What I found is that to beat the cost of hiring an aircraft I would have to do about 300-350 hours per year regardless of aircraft type
That may be true in some extreme scenarios but these comparisons take in so many assumptions they are meaningless. The figure could be as low as 100hrs/year but even that completely fails to take into account the potentially massive value of
- total access, able to go away on holidays, etc
- maintenance to
your standard
- knowing nobody has "bent" it and kept quiet
- able to keep
your kit permanently inside
- all kinds of assorted hassles
just how much does it cost on average to keep your PPL current by hiring planes
You need to fly at least 12 hours every two years, of which at least 12 have to be done during the second of those two years. So, average 6hrs/year is about £600/year.
But (if that is all the flying you do) you will likely be a useless pilot on that level of currency. I know of people who manage happily on this though - by flying regularly as passengers and taking the controls.
The other option is to fly every 2 years with an Examiner. Then you just need to pass the test - no need for any other hours. Again, people with the above-mentioned unlogged time tend to take advantage of this option.