Register

The Most Fuel-Efficient Aircraft

FLYING looks at the differences in miles per gallon among piston, turbine and jet models.

The Cirrus SR20 typically gets 12.9 nautical miles per gallon. [Photo: Cirrus Aircraft]
Gemini Sparkle

Key Takeaways:

  • Pilots can influence fuel economy through flight adjustments, and it's a crucial consideration when buying an aircraft.
  • Achieving fuel efficiency in aircraft often involves trade-offs in cabin space, useful load, or cruising speed, unlike cars.
  • Despite these compromises, specific aircraft models across categories from light sport to midsize jets are identified as offering an optimal balance of speed and fuel burn, yielding superior nautical miles per gallon.
See a mistake? Contact us.

Many pilots enjoy talking about fuel economy because it is among the factors in aviation over which we have some degree of control. Carefully adjusting power settings and other elements of our flight profiles can cut fuel expenses significantly.

It also pays to consider fuel consumption when buying an aircraft. Like cars, some airplanes seem to sip fuel while others guzzle. More so than with cars, though, finding an airplane with a minimal appetite for fuel often comes with compromises that affect your mission or even scuttle it altogether.

Jonathan Welsh

Jonathan Welsh is Lead Editor of Aviation Consumer and a private pilot who worked as a reporter, editor and columnist with the Wall Street Journal for 21 years, mostly covering the auto industry. His passion for aviation began in childhood with balsa-wood gliders his aunt would buy for him at the corner store. Follow Jonathan on Twitter @JonathanWelsh4

Ready to Sell Your Aircraft?

List your airplane on AircraftForSale.com and reach qualified buyers.

List Your Aircraft
AircraftForSale Logo | FLYING Logo
Pilot in aircraft
Sign-up for newsletters & special offers!

Get the latest stories & special offers delivered directly to your inbox.

SUBSCRIBE