On 10-Feb-2005, "redman" wrote:

Looking for some input on a ballpark amount of the annual upkeep.
How much does an annual cost? How much does the 100 hr. inspection
cost? I realize that if something is broken it needs to be fixed, but
right now just wanting to find out how much I will be looking for to
spending if nothing is broken.


It's not much help to contemplate how much maintenance will cost "if nothing
is broken" because things are bound to break, or at least wear out. The
only way to avoid such expenses (for at least a certain period of time) is
to buy a new plane with a warranty.

That said, a "no problem found" annual on a 172 (extremely rare) will
probably run around $500 - $600. If you are interested and have the time,
you might find a mechanic that will allow you to assist, primarily by doing
tasks that do not require skill, such as removing and replacing seats and
inspection panels, etc. That may save a couple hundred bucks off the cost
of the basic annual inspection. On an ongoing basis, doing some of the
regular maintenance yourself, particularly oil changes, could save quite a
bit of money. The tasks that you can legally perform as owner/operator are
listed in the FARs.

If the plane is operated under Part 91 (i.e. not in commercial use) then 100
hr inspections are not required.

As a "ballpark" estimate, I think figuring on an AVERAGE maintenance budget
of $1500 to $2500 would be reasonable for a 25 year old C-172 in good
general condition and flown 150 hours/year. This would include the annual
and both periodic and unanticipated maintenance, including avionics, but not
engine overhaul. It would also not include painting or interior upgrades.
Of course, any individual's experience may vary wildly.

If these numbers, or the potential for even higher costs, scare you, then
you might want to consider a co-ownership (partnership) arrangement.

--
-Elliott Drucker