What kind of recurring operating expenses can one expect? Oil change cost (done yourself)? Anything other than just fuel, oil (+filter), and overhaul? Not including if something just breaks unless it's a routine wear-out item.

I'm updating my spreadsheet as a distraction - numbers relax me, hahaha! I figured I could get it as accurate as possible and then when I get to ownership I could compare real-world vs. predicted.


Thanks!
--Cameron

DIY oil change ran me about $35. $33 for oil, plus a few bucks for new oil screen housing gasket and new lock washers. Add a few more $$ if it is an oil filter. From what I have read, figure on dry vacuum pump dieing after 400 or 500 hours. They seem pretty easy to maintain to care and feed for the most part.

The Lyc O-320, and the O-360 too, are a family of stone-ass dependable engines. Flown often, and with the oil kept over 180 F to get rid of moisture for at least part of the flight, and you can all but ignore maintenance costs. That is excepting magneto overhauls at 500 hours (if you choose to do that), and also assuming you choose to install Tempest fine wire plugs (otherwise with massives you will need to clean plugs more often and replace them about every 500 hours), and run LOP which helps to keep the engine clean and your wallet heavy.

bumper

Edit to add:

Oh, and keeping track of expenses in aviation is a sure way to drive yourself bonkers (even if you love numbers), or finally persuade the logical side of you to give it up - - something most of us would never want to do. So for most, expense tracking is not recommended.

bumper wrote:Oh, and keeping track of expenses in aviation is a sure way to drive yourself bonkers (even if you love numbers), or finally persuade the logical side of you to give it up - - something most of us would never want to do. So for most, expense tracking is not recommended.

That's true for most folks - for some reason my logical side doesn't argue the numbers as much as it likes to see the organization and thoroughness! It's almost more of an abstract exercise for me.

As long as we can we'll fly. And within reason, no "affordable" even really crosses the plain. Other than "will I be able to fly this airplane based on my current income," most of my spreadsheet mess is just time wasted making random numbers equal to a bottom line. It takes my mind off of other stuff and (nerd alert) I think it's fun.


I really do appreciate everyone's input on these random "how much" threads!

If anyone wants, I can put a picture up of the current spreadsheet iteration. I understand that no-one else may want to see a dollar sign followed by numbers in this hobby though!


This particular O-320 has a filter, so I'll see if I can find the cost of that guy and add it in. Thanks!