5 Affordable Airplanes
How do you like the idea of owning your own airplane? Perhaps you thought it would be too expensive, or only the wealthy owned private planes. The reality is, there are many affordable airplanes on the market. If you find them used, they become even more affordable – as you might imagine. If your dream is to get your pilot’s license (link) and fly your private plane around the country with friends and family for pleasure, it’s possible. We’re going to take a look at 5 popular and affordable airplanes that can be yours.
Cessna 150
Introduced in the 1950s, the Cessna 150 was a revolutionary airplane. A tricycle gear, side-by-side two-seater, it gave instructors and students what they were looking for – the perfect training plane. The engine in the Cessna 150 is the Continental O-200, which produces 100 hp and can cruise at 120 mph. Cessna built a lot of 150s, nearly 25,000, so finding one isn’t difficult.
You can get a good used Cessna 150 for as little as $15,000
Ercoupe
The Ercoupe first took to the skies in the mid-1930s. The plane is all-metal, tricycle gear and features a two-axis control. No worrying about rudders, because it doesn’t have any. They are surprisingly easy to land even in a slight crosswind. With cruise speeds of around 90 mph, it isn’t a fast plane, but it’s fun to fly.
The Ercoupe can be found for $18,000 or less.
Cessna 172
The Cessna 172 is the most-produced plane in aviation history with nearly 50,000 built. The 172 comes with a six-cylinder engine and can reach cruise speeds of 140 mph. It’s hard to beat the value of an all-metal, easy to fly four-seater with great visibility. The heritage of Cessna is enough to make any owner proud.
Because of the availability, you can find a good Cessna 172 starting around $27,000.
Luscombe Silvaire
Many pilots prefer to two-seater Luscombes as “Silvaires.” With full fuel, the Silvaire can carry about 400 pounds. Cruise speed comes in around 100 kts. The narrow landing gear and responsive controls can make it a challenge to land, especially if you don’t have a lot of tailwind time.
A good 8C model can be purchased for as little as $17,000.
Piper Cherokee 140
The Cherokee arrived in 1964. The all-metal, low-wing aircraft was intended to be used as a trainer, competing directly with the Cessna 150. The Cherokee quickly gained a strong reputation for reliability and easy handling. The 140 is powered by a 4-cylinder Lycoming O-320 engine, with 140 hp. The 140 comes in two-seater and four-seater models.
For a nice used 140, expect to pay as low as $21,000.
Are You Ready for Your Own Private Plane?
Book a tour at CTI and get on the path to your first solo flight. You can get a pilot’s license and be flying in as little as 3 months. We have campuses in Memphis and Fort Lauderdale. See you soon!
