Why Renting a Plane is Better Than Buying One
by Tomas Peralta
2 min read ·
If you are planning on getting your pilot license soon, you are probably facing the vital decision of buying a plane or renting one? Well there are many reasons as to why renting a plane is a much wiser decision. Here are just a few.
- Better For Your Budget
Renting is much more affordable for those pilots in training or those that fly a low number of hours throughout the year. Once you’ve reached 100 hours of flying, then it would make sense to buy a plane. Nonetheless, keep in mind that buying a plane could cost anything between $15,000 and $100,000. Renting a plane can cause you, varying from company to company, anywhere from $150 to $500 an hour.
- Great For Pleasure Cruising
You normally rent a plane by the hour, so it is perfect for leisure time flying. Watch the sunset or have a private lesson by renting a plane. Renting gives you the freedom to fly for any type of situation, business or pleasure.
- Flexible Amount of Passengers
Renting will allow you to expand your aircraft to adapt to the changing number of passengers you will be flying, whether it’s yourself, your family/friends, or business executives
- Better Variety of Aircraft
When you rent, you’re able to pick from a fleet of aircrafts that provide a wide number of instrument options and flying capabilities. This will allow you to develop skills for multiple types of aircrafts, so you will have the knowledge of knowing how to fly many aircrafts. Best of all, it fits every mission profile.
- Almost No Maintenance
When you rent, someone else does the maintenance, check-ups and detailing for the planes. You don’t have to worry about replacing parts, hiring mechanics or going through inspections.
- Reduced Costs
Buying a plane also means that you will have to spend money on other things, such as taxes, insurance, detailing, maintenance and hangar fees. Decreasing your cost will allow you to have more money for other things.
- Try Before You Buy
Renting gives you the opportunity to try several types of aircraft before you make a purchase decision. Try out different planes for a few months to see which one best fits you.
- No Long-Term Commitment
Most people torn between the decision of renting or buying a plane are those who are just beginning to learn to fly. By starting off with renting a plane, you will not be tied down by anything. Once you have received your pilot license, you will have more experience and ability to make a more informed decision as to which, and if, plane to purchase.
- Buying a Plane Restricts Your Flight Instructor Pool
When you buy a plane, you need to find an instructor who is certified to teach with that aircraft, lowering your pool of instructors to pick from.
- Never Get Tricked Into Buying Badly
If you’re inexperienced in plane mechanics, you may end up buying something that will cost you substantially in the long-run. You need to have working knowledge of an aircraft to ensure you’re not getting ripped off.
HERE ARE SEVEN OF THE BEST PLANES TO RENT:
- Diamond DA40 NG. …
- Beechcraft G36 Bonanza. …
- Cessna 172. …
- Mooney M20 Acclaim Ultra. …
- Pilatus PC-12 NG. …
- Piper M350. …
- Cirrus SR22T.