Should You Buy an Airplane for Training and Time Building?

FLYING does the math for you to provide some answers to the question.

Sam Weigel

Friday, September 02, 2022 at 06:05 AM ET

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ASA’s ‘Flight Instructor Oral Exam Guide’ helps you prepare for the check ride and beyond. [Credit: iStock]

Key Takeaways:

Aircraft ownership for aspiring professional pilots can be more cost-effective than renting for training and time-building, but it demands significant upfront capital and carries financial risks, unlike fully financed Part 141 programs.
The hourly cost of aircraft ownership decreases substantially with increased flight hours, making it most financially advantageous for pilots planning extensive time-building rather than just initial ratings.
Shared ownership is highlighted as the most sensible approach, as it significantly reduces individual upfront and fixed costs while maximizing aircraft utilization.
Beyond cost, aircraft ownership offers substantial value through schedule flexibility, opportunities for diverse and valuable flight experiences, and intimate knowledge of the aircraft, enhancing a pilot's overall skills and understanding.

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Recently, I’ve seen several threads on Reddit’s “r/flying” forum regarding the feasibility of purchasing an aircraft for training and time-building purposes from the perspective of an aspiring professional pilot. It’s an interesting and somewhat complex question that deserves a closer look.

I was not an aircraft owner until I had more than 10,000 hours, but I know of a number of professional pilots who purchased and flew aircraft for training and/or time building. I think that ownership can make sense in certain circumstances, but definitely not all, and the choice requires a sober consideration of your needs, wants, and resources.