View Full Version : P-51 Mustang Operating Costs
nomorecatering
13th Feb 2011, 04:01
What does a Mustang cost to operate.
I know it burns around 70 USG PH and you get about 250 kts 10,000 at 65% power. Someone said to me that carefully operated, one could get about 1000 hrs MR time between overhauls, if it has the -7 transport heads and the Alison H pattern connecting rods.
Does anyone know what the cost of an overhaul is, and what is usually replaced. Ditto for 100 hrly inspections.
Bevan666
13th Feb 2011, 04:04
I always thought this was a 'if you have to ask, you cant afford it' type question
:8
Bevan..
SeldomFixit
13th Feb 2011, 04:04
If you need to ask, you can't afford it :{
Fred Gassit
13th Feb 2011, 04:45
courtesyaircraft.com is a broker for these type aircraft. They have a profiles section that outlines DOC's for P-51's.
I read an article a few years ago that suggested they had similar costs/performance to a B200 Kingair, aimed at CEO's who might fly themselves I s'pose.
tio540
13th Feb 2011, 04:57
It costs the same as a waterfront property to buy, so unless you own that now give up. If you drive a Ferrari you may be able to fill it, but then there is insurance. Pretty silly question hey.
Fris B. Fairing
13th Feb 2011, 05:52
The Mustang I own is very cheap to run.
North American/CAC? No.
Ford? No.
Sadly, Victa.
sigh
mickk
13th Feb 2011, 05:52
I asked that at a recent show and was told min $1500 ph.
baron_beeza
13th Feb 2011, 06:21
Yep, $1500 ph would have to be on the low side.
I think an owner would be delighted at that rate... I know several 1970's GA aircraft that operate around that figure.. and we are talking 4 place 'C' brand aircraft.
It is more to do with the finance involved (bank loan, insurance) and the utilisation...
Anything less than 5 hours a year and the hourly rate is right up there.
A 100 hr inspection / Annual on a low utilisation GA machine may run at $1000 to $5000...
I think with something like a Mustang you would be expecting a hit of around $100,000 each year, - probably irrespective of the hours...
Jabawocky
13th Feb 2011, 07:11
Ask the guys at YCAB ....... I bet its not under $1500/hr.......and may really be $2000+
I would like to see the numbers......just to make me feel better about the Retard Vehicle.
PyroTek
13th Feb 2011, 07:43
I heard the mustang at YCAB goes for $4200/hour.
Engine overhaul was something around the $300k mark from memory.:ugh:
800 hour engine too.
Mick.B
13th Feb 2011, 08:26
$300 grand, thats insane. I wonder what you could get it for in the States.
Jabawocky
13th Feb 2011, 08:58
Mick.......thats where it is coming from!
PyroTek
13th Feb 2011, 09:06
Mick, if you can find anywhere in Australia that overhauls P51-D engines, I'm sure many people would like to know :ok::}
Capt Fathom
13th Feb 2011, 09:44
Methinks the Pyro doth protest too much! :=
$250k+ per year! to keep and maintain.:O
Oliver Klozof
14th Feb 2011, 04:14
Just use standard GA accounting and disregard the actual cost and simply undercut anyone else with the same type.
To offset your costs, you could always put it on line at a reputable school for tailwheel training or charge for ICUS ;)
greybeard
14th Feb 2011, 06:37
IF I owned one, only 3 people would fly it
Me
The pilot who trained me
The next owner with the pilot who trained me.
Methinks someone needs to do a project and is bone lazy and spunging on the rest of us. Got a paper to submit????
:=
Jabawocky
14th Feb 2011, 11:14
Greybeard,
If I owned one and could afford it....Only 3 people would fly it....ME and the guy who trained me......and probably Chimbu Chuckles coz there would be no stopping the bastrad........Grandpa Aerotart by name and nature! :}
Chimbu chuckles
14th Feb 2011, 11:29
Jaba if you ever buy a P51 YOU won't get near it until YOU bore ME fartless in a C185:ok:
In the meantime I will keep the Merlin warm for ya:E
I have done the numbers a few times for a P51 - just purely out of curiosity. Assuming you paid cash for it and employed your own qualified LAME I reckon 100-150k/annum for 50 hrs.
Weekend_Warrior
14th Feb 2011, 19:12
There was an article in NZ Wings magazine a couple of years ago re a NZ owned P51. I seem to recall that owner had stopped adding the costs when the total hit $3000 per hour.
The fuel seemed to be the cheapest expense.
The T 28 costs $2,500 hour to operate in private ops, if the intention is to use it in Limited Category passenger carrying then the Insurance climbs steeply and it would come in around $2,750 /hour.
The Merlin overhaul is about 2 times the cost of an 1820 so my bet is the P 51 is around the $3,500/hour