The short answer
A typical four-seat single like a Cessna 172 burns ~8–9 gallons per hour, which at 2026 avgas prices is on the order of $50–$70 per flight hour in fuel. Trainers burn less (~6 gph); high-performance singles burn more (15–17 gph); Jet-A diesels are the most economical (~5–6 gph).
The Formula and Typical Burn
Fuel cost per hour = burn rate (gph) × fuel price. Typical cruise burn: a two-seat trainer ~6 gph; a four-seat single (172) ~8–9 gph; a high-performance single (SR22, Bonanza) ~15–17 gph; a Jet-A diesel single (DA40 NG) only ~5–6 gph. Multiply by your local avgas or Jet-A price for cost per hour. See our fuel cost guide for worked examples.
Fuel in Context
Fuel is a major variable cost, but it's one line in the total cost of ownership. Insurance, the annual, unscheduled maintenance, engine reserves, and hangar all add up, plus the loan payment. Budget fuel per your expected annual hours, then add the fixed and other variable costs — our ownership cost guide puts it all together.
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
How do I calculate fuel for a trip?
Multiply cost-per-hour by estimated flight time, and account for reserves and climb/taxi fuel. Actual burn varies with power setting and altitude.
Which single burns the least fuel?
Jet-A diesel singles like the DA40 NG are the most economical at ~5-6 gph — well below a comparable avgas single.
Is fuel the biggest cost of ownership?
It's a major variable cost, but insurance, maintenance, reserves, hangar, and the loan payment all add up. Budget the full picture.
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