Lots of folks ask whether they should buy or rent their aircraft. The numbers can help tell the story. [Credit: Adobe Stock]
Key Takeaways:
Flying an aircraft for only 100 hours annually drastically increases the per-hour cost of ownership (e.g., over $227), making it financially unsustainable compared to renting.
For pilots flying 100 hours or less per year, renting is significantly more cost-effective and frees them from the extensive financial and management responsibilities of ownership.
Aviation businesses can offer competitive aircraft rental rates due to operational efficiencies, economies of scale, and tax benefits like depreciation.
One question I’ve fielded more than once is: “How did you come up with 200 hours per year as an acceptable minimum?” One reader mentioned that some mechanics and pilots set this threshold as 100 hours instead of 200.
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Jason Depew flies as a captain for a major U.S. airline. He is also an Air Force reservist and has flown more than 300 combat missions over Afghanistan and other garden spots. Based in Tampa, Florida, he instructs in the Icon A5 and anything else he can get his hands on. His writing is focused on personal finance for pilots with the goal to help all types of aviators enjoy great careers, sometimes in spite of themselves. You can send Jason questions at editorial@flying.media.
