The reality of owning your own airplane

People often ask what it's like to own an airplane. Well, here's my seven minute take on the matter. Owning my Cessna 182 created so much joy in my life and allowed me to experience things and meet people I wouldn't otherwise have, but it does have its challenges. All in, I have LOVED airplane ownership and want to help more people get into aviation, become a pilot, and own an airplane.
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If you want to know more about me (Charlie), here's my bio and aviation bucket list: airplaneacademy.com/charlie-g...

[@AirplaneAcademy]

Hey guys! I wanted to let you know I just launched an "Insiders" Newsletter where once a week I'm sharing an important lesson I've learned in aviation, links to my latest content so you don't miss out, and links to any other interesting or helpful content I've found. Subscribe (it's free) at: airplaneacademy.com/insiders

[@JamR0ck]

A Mile of Road Will Take You a mile but a Mile of Runway Will Take You Anywhere

[@thisismyname1701]

Technically a mile of road... takes you a mile away...

[@jonapple2325]

This is an egregious misquote

[@LukaS-iy1gs]

Eyeroll

[@arthurbrumagem3844]

Until you get to your destination and then you need to rent that car which BTW isn’t always available

[@buyezspace]

With enough fuel

[@waqarsyed6641]

AWESOME DUDE . Bad part about owning an airplane finding a good reliable honest mechanic

[@philk8807]

First step in being able to own an airplane: Make enough money to be able to own and maintain an airplane.

[@tomcorwine3091]

Fake Airplane Academy account.

[@Cosme422]

Exactly! If you make 80k a year, forget about it! lol

[@quadearchibeque804]

​@@Cosme422 look up cessna 150s. If you can afford a new car or lease a car you can afford it. Its a perfect time builder and it burns 6 gal/hr

[@pittss2c601]

My Father & I have owned 14 airplanes. We have built 2 experimental airplanes from kits. Airplanes are a blast although are a pain in the neck. Lots of work. You had better be mechanically inclined and work on your own airplane regardless of your money. You need to know every nut & bolt on your airplane at all times. Your butt is on the line. Cost is just one negative factor. Liability is huge. I have experienced lots of engine failures even with brand new parts & engines. It happens more often than people know. Airplanes (and rotorcraft) are very risky. It's a pain to own an airplane although there's nothing like flying inverted or gliding to a landing. Tons of fun when things go right.

[@davidvicari5139]

You do your own work, and experience lots of failures. Hmmm….

[@pittss2c601]

@@davidvicari5139 they say the greatest risk for a brand new aircraft engine is within the first 10 hours of runtime. It's true. They do fail. And always at the worst possible time.

[@davidvicari5139]

I kid, and by coincidence I just finished hour 8 on the 0-300B my mechanic and I worked on from April through July. So far so good, but it is a process. Carry on!

[@davidvicari5139]

@@pittss2c601 5 years ago, yes I had a partial failure. The rocker arm boss failed, the rocker arm laying lose in the cover. I was light, but made it to an airport away from home at 2100 rpm, 8 miles away. The experience creates great intensity and focus, to say the least.

[@pittss2c601]

@@davidvicari5139 I once purchased my favorite airplane a Pitts Special S1S. It was absolutely gorgeous and the workmanship was top notch and completely professionally done for local airshow pilot. However, it had sat in a hanger for over 2 years. My Father and I went over everything top to bottom. We tied it down and ran it up to full power and checked everything. It seemed great. I lost power right after my first take off. I had to glide it in. It became an intermittent failure every 3 to 4 flights. I called practically every mechanic in the country. The rubber seals on the magnetos had dried up and cracked allowing oil to pass through and caused crossfiring. That was the culprit. I changed the magnetos, wires and spark plugs and the airplane was a rocket from then on. I have many more stories just like that.

[@GreatMichiganBushCo]

I love your videos. This honest video about aircraft ownership. Owning an airplane will enhance your life greatly, and give you opportunities that wouldn't be remotely possible without one. I like how you show the other side of the coin, everything has a downside. I never want to give up not being an aircraft owner.

[@jayo6725]

Expense wise, the best way to stay ahead of the curve is to calculate your (true) expenses, add 20% and then escrow that amount every month regardless. I've done this for years and never have had to worry about those unexpected squawks that occur. Also never have to worry about incurring debt or compromising safety.

[@TrollerzTV]

What do you mean by escrow that amount?

[@jayo6725]

@@TrollerzTV put the money in a savings account

[@fireboy3413]

what do you do for a living?

[@MrLotengo]

One of the biggest things holding me back from getting that PPL is what to do at my destination. I love the idea of flying to places that would take all day in a car. But very few of the small airports have any accommodations. I want to get out in the county, go camping, hiking etc but I need a car waiting for me at the airfield. I don’t see how they lifestyle is possible without roadable aircraft.

[@zakups7777]

look into backcountry bush flying. You can land anywhere you want, and once there, you can do your hiking etc directly

[@davidvicari5139]

Here is an example for you. I can fly my airplane directly onto Mackinac Island Airport. Nothing with an engine but an airplane is allowed there. You can take the ferry….

[@jovanni_orb5116]

I went for my first flight yesterday. It was so amazing. With some time and budgeting I have decided to get PPL and possibly go for commercial license as well.

[@jasoncrandall]

Pass your written test first. Then keep going.

[@jovanni_orb5116]

@@jasoncrandall thanks I think that is wise. Not sure if I want to study on my own or go to a class for it

[@tomcorwine3091]

Get your medical first before you start dumping a bunch of money into training.

[@flyingphobiahelp]

As a multi/single engine/IFR pilot who has never owned an airplane, I love my airplane owner friends/acquaintances. Some are now in their 70s but still working hard to pay their bills (including for their aircraft). Me? I retired at 56 and fly weekly in a flying club turbocharged, air conditioned Piper Saratoga with G1000. No bragging rights for sure but I zzzzzzz peacefully. Oh, I drive a 2007 Toyota Camry.

[@davidvicari5139]

There is one of those in my mechanic’s shop now. Just purchased for $450,000, but the engine was bad at prepurchase, so they knocked off 50 grand. I think I am probably spending less than you owning an old 172 outright. But I can see something like a Saratoga would be great for trips, and the right club or co- ownership the way to go..

[@EricaBeee]

Got straight to it. Thank you!

[@Frex1324]

Really great video! Usually informative videos are completely boring but you gave great, concise information in a way that was still entertaining to a large degree. Keep em coming! I’m working to find funding for the last few hours of my commercial, hoping to see the beautiful country like you soon, once I can complete my training!! Hoping to get an aerial photography and surveying job. Your videos keep me motivated during my time away from the cockpit. 👍🏼 Thank you!

[@davidholubetz1014]

Nice video, good info. Like the way you look and talk, puts me at ease. Hoping to buy soon.

[@jasoncrandall]

Being a pilot and owning airplanes is the best thing I ever did with my life. But I love being a pilot which is a full time hobby. Most folks aren’t cut out for it. It’s a lot like golf. If you want to be good you have to live it.

[@robertf863]

This is great video with practical perspective. Sadly flying doesn’t fit into my lifestyles currently. I could maybe swing it but with wry young daughter, family time, starting a business.. it pains be I had to give it for now. I do some home sim flying but money, risk and time just are not there for me. I tried renting occasionally to keep my ppl up but all it was make me thing I would be dangerous with very marginal skills. I’ll return to real flying if and when time, money and life allows in a balanced fashion I can fly frequently so I am a safe pilot and not just a pilot.

[@gue2212]

Wow, seldomly heard such wise words from such a young man! Thanks for the honesty, Charly!

[@ericstark2147]

Great video! It looks like you have an awesome airplane, too!! I love the club that I belong to (5 aircraft total, including Cessnas and Cirrus) but I'd be lying if I said I didn't look longingly at you guys with your own birds. Happy flying!

[@JBalloonist]

All things I knew and was aware of but just confirms for me that being part of a club is the best of both worlds (renting vs owning).

[@davidvicari5139]

It can be. When I was younger, the club made it possible, and I suspect my experience was similar to all, clubs have just a few active flyers at a time, so availability was pretty good. Now I own my own 172, and of course it is better, and of course it is more time, more responsibility and more money. I often wonder about having a machine that is a step up in performance for trips, and that co ownership would be a means to accomplish that.

[@Army4Runner]

Really enjoying your videos and specifically those that address aircraft ownership. For myself, I’m at a crossroads where I need to make a decision on buying or continuing to rent. I’m trying to build time towards my commercial rating and beyond. Friends say I should buy a “cheapo” time builder, but I wonder if it is more cost effective to pass-on the “unexpected costs” by continuing to rent. Unfortunately, the only way I can justify purchasing a time builder is to have it also serve a useful mission by being a decent family hauler. Just thinking out loud as I watch your videos while enjoying my morning coffee!

[@macuser1232]

Love this video. Exactly what I needed.

[@AirplaneAcademy]

Awesome! Glad you enjoyed!

[@shababahmedelsyed6760]

Thank sir for sharing the knowledge. It was most helpful to me I was wandering how can I get a peace of flying in a plane as a pilot. Sir you are the answer to my passion that I had. I never thought it could be possible in my life but you came with the answer thank you so very much 👍👍👍👍👍

[@BrianRhodes9763]

Another great Video Charlie!!!

[@AirplaneAcademy]

Thank you! Glad you enjoyed!

[@sampletaster5093]

Like the vid. I would like to see a vid on what and how to see things once you reach your destination. Rental cars are not always available. What can you do after you land?

[@stevenwomack9574]

Charlie, your videos are the best! Thank you so much! Keep producing them! You inspire us all.

[@AirplaneAcademy]

Thanks so much! Really appreciate you saying this.

[@ericlawrence9729]

Really nice video, great information and very well done. Thanks for sharing.

[@AirplaneAcademy]

Thanks so much! Glad you enjoyed.

[@reallynotpc]

Extremely good summary! Thanks, Charlie!

[@AirplaneAcademy]

Thank you!

[@Jay-go3il]

Love this video very informative

[@AirplaneAcademy]

So glad!

[@RomeoLorenzo]

Just discovered your channel. Thanks for the Pro/Con comparison. ✈

[@AirplaneAcademy]

Sure thing! Glad it was helpful and welcome to the channel! Glad to have you here.

[@jimecee]

Very informative, thank you!

[@AirplaneAcademy]

Sure thing! Glad you enjoyed!

[@MichaelLloyd]

Oh yeah... flying around the 4 Corners for 3 hours is a blast. I like to pick an airport, route, or waypoint, and navigate to it. It's pretty landscape the first time :o) I put my iPad where you have yours but I'm looking for a different place. I subconsciously use that little area in the windscreen (Lindbergh reference) when I land and I can tell the difference when the iPad is there.

[@saeidbadie4416]

You seem like a genuinely nice guy and very informative. Thank you for your passion so that we can learn from you!

[@AirplaneAcademy]

Thanks so much! Really appreciate you saying so.

[@wisdomandlove1661]

@@AirplaneAcademy Great channel. do you mind saying what a plane like yours cost and what the maintenance and aviation fuel cost. thanks for you response in advance.

[@navinstrument8353]

I find the whole Texas to be beautiful. Some say central and the plains in the northwest Texas are "boring", but I find them beautiful and a gem in their own way. You're living many people's dream.

[@navinstrument8353]

@Biggus Dickus I have fond memories as well driving through the plains 20 years ago. The trip was Houston - Colorado. The last time I drove there was 2018 and windmills were everywhere. It still looks amazing and majestic.

[@evanmyork]

Excellent video!

[@AirplaneAcademy]

Thank you! Glad you enjoyed it.

[@DWCessna4130]

The prices now from just two years ago have dramatically increased. To anyone curios the September 2023 prices for airplane ownership are radically different from these prices back in 2021.

[@drmyers56]

Charlie. My son just bought a 182 and is going through his PPL. Do you have a video on what video gear and mounts work well on the 182? I’d like to get some advice before we plunge in. Thanks for your great channel and advice.

[@Coughtry]

One financial strategy I found useful in owning and operating an airplane; is to figure out your cost of operation, subtract fuel, and multiply that by the hours you fly each flight; and have a dedicated bank account just for your airplan. This fund will be used for maintenance and repairs. You also have to consider the cost of your average annual or 100 hr depending on your flight operation. You'll never have to worry about paying for repairs want to Major breakdown occurs. And it will happen someday. For the Grumman aa-1b I can get away with $35 an hour, Cessna 150 about 50 an hour. Erica champ I'm looking at about 40 45 an hour.

[@a572mike]

I also think about the gratitude of flying. Man has been looking up to the sky for eons, and we live in a time when we can go there.

[@typth3612]

Greetings! I've watched your videos for a little bit now and I see I'm pretty early on this one, so I'm taking this opportunity to ask you some questions I've had: Should I buy a Cherokee or a Cessna? Do I need my PPL to solo a glider if I own the glider and I have 14+ years of age? (assuming I was rated for it?) If you don't want to answer those questions, it's totally fine with me, so no pressure lol. P.S, thank you for taking your time to help student pilots, future student pilots, and pilots! I appreciate it!

[@robertwagner9933]

I think this is a very very helpful channel for a new very new pilot Like myself

[@AirplaneAcademy]

I'm so glad to hear! Congrats on this awesome step in your life. Keep me posted on how everything goes!

[@michaelwargo575]

I love your videos. I'm actually started looking to purchase a C-182 myself. Trying to determine a realistic annual cost estimate. I know it very depending on hours flown, location, etc. But before I take the plunge, need to ensure I can afford it. I expect to fly about 125 hrs/per... based on your ownership, do you have an estimated total annual cost I can use as a single data point?

[@stealhty1]

Most important, availability of having the plane waiting for you when ever to where ever,,,I had two three other pilots beging me to let go my schedule just because they also want to use the club plane on a beautiful weather weekend

[@kolby5157]

Your videos are so underrated

[@AirplaneAcademy]

Thanks so much! Really appreciate it.

[@spookytook]

do you have to stop at airports to get gas or can you make it across the country without doing so?

[@jonmacdyver931]

Please keep preaching about not skimping on maintenance and keeping out my God my customers need to listen to pilots like you as an IA get frustrates me when I tell a customer XYZ is broken it needs to be replaced only for them to find a used part on eBay and want me to put it in of which I tell them no and we have a back and forth about why so expensive I'm not the one charging for the part I'm just putting it in so thank you very much

[@Shannonbarnesdr1]

are you instrument rated ? just curious, im going for that soon as i get my private since im going for commercial

[@elijahmohammed6775]

I'm in Austin Texas, and I hope one day to own an airplane! About how much doe it cost to store it?

[@buyezspace]

Love the beard

[@johnfitzpatrick2469]

G,day from Sydney, Australia. Thank you for your latest video from your channel. * Recently I was watching Skywagon University channel, were; Mark shared his knowledge and information about the (AD) strut to floor connection: inspection and modification if failure is found. * Has this (AD) effected your plane? 🌏🇭🇲

[@peterfox3151]

So would you buy again?

[@AzjaVhera]

Would you recommend owning a plane as opposed to renting for someone who is trying build flight time as quickly as possible?

[@bhlowe]

The more you fly the better owning is. Gets expensive when you don’t fly it. (Annual inspections can be financially rough.) - former Grumman AA5 owner.

[@robinj.9329]

When I began actively flying in the early 70's, nearly every private plane was used, at least a part of the time, for Business travel. Thus was a tax write off! In the end, the owner/pilot ended up not paying a cent from his/her own pocket to fly the plane. And even today, with prices so high, it's likely the best way to go.

[@JamMighty]

Do u ever do bush lands, maybe in someone else's 0pane

[@piper0428]

Owning an airplane should a positive venture on all aspects.

[@wckoek]

For those who own your own plane, I wondered how many hours do guys fly per year? Trying to justify the cost of renting vs owning.

[@Shannonbarnesdr1]

lol burn alert *crowd ooh's n groans* hahahaha i love that, too funny ;-))

[@wilurbean]

How much income does someone need to own a plane? This is aspect is confusing because a lot of these videos say you need like 15 to 20k a year in cash. Do many people really has that much money to burn per se? In sure many ppl could allocate that much money, but to pay the mortgage, retirement, taxes, etc would seem to eat up all that money, even for someone making 120k or more

[@ErickaWilliamsCC]

you look 29... when did you get 16 years in... lol.. great video

[@ThinkSlowFlyFast]

LOL 4:10 is pretty true

[@jovanni_orb5116]

Hi

[@Fjord_Driver]

I have been interested in aviation for a long time. Do I own a plane? Nope. The true reality is, if I did, it would spend most of it's time sitting and collecting dust. Sure, I could take it to visit a few friends, but I'm not going to be popping by every other weekend from a multi state flight. Would it save me drive time? Yes. Would it save me money? Nope. I am not retired or rich. It's like guys who buy boats and then you see the boat spending most of its time in storage or under a tarp on the side of the house. Between insurance, hangar fees(if you can find one and afford it), time to actually go out and stay current flying, fuel costs, it is just a big no from a personal purchase standpoint for me. You are at the mercy of the weather whenever you take an extended trip. Need to be back in time to get to work? Hmmm. Mechanical breakdowns happen. The list goes on. It's a toy purchase and an expensive one at that. You increase your expenses, your liability, your risk factors. If someone knocked on my door and asked if I wanted to do all three of those things by signing a paper, the door gets slammed shut. Oh and you have to shell out another $8,000+ for getting your pilots license. And then even more if you want your IFR rating. Welcome to the money pit. Don't forget the regular flight reviews, and inspections, repairs, upgrades, subscriptions, expensive headsets and on and on and on. Plane for sale. Ran like a top when I put it in storage years ago.

[@willarddevoe5893]

Planes and loans go together like Corvettes and booze.

[@Mudge61]

Hanger rent?

[@chrisc161]

Time to go flying?🤷🤷

[@steepot]

Hi I am from india I'm looking forward to become a pilot but I dont have a clear idea about it,can you help me?

[@Cosme422]

I would love to own one if I were rich like you but I was born poor :-)

[@JepMaster8]

I want to buy a plane. I do not have my pilot's license. I've got the flying bug when I realized that it's cool. I'm going to buy a plane one day, and I don't care.

[@raymondlancaster3355]

There are a few people who can use GA aircraft for work. The other people who own GA aircraft are usually obsessed or very wealthy. Most people get over their obsessions. The best advice is to fly a lot, a whole lot, before you buy one. You’ll probably get over your obsession. It will be money well spent. Sorry for the brutal advice. Any other advice feeds a fantasy for most of you. Never good.

[@davidvicari5139]

35 years after getting my ppl, and 5 years into owning and flying my own 172, I still feel the act of committing aviation is self evident. I also see that is not true for everyone these days. I fly exactly as a dog hangs his head out a car window, and for the same reason. The hell of it is, it just ain’t practical to “fly a lot”, UNTIL you own. It costs money, but the tremendous resale these days of good airplanes mitigates the ownership premium.

[@jimallen3392]

You focus constantly on the cost of flying. I really wonder if you are suffering financially, yet keep owning because you want to prove to others that you are a baller. Real ballers don't focus on the money, because they have plenty of it, and it's no object. You say you can afford to own an airplane. Okay, stop focusing on the money then. Good luck, son. Be a true baller. Don't talk about money all the time. Look at Matt Guthmiller. He doesn't focus on the money. He focuses on the fun of ownership and flying. Matt is a true baller, and an adventure hound. That's why he has a huge following.

[@mileshighclub5993]

Matt is a tool

[@mileshighclub5993]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/anuUYaNtrt-pe9k

[@johndean2925]

My thought is that Charlie is trying to help us non ballers understand the real costs involved...I appreciate his efforts and admire his commitment to move GA forward for everyone!!!

[@Xterraforce]

I don't see him trying to act like a baller at all. Like you said, he wouldn't be talking about the money. What I get from the videos is that he has thoroughly considered everything involved with owning his own plane and knows that at this point in life he can afford it. Not that money is no object, but that with careful budgeting of his time and finances he is able to own a plane and do the things he wants to do. Not everyone wants to portray the "baller" lifestyle nor thinks it's cool to do so no matter how much money you have. There are a lot more people who might be considering buying a plane because of their love for flying, not as some status symbol, but do have to consider overall expenses. These videos lay out the facts and related costs of airplane ownership and I'm sure they have helped many people make the right decision on whether or not owning a plane is right for them. It seems to me YOU are the one who focuses on money, or rather think it's the most important to judge someone by. It really sort of comes off as nothing more than jealousy to me.

[@doubled334]

I think this dude is just speaking on what most average people will also have qualms about, finances. And Matt has perfected the art of clickbait and being a tool lmao