The Costs Pilots Are Worried About Are Not What You Might Think

Just over half of pilots who answered our survey said that the high price of aviation fuel was a major concern in their cost calculus, with 18 % strongly concerned and 36% somewhat worried. Nearly half, in contrast, were largely unconcerned about fuel costs.

On the other hand, a new major area of concern seems to be emerging---the cost (and or availability of insurance). Around three-quarters of those who answered our survey questions said that the cost of insurance was somewhat or very concerning, while just 10% were little worried about finding affordable coverage.

Also somewhat surprising was that hangar/tie-down costs were a major concern, with nearly 70% worried about the cost of storing their planes between flights, perhaps a reflection of the difficulty of finding hangar space at any price at most popular GA airports.

As far as maintenance was concerned, bottom line is that it's a big worry for most pilots. The high cost of annuals and other regular maintenance coupled with a slammed light-aircraft maintenance sector had nearly 80% of our respondents concerned, while a whopping 82% were losing sleep over the possible costs of unexpected maintenance due to things such as unanticipated engine overhauls or FAA-mandated airworthiness directives.