Top Airplanes Under $30k! 

I have owned six airplanes. Buying an airplane is the cheapest thing that you will ever do. After that, they get very expensive!!

"Cost less than your car" - Me still working to get a car for university... 😅

When I was 36 and the ink hadn't yet dried on my new Private Pilot license I wanted a Piper Arrow, BUT couldn't get insured for a complex airplane so bought a very nice 1975 Cherokee 140 Cruiser (for $12,500) planning to get a few hundred hours and an instrument rating and then "move up". I got the hours and the rating but by then saw no need for the bit faster, but oh so more expensive to own and maintain Arrow. I am now 70 and still flying my beloved little plane. By the way, I am also still driving the 1978 Thunderbird that I drove to go look at the plane 200 miles away. The engine in the Piper has been overhauled (and bumped up to 160 HP :-) but never yet in the Ford! To this list I suggest adding the Beech Skipper - it was direct competition to the Tomahawk and 150/152. Current Trade-A-Plane lists several from $22,000 to $39,000. Great video and channel .... THANKS!

I've never owned but have always rented. I got my Private Pilot license in 1976 and have flown each of the planes you showed. I started in a PA-28-140 Cherokee. I've added ratings and upgraded to a Commercial. I have more hours in Bonanzas than all the rest combined. They are a delight to fly. I haven't flown in a number of years due to medical issues. I miss it.

The price of a plane is very dependent on the engine, an engine run to overhaul time, somewhere between 1600 & 2000 hours, will need an overhaul, this is very costly and will run to $10,000 to $25,000 for this class of plane but more for the Bonanza that has a much larger six cylinder engine. The Bonanza also has an electric prop that is also expensive to overhaul. Many planes do not come with an oil filter and just have a mesh strainer, this is a mistake, get an oil filter on overhauled engines. Lycoming engines run further between overhauls but are more expensive to repair and very often will need a new cam unless someone bought a factory re-manufactured engine with a roller cam. Continentals will often need a 'top' overhaul, rings and valves at 1000 to 1200 hours. The Bonanza has retractable gear, this adds at least a $1000 to your annual (and to your insurance), these planes are 'special' and need a mechanic who is intimately familiar with them and knows all the ADs that apply. The best overhauls are done at some select specialty shops and will be costly, next come the original manufacturer, followed by national overhaul companies, field overhauls done by a local mechanic can be great but you don't know him and he might not be so good. Even good guys have bad days. The next thing you are buying is the installed electronics. You need a radio and a transponder, the latter will need to be ADS-B compliant come Jan '20. This is about $2000 plus installation if your current transponder will support the upgrade. If your panel has an older radio with 360 channels or less it needs to be replaced with a 720 channel radio. You will probably want a nav radio as well. If you want to do instruments you will need two nav/coms with an ILS on one at least. Private pilots can use a hand held GPS but instruments will require an installed system. Aircraft radios can be very expensive but you don't have to have new ones, just ones that work. Having four seats in a plane doesn't mean it can handle four passengers, think of them as a 2 + 2 sportscar, two adults, two medium sized kids. Exception is the Beechcraft, but I'd really wonder a lot about a $30k Bonanza, how many of the ADs has that complied with? Less important is the paint and interior condition but your wife/GF will not agree. Windshields are important and expensive to repair. If you are considering a plane, check around with insurance brokers and get a few quotes. How many hours with an instructor will they want before they let you go alone? Airplanes are not made like cars with steel and glass, they are really intended to stay out of the weather (i.e. you really need a hanger, do you want those expensive radios left outside?). Also check things with a mechanic, the Cessna 172H (two in one mags) is problematic but there are other problems out there, a good seasoned mechanic will know. You will need a mechanic on a regular schedule and in-between, line one up before you dive in.

Cheapest to buy doesn't mean cheapest to own. Please do a video on cheapest aircraft to own

I've been a fan of the 172 ever since I was a CAP cadet back in the 70's.

Bobby, Love this video. It was nice to see the comparison. Keep up the good work.

I’m 43 and had the pleasure of riding in several of the planes mentioned when I was very young. Our neighbor was a commercial pilot and plane junkie and used to take me up a fair bit. Still remember my first commercial flight in my mid 20’s out of DIA I asked the lady at the gate to check my ticket to make sure I was in the right place as I have never flown on something so big her response after looking at my boarding pass was something like “this flight isn’t big...it’s less than 100”.....until then I hadn’t seen more than 5-6 seats in a plane and always had a window in front of me!

The Piper Cherokee would be a dream plane to own. I love the very classic look to them and all the aftermarket mods that are available to them to improve their performance.

The coolest 152 that I've seen landed at my local airport to take on fuel and continue south, and had been converted into a Texas Taildragger with big bush tires on it with different power plant. We were busy with our pre flight check and didn't get a chance to talk to the guy, but it was definitely an impressive, yet highly modified plane. The guy that fueled the 152 got a tour of the plane and said that in his 30 odd years of flying, he'd never seen a nicer, yet modified 152 in his life. Definitely made me regret selling the Citabria for a few minutes.

Bobby thanks for another nice video. Lots of people enter this confusing world of aviation with no idea of what’s out there and at what cost. Keep up the good works!

I wish I could afford a PC-12. That will probably always be my favorite aircraft to fly.

The intro sequence is gorgeous.

Nice selection!! Was expecting to a Piper Tripacer in the list!

Nicely done. a good summary for a non pilot with ten hours in a twin otter! Love the series, just never got around to get the license

Piper Tripacer, Colt, Clipper, Vagabon, Pacer, Cessna 120,140, Aeronca Chief, Champ, Champion/Bellanca Citabria Early Taylorcraft, Stinson 108, and many more. You have to be real careful when purchasing and always carry a mechanic or someone who is very familiar with the airframe. There are still plenty of great buys out there.

love these videos man!!

Beautiful! Thank You For Your knowledge and Time

0:35 150 / 152 1:20 Ch 140 / 160 2:07 172 2:54 Tomahawk 3:40 Grumman Traveler 4:25 Bonanza

Thank you for the intro. Low volume and beautiful music. Not exploding our ears.

Bobby, really liked this video. Subscribed to your channel here. I am 68 and hoping it is not too old to learn how to fly. I always sat in our corporate aircraft jump seats when I could to see how they flew the airplanes. I was fascinated when they had to land when visibility was at minimums, using instruments only. I was specifically thinking about a Van RV-10 kit plane (4 seats) and having it built for me with 90 gallons (versus 60 gal) of fuel capacity. Have you ever seen or flown one of them. You can get the kit for $123,000 and $225,000 totally built & flight tested with 1000 nm range.

I like that he actually break down the range/fuel burn in NM/Gal... Everyone else does Gal/Hr

GREAT INFO FOR FIRST TIME BUYERS KEEP UP GOOD CONTENT

Beech 19/23 series I've seen them average prices on par with c172s. I believe the total production was 2400 total or so not including the the sierra which was a swing gear version with a bit more muscle. Hell the current wings of hope raffle plane is a B 23 with a fresh overhaul and improved avionics which has a tax value of 49k.

Your opinion matters to me Bobby, thank you. None would really be on my wishlist for my travel from Southern Illinois to North Central Florida but is Food For Thought and thank you for your information on all of these good airplanes. For the cost of a newer faster airplane I could see dedication of a landing strip in the middle and stop both ways for a fraction of the cost

Nice compliation. Nice video. Thanks for doing the research and presentation.

I know you said only aircraft you have filmed but one definitely worth mentioning is the Ercoupe. This aircraft is usually certified to run on automotive gas which may not be the greatest idea but can be done. I learned to fly in one and absolutely loved it. It has similar performance as a Cessna 150. They also have an sliding canopy that you can open completely up in flight . Price is about the same or lower than 150

Nice list, glad you included others outside Cessna and Piper. But I'm a Cessna fanboy, so out of this list, 172 all the way!!!

I have flown. Cessna 150 - 172 with the windows open. Some noise, but it felt great to look down on a beautiful day.

Flying doodle nice job and presentation, very succinct and easy to understand data. I agree with your list, pretty good one.

Bonanzas are classified as a heavy single. They are for well experienced pilots. My Dad had one after progressing through a Piper Pacer and Tri Pacer. After a couple hundred hours flying the Tri Pacer he bought a 1949 V-35 in 1956. It is interesting that the Debonair did not make the list. The early Plain Jane Debs were actually affordable excellent conventional tail Bonanzas. My Dad graduated to a Travel Air then regretted burning twice the fuel for marginally increased performance.

Please more videos like this. Thank you.

Gotta love that split-tail doctor killer!

just got two circuit done at my flip. You were very helpful. Please keep it coming

Love my Grumman AA5A Cheetah. About 125 kts and 8gph - Owned a C172 and the Grumman beats it hands down on handling and speed! Great video!

I owned a Citabria years ago and have over 2000 hours in it. To me it is an amazing airplane. I really loved it.

Good work continue it.

Good job Bobby, nice video. Have you thought about doing an ongoing maybe quarterly series of specific aircraft currently available for sale in a price range? Similar to Wiley Sharpe’s best cat’s for sale vids......

Awesome video as usual ! I hope i could buy on of these one day...

I would love to see your opinion on a Kitfox. They fall in this category of price and from what I calculated, get about 25 MPG. Seeing Trent Palmer's plane and it's capabilities has me selling my house to downsize, because I have figured out that I can afford to own my own airplane if I do so, and for the kind of flying I want to do, it is pretty ideal.

The price to the Cessna 150 is accurate. You can buy one that needs restoration and rebuild for about 15000 and used but perfectly flyable ones at 18000 after that anything past 18000 to 40000 is due more to less flight hours, age, upgrades, and tech to the seating material. As far as cost for owning it. The Cessna is likely the most forgiving, its reliable, keeps going forever if you keep care of it, and its perfect for travel to places for its range.

Who made the song in the background of your video? I'm really diggin' it, on top of the fact you've created a great video. Double thumbs ⬆.

Good video. Luv the music too - the level is perfect. Who's the artist and track? Thanks!!!

Just the list I needed to keep my dream of flying alive and well. Great inclusion of the MPG!

My favorite is the Cessna 150.

That is one Beautiful Malibu/Tomahawk PA-38. Clean as a pen and as IFR capable as any jet. I guarantee you it's the nicest in the country from what I've seen.

Love your videos,

Flown 3 of the 6. Flew a 150 from JFK to vero beach. Slow but reliable. Looking for one to buy.

I fly a Mooney M20C. I love the way it flies. Annuals are hard because not many mechanics want to do them.

Nice video Bobby! How are the Doodles doing?

It struck me as odd seeing the miles per gallon for an airplane so I ran the numbers on the airplane I fly. A 2007 Beechcraft King Air 200 GT, 300 knots, 90 gph so 3.33 mpg! I’m sure glad they pay me to fly it instead of the other way around!

Thnx I’ll be looking for one of these because I’m going to be getting my pilots license soon so I wanna know what plane to get as my first one so I can fly down to see my dad and all of that

Should be pointed out how the Tomahawk is wider more room between pilot and passenger when comparing to the Cessna 150/152

Im looking to by one so thank you for your tips. .😮

could you do a video on realistic running/ownership costs for the Cessna 150/152? Thanks.

Please do a video on the Cri-cri... both the dual propeller version, as well as the MC-15J dual jet version. Thanks!

Thx for the info.

Another great video !

After looking at buying a Icon A5 this seems more reasonable hmmmm

love your vids

Bobby, it would be interesting to do this type of video on some taildraggers, including the Cub. Thanks!

Good, thanks for sharing.

I own a 1978 Piper Tomahawk PA38 112 and I love it. Fun to fly and at 5.0 to 6.5 GPH burn is great for me. Speed isn't a thing for me. I just leave one hour earlier to get to the desired airport and show up on time with the others. I think of it as the Poor Man's DA-20!!! LOL 😆.

A Cessna 150/152 will do 100kt....if you push it off a building. 😂 I'd consistently see 90 in the ones I flew.

Yak 52 is the most fun plane to fly. Not a good cross country plane but super acrobatic and tons of fun and it looks cool.

Nice comparisons.

Just asking, since it seems like you would be the ones to know: Is the Piper Cherokee the same as the Piper Warrior?

Into music bomb!!...great video

Use to own a Grumman Tiger. Absolutely LOVED it ! Wish I had not traded up.

Great aircraft, if you mind shedding some wisdom on someone just entering the aviation world, what would you recommend for an aircraft as far as getting the best speed/range for the best price?

Great video. I know you only mentioned the planes that you have featured on your channel, but for those of you out there actively shopping, don't overlook the Beech Musketeers and Sports. I recently bought a very low time B19 sport for $20k. It did need paint ($11k) but I think it was a great deal considering it only had 3000 hours TT and 278 hrs SMOH. It came equipped with a Garmin 430, recently refurbed KX 155 w/GS, 327 Transponder with GDL82 ADS-B out and a brand new PSE Bluetooth audio panel. The interior was restored in 2017 just before I bought it. Also, unlike the Pipers, the Beech has 2 doors which makes a big difference to me! All in at $30k this is a great trainer/leisure aircraft and is a lot of airplane for the money!

Piper cherokee is the best beginner aircraft, for it's price, imo. I have one I got a great deal on, and I love flying it.

thanks for this video

Very cool, thanks for the video. I subbed to you.

I love that you put up estimated NM per gallon figures. No one does that.

where did you get the sun cover/ heat shield on the cessna 172???? im obsessed

Good video good aircrafts

9ne of the highlights of my life was owning a C-150. A great experience interrupt by the kids :).

This is real handy video. Thanks for taking the time to make it

I like how much glass there is on the Tomahawk. Very open.

About like owning a diesel motor home, expensive as hell to operate. Mine gets 12 mpg and has a 250 gallon tank! A decent RV park costs about 50-65 dollars a day. Tires, maintenance and insurance top it off! Don’t forget storage when not in use. I’m sure a Bonanza overhaul is upwards of $10,000

looking forward to the day you get the call to film the O-2 Skymaster. That's my dream plane, that would also fit in this price range.

Are these prices anywhere near accurate still four years later?

Thanks 😊

There is a D35 Bonanza for sale on local Craigslist. $21K. No corrosion, NDH, all AD's good, 470 Continental, all logs, ready to fly,,,,damn I want it!!

My grandfathers favorite plane he ever owned was his bonanza!

I own a 150 and I love it

I've flown a two seat Aeronca Champion & a Piper Cub in 1963 & was offered to buy one of them for $1,000 after my flying school went out of business! Boy, do I wish I had bought it!

I found a 1978 Cessna 152 with original avionics and instruments for £16.000. It was still being regularly flown. It did not last long at that low price. £16.000 = 27. 318 CAD, 20.536 USD, 30.274 AUD. (I am not quite sure which dollar this video used)

Great video. Love seeing any airplane. I would say that though one might beable to find some of those planes on that list for those prices. I think the prices are for the most part pretty skewed and that's quite a stretch to find some cheap aircraft. I think if you found those airplanes for those prices it would likely require more money to make them airworthy. Maybe I am wrong. But i think any 172 that is turn key would be in the 60-80k range. Otherwise it was a grest vid.

Nice but I would suppose improvements would be necessary or certainly desired after purchase for most. Good to know they are out there though and available. How about tail draggers like the Champ, etc?

What is the name of the song in this video? I would really like to find it.

I think a Piper 235 deserves to be on this list and ample advantages such as useful load, 896-980 nm and around $60k

I would like to learn to fly, but struggle to figure out where I would be comfortable. In the cycling world I’m considered a clydesdale, north of 200lb, I happen to also be 6’4”, I don’t fit into small pleases very well, like say a Cessna 150 is a total no go. Have you ever considered doing a video on inexpensive planes for big folks like myself?

I'd love to see what you think about the top aircraft in the experimental category

As far as I've heard the Piper 140 had, and my has again, a AD for the wing spars. This is a very big deal. Can be very expensive or the end of the aircraft life.

Was dissapointed you didn't mention the Piper tomahawk and the beachcraft skipper see the same aircraft.

Whatever was wrong with the V-tail Bonanza? I recall it had fatal problems for a while.

Just to let you know I went on amazon and made a discovery that you can’t buy a plane on amazon