Owning and operating a single-engine Cessna airplane in Kenya can be an exciting and potentially lucrative endeavor, whether for personal use, flight training or small-scale commercial ventures.
However, the financial commitment involved requires careful consideration of both the initial purchase price and ongoing operational costs.
In this article, WoK provides an exploration of the costs associated with buying and operating a single-engine Cessna airplane.
Buying a single-engine Cessna
The cost of purchasing a single-engine Cessna varies widely depending on the model, age, condition and avionics upgrades.
A brand-new Cessna 172 Skyhawk costs approximately Ksh46.3 million; this price includes modern avionics like the Garmin G1000 suite and a factory warranty.
However, new aircraft purchases are rare in Kenya due to high costs and import duties.
A more practical option for Kenyan buyers is a used aircraft; prices for used Cessna 172s range from Ksh3.9 million to Ksh30.3 million, depending on the year of manufacture, engine hours, airframe condition, and upgrades.
For instance, a well-maintained 1980 Cessna 172N with moderate engine hours might cost around Ksh11 million, while older models from the 1960s with high engine hours could be found for as low as Ksh4-8 million.
For budget-conscious buyers, the smaller Cessna 150 or 152 models are cheaper alternatives, averaging Ksh2.3 million to Ksh3.9 million.
These are popular for training and personal use but have limited payload capacity.
Importing an aircraft into Kenya incurs additional expenses, including a 16% Value Added Tax (VAT), a 2.5% Import Declaration Fee (IDF) and customs duties (which can vary).
For a Ksh10.9 million Cessna 172, these costs could add roughly Ksh2-3 million, bringing the total landed cost to Ksh13-14 million.
Operating costs of a single-engine Cessna
Fixed costs
Storing an aircraft in Kenya varies by location. At major airports like Wilson Airport in Nairobi, hangar space can cost Ksh50,000-100,000 per month.
Outdoor tie-downs are cheaper, averaging Ksh20,000-40,000 monthly, though exposure to weather can increase maintenance needs.
Annual insurance for a Cessna 172 in Kenya typically ranges from Ksh38,700-193,500, depending on the pilot’s experience, aircraft value and coverage type.
For commercial operations, premiums may rise due to higher risk. Kenyan Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) regulations mandate annual inspections, costing Ksh100,000-200,000, depending on the mechanic and aircraft condition.
Assuming a hangared Cessna 172 at Wilson Airport with mid-tier insurance and inspections, annual fixed costs might range from Ksh840,000 to Ksh1.6 million.
Variable costs
Cessna 172s typically burn 7-9 gallons of Avgas (100LL) per hour.
In Kenya, Avgas prices fluctuate but average around Ksh774 per 3 litres at major airports.
For an 30-litre-per-hour burn rate, fuel costs Ksh6,192 per flight hour. A full 150-litre tank costs approximately Ksh30,960.
Routine maintenance, including oil changes (every 50-100 hours, costing Ksh20,000-30,000) and minor repairs, averages Ksh5,000-7,000 per flight hour.
Major overhauls, like an engine rebuild after 2,000 hours, can cost Ksh2.6-5.2 million, though this is a long-term expense. Fees vary by airstrip.
Wilson Airport charges around Ksh1,000-2,000 per landing, while smaller rural strips may be free or charge minimal fees (Ksh500-1,000).
For 100 landings annually, this totals Ksh50,000-200,000. If hiring a pilot for commercial use, expect to pay Ksh50,000-100,000 monthly, depending on experience.
For 100 flight hours annually, variable costs (fuel, maintenance, landing fees) range from Ksh700,000 to Ksh1.2 million, excluding pilot wages.
