Drew Reggie owns a Cessna 150. He often posts about his frequent flights, including how he coordinates them, on his social media channels (@flymetothefun). Combined, his accounts have hundreds of thousands of followers. This month, he explained what obtaining, storing, maintaining, and piloting one of these small passenger airplanes actually costs. And while there’s a good list of expenses, it’s not really as daunting as some of us might think.

The Cessna 150 market

Reggie explains that to get into a Cessna 150 that’s similar to his, you need about $65,000. You can finance the purchase for a very long term (20 years, even), but expect a payment of about $400 a month.

Storing the airplane

Reggie says that an indoor hangar like his rents for about $500 a month. You can also opt to just tie your Cessna 150 outside the hangar for only $75 per month.

Airplane insurance

Plane insurance is similar to car, motorcycle, boat, or RV policies. It includes liability, collision, and comprehensive coverages.

Reggie reports Cessna 150 insurance is about $900 a year, or $75 per month.

Cessna 150 maintenance

“Typical annual maintenance is around $2,500, or $208 per month.” In terms of actual services, you’re looking at a solid list of hands-on work. An aircraft mechanic will change the engine oil and filter, clean or replace spark plugs, and check cylinder compression. They’ll lube control linkages, hinges, and gear parts.

The fuel system gets drained and checked for contaminants. The air filter, brake pads, and tires are inspected and replaced if needed. Battery condition gets checked, and avionics are tested for proper function. If the plane’s well cared for, most of this is routine…just keeping the Cessna 150 safe, smooth, and legal to fly.

Fuel

If you fly about 100 hours a year, fuel runs about $250 per month.

Total monthly ownership overhead

Drumroll: assuming you opt to store your plane outside, you’re looking at $1,008 per month to have a Cessna 150 to your name. That’s $10,080 a year.

Reggie says that ideally, your airplane shouldn’t run you more than 10% of your income. At that annual cost, then, your gross annual income should hit a minimum of $120,960.

In my mind, owning a Cessna 150 isn’t much different than adopting an RV. It’s the whole flying a plane part that has me hesitant. Although, admittedly, I’ve been thinking about taking lessons…