Cessna 172 M maintenance/operating costs

[flycyhm]

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[SuperchargedRS]

I would think almost all A&Ps have major experience with 172s, the things are like rabbits.

[black hole]

I have found that somewhere in the 18 to 20% should be set aside for maintanance. However; it depends on how you work it. (hourly - Annualy)?

BH

[Bullet Remington]

Hi all,

I am looking for some numbers on operating costs and maintenance costs for a Cessna 172. I am setting up a partnership, and I would really like to know what to expect.

Perhaps someone can recommend an AME in the Hamilton area that has major experience with 172's that would know? I have seen some spreadsheets online from the Cessna owners clubs, and I bet they work great, but I do not know what numbers to "plug in" to get the information I need. There seems to be much debate on the annual costs of airframe/engine maintenance, and hourly costs for avionics and such.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Mike

here you go. These are based upon USD. Fuel costs, maintenance costs etc, may have to be adjusted depending on where you plan on getting your maintenance done:

Operating Costs for Cessna 172 I thru M
PQ Avg.
Fuel (GPH): 6.00
Fuel Costs/Gallon: 3.21
Fuel Costs/Hour: 21.24
Oil Costs per Hour: 1.24
Maintenance Cost/Hour: 21.78
Hourly Engine Reserve: 8.59
Prop T/R Reserve: 2.01
Total Variable Costs/Hour: 54.85
Average Speed (MPH): 112.01
Cost/SM: 0.41
Annual Insurance: 3,253.04
Annual Hangar/Tiedown: 907.73
Training: 170.02
Total Fixed Costs: 4,330.80
Hours/Year: 233.40
Fixed Cost/Hour: 20.25
Total Variable & Fixed Costs/Year: 17,491.79
Total Costs/Hour: 75.09
Total Cost/SM: 0.59

[flycyhm]

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[flycyhm]

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[Big Pistons Forever]

Your maintainance costs will be heavily influenced by the condition of the airplane you purchase. I recommend you buy the nicest airplane you can find. Pay now or pay (alot more) later but you will pay. There are lots of neglected POS C172's out there going cheap which you want no part of. The other essential move is to get a complete prepurchase inspection by a shop specified by you .

[flycyhm]

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[TwinOtterLover]

Depends on how the aircraft was stored (hanger, outside, etc) and if the engine was store properly (inhibiting oil, moisture plugs, etc). that can make a big difference on a plane sitting for a few years

[flycyhm]

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[Big Pistons Forever]

Lycoming engines, particularly the smaller 4 cyl one like the O320 in the C 172 are especially hurt by low utilization (ie flown less than at least once per week).
a boroscope inspection can give you a good indication of the cylinder condition, but you have to actually pull a cylinder to look at the cam shaft and lifters (an area known for corrosion damage due to low use).

[flycyhm]

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[culver10]

I cannot imagine the current owner approving cylinder removal for a pre-purchase. Many potencial owners expect a pre-purchase to find every minute issue on a 30-60 year old aircraft. A pre-purchase is not an full annaul. Even on an annual, we do not pull jugs unless there is a compression problem or oil leak or internal corrosion (viewed through spark plug hole).

[SeptRepair]

A prepurchase can be as in-depth as you like it. Its your money. If your willing to drop 50K plus for an aircraft, whats a couple hours and the cost of a cylinder gasket kit in the scheme of things? Furthermore if the aircraft has been sitting for longer than 12 months and has not been properly inhibited Car 625.86 Appendix B has a statement that the engine is to be inspected for internal corrosion as part of the annual inspection. So if you going to buy an aircraft and it has been sitting for longer than 12 months or has a history of sitting for an extended period of time, then make dam sure you pull a cylinder.

[lowaltituderecord]

What's required to get into this program where you can do your own work on a certificated aircraft?

Is it like re-certifying it as an experimental?

Do 172's, cherokee's qualify?

[hangarline]

Here is the link to the appendix of approved aircraft eligible. You have to apply for a new C of A for your aircraft. A word of caution though. Easy enough to get approved for owner maintenance, but difficult to reverse. Something to keep in mind for resale value.

http://www.tc.gc.ca/civilaviation/regse ... a507sh.htm

[mailtosohal]

are you still looking for partners?
email me mailtosohal@gmail.com