Annual Operating Costs light single or twin.

[DADDY-OH!]

Hi,
I'm thinking of starting a group for a PA34 or PA46. Does anyone have any idea of the hourly, monthly and annual operating costs?

Many thanks in advance.

D-O! ;)

[AdamFrisch]

It's almost a how long is a piece of string thing: there are no hard figures to be had.

But here in the US, on a non-turbo, simple twin, you can count on the annual to be somewhere between $6-10K. This is if nothing major breaks or needs replacing. On a higher end twin with turbos etc like my Aerostar, then you're looking at $8-15K, probably. It all depends on how much needs fixing. Add another 30% in Europe because of the more onerous paperwork and maintenance bureaucracy, and you should be in the ballpark.

But if things go bad, you need to replace cylinders, turbos, waste gates, hoses, have a crack in a supporting structure etc, then it can balloon real quick. You can easily spend $50K on just fixing stuff.

I don't break it down into cost per hour as it's far too depressing, but if I did the Aerostar would be in the $400-450/hr category. My previous twin probably in the $300/hr category. However, if you're starting a group then you need to figure out a ballpark hourly cost unless you can get members that are willing to just share any upcoming expense equally.

[Capt Kremmen]

Daddy Oh

The answer is quite a lot. Go Permit instead. Virtually the same performance at half or less the cost.

[Jan Olieslagers]

Can the PA34 or PA46 be operated on a permit?

[Rod1]

"Can the PA34 or PA46 be operated on a permit? "

No

Rod1

[Capt Kremmen]

Crossing 'T's and dotting 'I's and anything else that covers all eventualities.

Select a Permit aircraft. There's a list on the LAA website

[Genghis the Engineer]

How to work out the costs.

Look for adverts on places like AFORS, UKGA, club noticeboards of shares in similar types.

Most syndicates are run about break-even.

So, if you know the costs in those adverts, and what percentage share the advert is for - you can work out the true operating costs very quickly.


Not many twins or turbine singles on permits!

G

[Capt Kremmen]

Genghis

That's right but, think about how much you're saving !

Depends what you want. If you want to skoot around the sky in something sexy and fast that will cost you plenty.

If you have plenty on the hip it doesn't matter.

[Genghis the Engineer]

Of course.

Me'self, I have a small touring share with an airways fit that'll do night and IMC, and a larger share in a cheap LAA taildragger.

But the OP did ask about the PA34 or PA46. Horses for courses and all that.

G

[Big Pistons Forever]

Look at what the flight schools in your area charge for Pa 34's. That will be the lowest possible cost per hour to you.

[Capt Kremmen]

Yes but, he/she also referred to costs, which prompted my comment.

[DADDY-OH!]

Thanks Guys! You've given me plenty to go on.