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The Most Fuel-Efficient Piston Singles

Fuel economy is always a hot topic amongst airplane owners, but which are the go-to aircraft when you're talking piston singles?

[Courtesy: Cirrus Aircraft]
Gemini Sparkle

Key Takeaways:

  • Pilots can significantly reduce fuel expenses by carefully adjusting power settings and flight profiles.
  • Fuel consumption is an important factor when buying an aircraft, though choosing a very fuel-efficient model may involve compromises to mission capabilities.
  • Certain piston single aircraft models, such as the Mooney M20G (15.8 nmpg), Cessna 172P (15 nmpg), and Cirrus SR20 (12.9 nmpg), are noted for their superior fuel economy.
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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

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