Every aspiring pilot has to start somewhere. And just like how there’s something romantic about a young driver and their first car, the same can be said about a pilot and their first airplane. To put it lightly, it’s an important moment – especially when you consider that an airplane is a “nice to have” purchase and not necessarily a “need to have.” Call flying a labor of love, if you will.

In this post, we’ll cover some of the features that make for an ideal starter plane, discuss some of the aircraft purchased by first-timers, and touch on the pros and cons of buying versus renting. Here’s a closer look at everything you need to know about the best starter plane:

What Makes a Good Starter Plane?

There are a few key factors that many pilots weigh when selecting a starter plane. The first tends to be an obvious one: cost. We probably don’t need to tell you that most first-time plane purchases aren’t new, state-of-the-art aircraft. In fact, they tend to be older aircraft – and they also tend to come with a much lower price tag than you may think. Many of these older aircraft start at around $15,000. And don’t let age and comparatively low cost fool you – as long as an aircraft has been properly maintained, you should have no problem flying in it.

The second factor that most first-time plane buyers tend to watch out for is handling ability. When we get into some of the aircraft that aspiring pilots tend to purchase in subsequent sections in this post, you’ll notice that these planes don’t tend to travel at high speeds. This makes them easier to handle and control so pilots can fly with confidence. This is especially important for younger pilots who may still be honing the art of flying.

Top Aircrafts Purchased by First-Time Buyers

Now that we’ve touched on some of the factors that first-time buyers tend to look for in a starter plane, it’s time to get into some of the top first-time purchases. As you might expect, most first-time plane buyers opt for light aircraft. Light aircraft is defined as a plane with a maximum gross takeoff weight of 12,500 pounds or less.

Light Aircrafts

While there are various types of light aircraft (i.e., parakites, flex-wings, three-axis, sport, etc.), one of the most popular first-time purchases for pilots is none other than the Cessna 172. As the world’s most produced general aircraft, there’s no shortage of these planes in circulation – and it’s likely that any pilot, no matter how young or how old, has flown one at some point in their life. Larger than its sister aircraft, the Cessna 152, it’s well known for its handling, stability, and relatively large cabin space (you can comfortably fit four adults).

Some other light aircraft that make for ideal first-time purchases include:

• The Piper Cherokee 140/160: A four-seat model, it can travel at speeds of up to 110 knots and can reach up to 500 nautical miles on a full tank of fuel. This model is ideal for training, air taxiing, and personal leisure use. The Cherokee is also an inexpensive aircraft, ranging in price from $25,000 to $50,000.
• Beechcraft Bonanza: If you’re looking to go a bit faster in the sky, the Beechcraft Bonanza could be the ideal first-time plane purchase for you. It has a maximum speed of about 155 knots and a range of about 400 nautical miles on a tank of fuel. A four-seat V-tailed aircraft, it also has a baggage compartment and more overall space.
• Diamond DA40 Star: Known for its ease of handling and its bubble cockpit to facilitate excellent visibility and sight lines, the DA40 is a fan favorite among learning pilots. With a superb safety record and easy recovery, the DA40 cracks the list for first-time plane buyers.
• Cessna 152: We already touched on how beloved the Cessna 172 is, but it’s worth further examining its sister aircraft: the Cessna 152. Although lighter and a bit less stable than the C172, it’s a great plane for young pilots to learn in for these very reasons. Featuring a simple cockpit layout and high wing position, it’s a more sensitive aircraft to fly – and that’s what makes it a great choice for pilots still in the process of mastering their craft.
• Cirrus SR22: We’ll close this list with a look at the Cirrus SR22, a newer light aircraft model that went into production in 2001. Because of this, it tends to come decked out with more advanced safety features, like airbag seatbelts, a built-in parachute, and advanced avionics. There’s no clutter on the dashboard and flying also tends to be pretty straightforward, making it easy for beginner pilots. Its stability is largely anchored by its large wings, making it easy to control during takeoffs and landings.

Buying vs Renting a Plane

Similar to most major purchases, pilots have a choice of either buying or renting an aircraft. Renting certainly has its benefits, especially for pilots that don’t have the financial means to purchase their own plane. When renting, pilots also won’t have to worry about secondary costs such as maintenance, storage, and possibly even fuel. However, renting can also be very expensive and often comes with a price tag of anywhere from $150150  to more than $500500 per flight hour.

There are several benefits to buying over renting. For starters, as we said in the intro, buying a starter plane is a lot less expensive than many people initially think. Another key benefit is that many of these starter aircraft hold their value very well. Some even increase in value, helping it become more than just a purchase, but an investment.

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For more information on starter aircraft and to browse our showroom, contact J.A. Air Center today.