Aircraft You Can Purchase Under $30,000
If you’re looking for a personal aircraft but don’t have a lot of money to spend, you’ve come to the right place. While aircraft can generally be quite expensive, there are affordable options available. In fact, there are several personal aircraft on the market that you can buy for the same amount as a car. This article will introduce you to five such aircraft.
The Mindset to Buy a Plane
Buying an airplane is exciting, with many options to choose from. Finding the right one, however, requires careful consideration to avoid overspending. Key factors influencing your choice will include your budget, flying skills, and the region where you plan to fly.
1. Piper Tomahawk
The Piper Tomahawk is well-known in the pilot community for its safety and durability. It was built specifically to train new pilots, making it an excellent choice for beginners. This two-seater aircraft can fly over 500 miles and has a cruise speed of 100 to 115 miles per hour. It burns less than 10 gallons of fuel per hour, making it quite efficient.
Despite its modest size, the Tomahawk is spacious inside. It is powered by an engine that provides 112 horsepower and has a fixed pitch propeller. While new models can cost around $50,000, second-hand Piper Tomahawks are available for $25,000 to $30,000.
2. Grumman Yankee
The Grumman Yankee, a smaller sibling of the Grumman Tiger, features fixed landing gear and a Lycoming O235 engine producing 108 horsepower. It has a cruise speed of 120 to 125 miles per hour and a flight ceiling of 13,000 feet. This two-seater, single-engine aircraft is made of aluminum and fabric, with a maximum speed of 115 miles per hour.
The Yankee is known for its ease of flight and reliability, making it a great choice for beginner pilots. Over 1,000 Yankees have been built, underscoring its popularity. It offers a smooth flight experience, giving pilots confidence in their control.
3. Cirrus SR20-G3
For those wanting a bit more luxury, the Cirrus SR20-G3 is a four-seater personal plane priced at $29,950. It features a modern design with luxurious seating and a well-crafted interior, ideal for longer trips. The integrated Avidyne Integra flight deck provides detailed navigation information and flight plans.
The second-hand market for planes, including the Cirrus SR20-G3, has seen prices drop due to the pandemic, making now an excellent time to buy. This aircraft is efficient with fuel and versatile enough to be used for utility purposes, including agriculture.
4. Sierva Autogyro C30A
The Sierva Autogyro C30A is a unique aircraft that can be flown as an autogyro, helicopter, or fixed-wing plane. It uses an unpowered rotating rotor for lift and is available for just over $30,000. This versatile aircraft is accessible to anyone with a private pilot’s license.
5. Tecnam P92 Echo Super
The Tecnam P92 Echo Super is a single-engine aircraft ideal for leisurely countryside flights. It cruises at 85 knots (98 miles per hour) and is made of durable metal. With an electronic ignition system for reliable starts, it has a range of 560 miles and can reach altitudes up to 14,000 feet.
Owners often modify the Tecnam P92 Echo Super with aftermarket products, enhancing its performance. It’s a reliable and good-looking plane, making it a favorite among pilots.
Which of these aircraft is your favorite? Let us know in the comments, and share this article with your friends!