Aircraft Fuel Costs: How to Calculate and Minimize Expenses

Aircraft fuel costs represent 30-40% of variable operating expenses for most owners. Understanding fuel burn rates, current prices, and cost-saving strategies significantly reduces overall airplane fuel expenses.

Fuel Burn Rates by Aircraft

Popular Single-Engine Aircraft:

• Cessna 150/152: 6 GPH × $6.50 = $39/hour
• Cessna 172: 9 GPH × $6.50 = $59/hour
• Cessna 182: 14 GPH × $6.50 = $91/hour
• Piper Cherokee: 8 GPH × $6.50 = $52/hour
• Cirrus SR22: 17 GPH × $6.50 = $111/hour
• Bonanza A36: 15 GPH × $6.50 = $98/hour

Twin-Engine Aircraft:

• Baron G58: 30 GPH × $6.50 = $195/hour
• Seneca: 28 GPH × $6.50 = $182/hour
• Diamond DA62: 16 GPH × $6.50 = $104/hour (diesel)

Current Fuel Price Trends

100LL Avgas Pricing (2025):

• National average: $6.00-$7.00/gallon
• Low-cost airports: $5.00-$5.75/gallon
• High-cost airports: $7.50-$10.00/gallon
• Self-serve: Typically $0.50-$1.50 less than full-serve

Check Ownership Cost Analysis for complete budgeting.

Calculating Trip Fuel Costs

Basic Calculation:

• Distance ÷ Speed = Flight time
• Flight time × Fuel burn rate = Gallons needed
• Gallons × Price per gallon = Total cost
• Example: 300 NM trip in Cessna 172
• 300 ÷ 110 knots = 2.7 hours
• 2.7 hours × 9 GPH = 24.3 gallons
• 24.3 × $6.50 = $158 fuel cost

Fuel-Saving Techniques

Operational Strategies:

• Lean aggressively above 5,000 feet
• Fly at higher altitudes when practical
• Reduce power settings for economy cruise
• Plan efficient routes avoiding headwinds
• Minimize taxi time
• Proper weight management reduces fuel burn

Fuel Discount Programs:

• AOPA Fuel Card: Save $0.10-$0.40/gallon
• UVAir Fuel Program: Discounts at participating FBOs
• Avfuel Contract Fuel: Volume discounts
• Phillips 66 Aviation: Loyalty program

Best Airports for Fuel Prices

Finding Cheap Fuel:

• Use AirNav.com fuel price comparison
• ForeFlight fuel pricing feature
• Plan fuel stops at low-cost airports
• Self-serve typically cheapest option
• Avoid major metro FBOs (premium pricing)

Self-Serve vs Full-Serve

Self-Serve Benefits:

• Savings: $0.50-$1.50/gallon typically
• No handling fees or tips
• 24/7 availability at many airports
• Quick service, no waiting

Full-Serve Benefits:

• FBO staff handles fueling
• Comprehensive preflight services
• Inside facilities access
• Crew car or rental car assistance

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to fuel an airplane?

Varies by aircraft and fuel prices. Cessna 172 full tank (40 gallons): $240-$280. Cirrus SR22 (92 gallons): $552-$644. Calculate: Tank capacity × local fuel price = fill-up cost.

What is the best way to save money on aviation fuel?

Use fuel discount programs (AOPA, UVAir), choose self-serve pumps ($0.50-$1.50/gallon savings), plan fuel stops at low-cost airports, fly fuel-efficient power settings, and lean properly above 5,000 feet.

How much does 100LL avgas cost per gallon?

National average $6.00-$7.00/gallon in 2025. Range: $5.00-$10.00 depending on location. Self-serve typically $5.00-$6.00/gallon, full-serve $6.00-$8.00/gallon, major metro FBOs $7.50-$10.00/gallon.

What is fuel burn rate for Cessna 172?

Cessna 172 burns approximately 9 gallons per hour at typical cruise settings. At $6.50/gallon, this equals $59/hour in fuel costs. Reduce to 7-8 GPH with aggressive leaning at altitude.

Where can I find cheap aviation fuel prices?

Use AirNav.com or ForeFlight to compare fuel prices. Generally cheapest: small rural airports with self-serve pumps, municipal airports, and airports with competition. Avoid major metro FBOs and resort destinations.