If you’ve ever dreamed of flying but were worried about the high cost of owning an airplane, don’t worry. Doing so on a budget is no longer just a pipe dream.
We’ve compiled a list of the Top 10 cheapest planes in the world, offering a range of budget-friendly options. So let’s embark on our journey, progressively exploring the most affordable second-hand aircraft available.
10. Cessna 175 Skylark- around $45,000
- Introduced: 1958
- Known for: versatility and comfort
- Seats: one pilot and three passengers
- Range: 720 mi (1,160 km)
- Cruise speed: 104 mph (167 km/h)
- Units built: 2,106
- Operating cost per hour: around $105
9. Piper J-3 Cub – around $42,000
- Introduced: 1938
- Known for: simplicity and use as sport plane
- Seats: one pilot and one passenger
- Range: 220 mi (354 km)
- Cruise speed: 75 mph (121 km/h)
- Units built: over 20,000
- Operating cost per hour: around $160
8. Stinson 108 – between $28,000-$40,000
- Introduced: 1944
- Known for: comfortable cabin and ease of flying
- Seats: one pilot and three passengers
- Range: 500 mi (800 km)
- Cruise speed: 121 mph (195 km/h)
- Units built: 5,260
- Operating cost per hour: around $100
7. Piper PA-38 Tomahawk – around $36,000
- Introduced: 1978
- Known for: use as a training aircraft and low operating costs
- Seats: one pilot and one passenger
- Range: 539 mi (867 km)
- Cruise speed: 115 mph (185 km/h)
- Units built: Over 2,484
- Operating costs per hour: roughly $60
6. Cessna 182 Skylane – around $34,000
- Introduced: 1955
- Known for: versatility and ease of flying
- Seats: one pilot and three passengers
- Range: 1,070 mi (1,720 km)
- Cruise speed: 167 mph (269 km/h)
- Units built: over 23,237
- Operating cost per hour: roughly $240
5. Beechcraft Skipper – between $24,000-$28,000
- Introduced: 1978
- Known for: entry-level training aircraft and ease of flying
- Seats: one pilot and one passenger
- Range: 475 mi (764 km)
- Cruise speed: 121 mph (195 km/h)
- Units built: 312
- Operating cost per hour: roughly $71
4. Aeronca 7AC Champion – between $22,000-$25,000
- Introduced: 1945
- Known for: simplicity and use as trainer aircraft
- Seats: one pilot and one passenger
- Range: 270 mi (430 km)
- Cruise speed: 85 mph (137 km/h)
- Units built: over 10,000
- Operating cost per hour: around $50
3. Piper PA-28 Cherokee – between $20,000-$22,000
- Introduced: 1960
- Known for: widely used for training and personal flying
- Seats: one pilot and three passengers
- Range: 535 mi (861 km)
- Cruise speed: 124 mph (200 km/h)
- Units built: over 35,500
- Operating cost per hour: around $75
2. Luscombe 8A – between $16,000-$24,000
- Introduced: 1937
- Known for: simplicity and efficiency
- Seats: one pilot and one passenger
- Range: 500 mi (800 km)
- Cruise speed: 120 mph (190 km/h)
- Units built: 5,867
- Operating cost per hour: roughly $50
1. Cessna 150 – between $14,000-$25,000
- Introduced: 1958
- Known for: training and recreational flying
- Seats: one pilot and one passenger
- Range: 480 mi (430 km)
- Cruise speed: 94 mph (152 km/h)
- Units built: 23,839
- Operating cost per hour: around $50
Note: While these aircraft come at affordable prices, operating costs can fluctuate significantly, based on factors such as fuel efficiency, maintenance and modifications. With these options, though, taking to the skies doesn’t have to break the bank.
Summary table: Top 10 cheapest planes in the world
| Aircraft Model | Purchase Cost | Operating Cost per Hour |
| 10. Cessna 175 | $45,000 | $105 |
| 9. Piper J-3 Cub | $42,000 | $160 |
| 8. Stinson 108 | $28,000-$40,000 | $100 |
| 7. Piper PA-38 Tomahawk | $36,000 | $60 |
| 6. Cessna 182 | $34,000 | $240 |
| 5. Beechcraft Skipper | $24,000-$28,000 | $71 |
| 4. Aeronca 7AC Champion | $22,000-$25,000 | $50 |
| 3. Piper PA-28 Cherokee | $20,000-$22,000 | $75 |
| 2. Luscombe 8A | $16,000-$24,000 | $50 |
| 1. Cessna 150 | $14,000-$25,000 | $50 |