Where it fits well
- 165 kt cruise supports credible cross-country touring.
- 852 nm advertised range creates a practical planning radius of about 571 nm with 4 occupants.
- 270 kg realistic payload proxy and 4 seats define the usable cabin mission.
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Photo: Anna Zvereva · CC BY-SA 2.0 · representative variantKey figures
Indicative planning data, compiled 2026-07. Verify against the AFM and records.
| Seats | 4 |
| Realistic payload with mission fuel | 270 kg |
| Advertised range | 852 nm |
| Practical planning radius (4 people) | 571 nm |
| Cruise speed | 165 kt |
| Runway need | ~500 m |
| Pressurised | No |
| Fuel | Avgas 100LL |
| Fixed annual base | €12k |
| Direct cost per flight hour | €210 |
The ownership trade-off
The M20K Encore combines 4-seat piston-aircraft utility with about 852 NM reported range and about 165 kt reported cruise, while payload, runway and operating-cost figures remain indicative and should be verified for the specific aircraft before making a decision.
Cost picture at different usage
- 40 hours/year: about €40k per year ( €1005 per flight hour all-in)
- 80 hours/year: about €49k per year ( €608 per flight hour all-in)
- 120 hours/year: about €57k per year ( €475 per flight hour all-in)
- 180 hours/year: about €70k per year ( €387 per flight hour all-in)
Older examples add calendar-driven maintenance: a 2011-built airframe is estimated at €34k per year at 80 hours. Condition, engine time remaining and avionics matter more than the year itself — price the aircraft in front of you, not the model.
Limitations to price honestly
- The M20K Encore combines 4-seat piston-aircraft utility with about 852 NM reported range and about 165 kt reported cruise, while payload, runway and operating-cost figures remain indicative and should be verified for the specific aircraft before making a decision.
- €12k fixed annual planning base before flying a single hour.
- Approximate 500 m take-off requirement must be checked against runway, surface, slope, temperature and loading.
Recommended missions
- Family and small-group touring with a weight-and-balance check for every trip.
- Short and medium regional trips, accepting fuel stops when conditions require.
- Recreational, training or personal travel where operating efficiency is more important than airline-like speed.