Just received your pilot’s license? You’ll need access to an airplane if you want to fly. While buying an airplane seems like an attractive option, it’s a major investment that most new pilots can’t make. It’s more affordable and easier to rent an airplane rather than buy outright.
Read on to learn everything you need to know about aircraft rental and why it’s a better option than buying.
Can you rent an airplane?
Yes, you can rent a plane. In fact, it’s becoming more and more popular, especially for pilots who like to fly on their own time but can’t afford to buy their own plane. You won’t have to worry about maintenance or storage, and sometimes fuel is included in the price of the rental.
Cost to rent an airplane
If you’re thinking about buying a plane of your own, you’re looking at spending a minimum of $50,000 for the plane itself. Add in maintenance and storage costs—which can run upwards of $20,000 per year—and you’ve invested a significant sum in your new aircraft.
Instead, rent an airplane on your terms because it’s simply more affordable. Most rentals run between $150 to $500 per hour, depending on the size, model and engine capacity of the plane. Most recreational pilots fly around 50 hours each year, which would amount to between $7,500 and $25,000 on rental. It’s simply more affordable to rent in most cases.
Benefits of renting
There are several advantages of renting an airplane than buying one. Some of the perks include:
- Options: One of the main benefits of renting over buying is that you get access to the right craft you need for every trip. Like to bring family with you on trips? Rent a plane with the capacity to take the entire crew with you. Planning a solo day trip? Rent a smaller—potentially faster—craft. Renting allows you to use your flight skills for a variety of trips so you’re never limited in terms of capacity.
- Maintenance: A lot goes into caring for an airplane. Unless you’re a qualified mechanic yourself, you need to find someone reliable who can repair the craft whenever it needs it. When renting, you don’t need to worry about maintenance. Instead, let the rental company handle it, and enjoy your time in the air knowing you’re flying a reliable, well-maintained craft.
- Storage: Buying a plane is expensive, and storing it is, too. If you rent rather than buy, you don’t have to worry about finding a suitable hangar to store your plane. This saves you not just a significant amount of money but also time and hassle. Simply drop off your plane at the rental facility, and you’re done.
Ready to rent an airplane and take to the skies? Reach out to First Flight Aviation today. Whether you need a rental for a few hours, a few days or consistently throughout the month, take off in one of our exceptional planes from our well-maintained and superbly-serviced fleet.