The short answer
A piston-single overhaul commonly runs into the tens of thousands of dollars; a twin roughly doubles that (two engines), and turbine engines are far more, typically managed through hourly engine programs rather than a single overhaul bill. The best approach is to reserve for it per flight hour in advance.
Overhaul Costs by Type
Costs vary widely with the engine and the shop, but broadly: a piston single's overhaul is typically a tens-of-thousands-of-dollars event; a piston twin has two engines, so roughly double; and turbine engines are far more expensive, which is why turbine owners enroll in hourly engine programs that spread major-event costs across flight hours. Time between overhauls (TBO) is the published hour/calendar interval that triggers it.
Planning and Financing an Overhaul
The healthiest approach is to reserve per flight hour from day one so the money is there at TBO. If an overhaul arrives before you've saved enough, a cash-out refinance (with equity) or overhaul financing are options — a fresh overhaul restores value, which helps. When buying, a near-TBO engine should be reflected in the price: a cheaper high-time airplane isn't cheaper once you fund the overhaul. See our engine overhaul financing guide.
Figures in this article are illustrative for the 2026 market and are not offers of credit. Jaken Aviation is a licensed aircraft financing brokerage — a division of Jaken Finance Group — and does not make loan decisions. All financing is subject to lender approval. Tax and legal information is general; consult a qualified professional.
Related Questions
What is TBO?
Time between overhauls — the manufacturer's recommended hour or calendar interval at which the engine should be overhauled. It's a key value and financing factor.
Does a high-time engine hurt financing?
Yes. A near-TBO engine reduces the aircraft's value and may bring a lender reserve requirement or larger down payment. Reflect the cost in the purchase price.
Can I finance an overhaul?
If you own the aircraft with equity, a cash-out refinance can fund it; overhaul financing is also an option. A fresh overhaul restores value, which helps.
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