost\/","title":{"rendered":"How Much Does a Cessna 172 Cost?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>The Cessna 172 is a classic for us general aviation enthusiasts. It brings together reliability, easy maintenance, strong resale value, and a welcoming community.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you&#8217;re interested in this plane, stick around. We&#8217;ll show you how much a new Cessna 172 is.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-rank-math-toc-block\" id=\"rank-math-toc\"><h6><strong>In this article:<\/strong><\/h6><nav><ul><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#initial-cessna-172-cost\">Initial Cessna 172 Cost<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#operation-costs-breakdown\">Operation Costs Breakdown<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#additional-considerations-before-buying-a-cessna-172\">Additional Considerations Before Buying a Cessna 172<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#resale-market-and-value\">Resale Market and Value<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#frequently-asked-questions\">Frequently Asked Questions<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#conclusion\">Conclusion<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"initial-cessna-172-cost\"><strong>Initial Cessna 172 Cost<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>A new Cessna 172 can cost you from <strong>$300,000 <\/strong>to<strong> $400,000<\/strong>. But when it comes to getting your hands on a used one, you can cut down your budget to between <strong>$40,000<\/strong> and <strong>$300,000<\/strong>, depending on the flight time. This is just the upfront price, so you should expect more for the operation costs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"buying-new\"><strong>Buying New<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Picking up a brand-new Cessna 172 is about as exciting as it gets. You get a plane fresh off the assembly line, equipped with the latest tech and a full manufacturer&#8217;s warranty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>However, this option will hit your wallet the hardest. The price of a new Cessna 172 can run anywhere from <strong>$300,000 to $400,000<\/strong>, depending on the specs and features you choose. It&#8217;s a hefty investment but worth it if you&#8217;re looking for reliability and the newest advancements in aviation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"going-used\"><strong>Going Used<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>If a brand-new Cessna isn&#8217;t in the cards, consider buying a used one. The market is full of well-maintained, previously loved 172s that have a lot of life left in them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Prices vary widely based on age, condition, and avionics, ranging anywhere from $40,000 for older models to upwards of $300,000 for ones just a few years old.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Buying used can be a smart move because it offers a more affordable entry into aircraft ownership. But you&#8217;ll need to get a thorough pre-purchase inspection to avoid any expensive surprises down the line.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"fractional-ownership\"><strong>Fractional Ownership<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Think of this as the timeshare of airplanes. You buy a share of a Cessna 172, which reduces the purchase <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wrightexperience.com\/small-plane-cost\/\">price and ongoing costs<\/a> since you&#8217;re splitting them with others. This option can significantly lower the financial barrier to entry, with shares often costing between $15,000 and $50,000, plus monthly maintenance fees.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The downside? You&#8217;ll have to schedule your flying time around the other owners, which can limit spontaneity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"leaseback-options\"><strong>Leaseback Options<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Entering into a leaseback agreement involves purchasing a Cessna 172 and then leasing it back to a flight school or flying club. It&#8217;s a way to offset some of your ownership costs since the aircraft earns its keep by being used in training or rental fleets.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>While this can cover expenses like hangar fees, insurance, and maintenance, it also means your plane will clock a lot of hours quickly. This could affect its resale value. It&#8217;s a give-and-take situation that works best if you&#8217;re not planning to fly your plane daily.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"operation-costs-breakdown\"><strong>Operation Costs Breakdown<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>In addition to the upfront MSRP of Cessna 172, you&#8217;ve also got to factor in operating costs. They can be split into fixed and varied expenses, both of which can add up quickly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"fixed-costs\"><strong>Fixed Costs<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>These are the expenses that don&#8217;t change much in a month or year, no matter how often you fly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Hangar or Tie-Down Fees<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Keeping your Cessna 172 somewhere safe when you&#8217;re not flying is a must. If you opt for a hangar, you&#8217;re looking at costs that can range from $200 to $600 per month, depending on your location and the facility&#8217;s amenities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Tie-downs are more budget-friendly, usually costing between $100 and $150 per month. The trade-off is that your plane is more exposed to the elements.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Insurance<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Just like with cars, insurance is non-negotiable. For a Cessna 172, annual insurance costs can vary widely based on your flying experience, how you plan to use the aircraft and the insurance coverage you choose.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Expect to pay at least $500 to $1,500 per year (and even more) for a good policy that gives you peace of mind.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Maintenance<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/www.wrightexperience.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Cessna-172-Maintenance.jpg\" alt=\"Cessna 172 Maintenance\" class=\"wp-image-1414\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.wrightexperience.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Cessna-172-Maintenance.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.wrightexperience.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Cessna-172-Maintenance-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.wrightexperience.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Cessna-172-Maintenance-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>You&#8217;ll need to budget for annual inspections and regular maintenance. The costs here can vary greatly depending on what needs fixing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Setting aside $1,500 to $3,000 a year should cover routine maintenance. However, if your engine needs an overhaul, for instance, be prepared for a bigger bill<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"varied-costs\"><strong>Varied Costs<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Your wallet doesn&#8217;t just feel the hit from those fixed annual costs. Variable operating costs also play a big part in the financial equation. These expenses fluctuate based on how often you fly and how far you go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Fuel<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>The most obvious variable cost is fuel. The fuel burn rate of a Cessna 172 is roughly 7 to 9 gallons of avgas per hour of flight.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Let&#8217;s say avgas prices hover around $5 to $7 per gallon; a one-hour flight could cost you between $35 and $63 in fuel alone. And more flying equals more fuel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Oil<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Keeping your engine lubricated is key, meaning regular oil changes and top-offs. On average, you might use a quart of oil every 10 to 15 hours of flight time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This expense isn&#8217;t massive, with oil costing about $10 to $15 per quart. But it&#8217;s one to remember, especially if you&#8217;re clocking many hours in the sky.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Engine Reserve<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>This cost is not immediately out of pocket but is crucial for long-term budgeting. Setting aside money for engine overhauls or major repairs is smart planning.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>From our experience, consider saving around $15 to $20 per flight hour for this future expense of a Cessna 172. This way, you&#8217;re not caught off guard when those big maintenance bills eventually roll in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Maintenance and Repairs<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Beyond your annual inspection, planes need ongoing repair and replacement. Wear and tear from regular use means paying for parts and labor throughout the year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This can range from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars annually, depending on how much you fly and what breaks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Landing and Ramp Fees<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Flying to different airports can incur landing and ramp fees, especially at busier or larger airports. These fees are generally small, often between $10 and $100, but they can add up if you&#8217;re a frequent flier or visiting high-traffic areas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"additional-considerations-before-buying-a-cessna-172\"><strong>Additional Considerations Before Buying a Cessna 172<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>It&#8217;s a good idea to mull over a few more factors beyond the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wrightexperience.com\/plane-cost\/\">price tag and operating costs<\/a>. They play a role in your enjoyment and the practicality of owning this popular aircraft.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"800\" src=\"https:\/\/www.wrightexperience.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/Cessna-172-1024x800.jpg\" alt=\"Cessna 172\" class=\"wp-image-1308\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.wrightexperience.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/Cessna-172-1024x800.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.wrightexperience.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/Cessna-172-300x235.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.wrightexperience.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/Cessna-172-768x600.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.wrightexperience.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/Cessna-172.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Cessna 172<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Pilot Requirements<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>A pilot&#8217;s license alone isn&#8217;t enough. You must stay current with your certifications, including regular medical check-ups and flight reviews every two years.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Make sure you&#8217;re up for the commitment. That is how you can maintain the skills and health standards required to fly safely.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Maintenance and Inspection Requirements<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Owning a plane comes with the responsibility of keeping it in tip-top shape.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For a Cessna 172, this means regular maintenance checks and annual inspections. The FFA also requires that, if you&#8217;re flying a plane for hire or flight instruction, you&#8217;ll have to get an inspection done every 100 hours of flight time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>These inspections aren&#8217;t optional. They&#8217;re there to ensure your bird is safe to fly. It&#8217;s not a matter of if they will happen, but when.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"resale-market-and-value\"><strong>Resale Market and Value<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Think ahead to the day you might want to sell your Cessna 172. This aircraft model enjoys a robust resale market thanks to its popularity and reliability.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>However, its resale value will depend heavily on its condition, total flight hours, and maintenance history. Take good care of your plane to protect its value.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"frequently-asked-questions\"><strong>Frequently Asked Questions<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"how-can-i-finance-the-purchase-of-a-cessna-172\"><strong>How Can I Finance the Purchase of a Cessna 172?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>You can get this done through aviation loans offered by many financial institutions or through a personal loan. Shop around to compare rates and terms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Some lenders specialize in aircraft financing. They understand the specific needs and risks involved and potentially offer better terms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"what-are-the-most-significant-operating-costs-for-a-cessna-172\"><strong>What Are the Most Significant Operating Costs for a Cessna 172?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>We&#8217;d say fuel, maintenance, and insurance. But don&#8217;t underestimate the cost of regular maintenance and unexpected repairs, as these can vary widely year by year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"how-can-i-increase-the-resale-value-of-a-cessna-172\"><strong>How Can I Increase the Resale Value of a Cessna 172?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Keep up with all maintenance and inspection schedules, make timely repairs with quality parts, and keep detailed logs of all maintenance activities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Investing in modern avionics and keeping the interior and exterior in good condition can make your aircraft more attractive to potential buyers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p><em>See more: \u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.wrightexperience.com\/how-fast-does-a-cessna-fly\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"1262\">How Fast Does A Cessna Fly?<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"conclusion\"><strong>Conclusion<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The cost of a Cessna 172 depends on your chosen airframe and how you want to finance it. It isn&#8217;t that different from, say, buying a car in principle. Keep an eye on the details, and you&#8217;ll easily navigate them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>We hope you&#8217;ve got the info needed to make the 172 work for your budget. Fly safe!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The Cessna 172 is a classic for us general aviation enthusiasts. It brings together reliability, easy maintenance, strong resale value, and a welcoming community. If you&#8217;re interested in this plane, stick around. We&#8217;ll show you how much a new Cessna 172 is. Initial Cessna 172 Cost A new Cessna 172 can cost you from $300,000 &#8230; <a title=\"How Much Does a Cessna 172 Cost?\" class=\"read-more\" href=\"https:\/\/www.wrightexperience.com\/how-much-does-a-cessna-172-cost\/\" aria-label=\"More on How Much Does a Cessna 172 Cost?\">Read more<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":5,"featured_media":1415,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[10],"tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.wrightexperience.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1389"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.wrightexperience.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.wrightexperience.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.wrightexperience.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/5"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.wrightexperience.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1389"}],"version-history":[{"count":6,"href":"https:\/\/www.wrightexperience.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1389\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1486,"href":"https:\/\/www.wrightexperience.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1389\/revisions\/1486"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.wrightexperience.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1415"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.wrightexperience.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1389"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.wrightexperience.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1389"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.wrightexperience.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1389"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}