Question 1

What does it actually cost per hour to own a Cessna 172?

Accepted Answer

A typical owner-flown Cessna 172, financed over 15 years and flown 100 hours per year, costs roughly $200–$280 per hour all-in. Big drivers: hangar (~$3–6k/yr depending on region), insurance (~$2–4k/yr), fuel ($55–80/hr at 9 gph), and engine reserve ($20–30/hr to save for overhaul). The calculator on this page gives your specific number.

Question 2

What is a maintenance reserve and how should I set it?

Accepted Answer

A maintenance reserve is a per-hour set-aside for unscheduled maintenance and inspections beyond the annual. For a piston single, $20–35/hr is typical. The reserve covers tire replacements, brakes, mag overhauls, prop work, instrument calibration, ADs, and squawks discovered between annuals. Heavier or older aircraft need more.

Question 3

What is engine reserve?

Accepted Answer

Engine reserve is a separate per-hour set-aside specifically for the eventual engine overhaul or replacement. Calculate by dividing the expected overhaul cost by the engine's remaining time-in-service to TBO. A typical Lycoming O-360 overhaul runs $35–45k; if you have 1,800 hours to TBO, that is roughly $20–25/hr in engine reserve.

Question 4

Should partnerships use this calculator?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Use the calculator to see total annual cost, then divide fixed costs equally among partners and bill variable costs by hours flown. Aloft360 automates exactly this — fixed expenses split per share percentage, variable expenses billed by Hobbs time, with monthly reconciliation.

Question 5

Are these numbers tax-deductible?

Accepted Answer

It depends on the use case. Aircraft used in a business (Part 91 corporate, leaseback, instruction) can usually deduct operating costs and depreciation. Personal aircraft generally cannot. Talk to an aviation tax accountant — the rules around Section 280F and bonus depreciation are nuanced.

Aircraft Cost of Ownership Calculator

What goes into "cost of ownership"

Acquisition (financed loan)

Fixed annual costs

Variable per-hour costs

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