Justifying Aircraft Ownership

It’s not a secret that aviation is an expensive addiction. Learning to fly isn’t cheap and owning an aircraft is definitely not cheap.

One of the biggest statements you’ll hear from current owners or would-be owners is, “I just can’t justify the cost.”

The truth is, if you’re going through life trying to justify every experience/purchase you have, my guess is you won’t get too far in terms of adventure. Sometimes, things just can’t be justified from a financial perspective. You have to look at what intangibles you receive as a result of a decision to take a leap.

For us, our airplane definitely costs us money. Each spring, the hangar rent comes due, the insurance invoice is in the mail, and the annual inspection looms. But after those fixed costs, our airplane provides us with all sorts of things, such as:

A tightly-knit family of friends at the local airport

An escape from the issues/worries of daily life

A sense of pride/accomplishment

The ability to give back to the aviation community

An activity we can all enjoy as a family

A Business Decision?

If you’re looking at owning an airplane strictly from a financial perspective, then you’re making a business decision/transaction. That’s fine, too, but call it what it is.

If you want to experience the thrill of owning your own aircraft simply for recreation, you can do it. It will take hard work, planning, and sacrificing in other areas of your life, but if flying is what you want to do, then make it happen. Sell the boat, the ATV, the camper, the new SUV, etc. Airplanes are prettier, anyway!

Don’t get caught in the trap of trying to justify aircraft ownership. Honestly, most of us aircraft owners can’t justify it. At least, not financially.

Share your thoughts with us in the comments below!