Two-seat certified high-performance trainer · Ultralight and microlight aircraft · production 2016–present · See its reach on the 3D globe
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A Pipistrel Virus SW 121A costs approximately $184k (€170k) to $220k (€204k) to buy at 2025 market values, and about $16k (€15k) a year to own flying 80 hours, roughly $198 (€183) per flight hour all-in. It seats 2, cruises at 120 kt (138 mph) and has a published range of 642 nm (1,189 km), needing about 984 ft (300 m) of runway. Figures are indicative planning estimates compiled 2026-07, not a quote for any specific airframe.
First-party reference values for this model. They are shown separately from PlaneFit planning estimates and do not enter Finder or cross-model rankings until each field is normalised across the catalogue.
| Maximum takeoff weight | 600 kg |
|---|---|
| Useful load | 229 kg |
| Usable fuel | 99 L |
| Service ceiling | 18,000 ft |
| Maximum climb rate | 1,050 ft/min |
| Stall speed | 47 KCAS |
| Engine | Rotax 912 S3 piston engine, 100 hp |
Indicative planning data, compiled 2026-07. Verify against the AFM and records.
| Seats | 2 |
| Realistic payload with mission fuel | 414 lb (188 kg) |
| Published planning range | 642 nm (1,189 km) |
| Practical planning radius (4 people) | 430 nm (796 km) |
| Cruise speed | 120 kt (138 mph) |
| Runway need | ~984 ft (300 m) |
| Landing gear | Fixed tricycle |
| Pressurised | No |
| Fuel | Mogas / UL91 |
| Fixed annual base | $10k (€9k) |
| Direct cost per flight hour | $76 (€70) |
Very efficient with strong glide and cruise performance, but cockpit space and baggage are limited.
Indicative cash costs at 2025 market values, before financing, depreciation and tax. The fixed base is the same whether the aircraft flies or not, so the effective hourly cost falls as utilisation rises.
| Annual use | Annual cash cost | Effective cost / h | Five-year cash outlay |
|---|---|---|---|
| 40 h / year | $13k (€12k) | $319 (€295) | $264k (€244k) |
| 80 h / year | $16k (€15k) | $197 (€183) | $279k (€258k) |
| 120 h / year | $19k (€17k) | $157 (€145) | $294k (€272k) |
| 180 h / year | $23k (€22k) | $130 (€120) | $316k (€293k) |
Every figure above is built from a $10k (€9k) fixed annual base, covering hangarage, insurance, scheduled maintenance reserves and recurring airworthiness costs, plus $76 (€70) per hour flown for fuel, reserves and consumables. It is a planning model for comparing aircraft and testing utilisation, not a maintenance programme quote, insurance quote or pre-buy assessment.
Older examples add calendar-driven maintenance: a 2011-built airframe is estimated at $18k (€17k) per year at 80 hours. Airframe and engine time, maintenance and damage history, avionics, equipment, geography and tax treatment move a real transaction further than the model year does, so price the aircraft in front of you, not the model. A cheaper example carrying deferred maintenance can be the more expensive aircraft once the first annual inspection is complete.
Pipistrel Virus SW 121A cost guide answers the same figures as standalone purchase and ownership questions, and the ownership cost calculator lets you replace these assumptions with your own hours and fixed costs.
Nothing beyond a pilot certificate for the category and class. With fixed tricycle gear and no endorsement requirement of its own, this is among the simplest certified aircraft to qualify in, which is a real part of why it is cheap to insure and easy to check out in.
US requirements under 14 CFR 61.31, stated for orientation and not as advice. PlaneFit is not an aviation authority or a training organisation. Other authorities set different rules, and the current regulation and your instructor are what govern.
An indicative 2025 market price for a Pipistrel Virus SW 121A is $184k (€170k) to $220k (€204k). This is a planning estimate normalised across the market, not a quote for a specific airframe. Condition, engine time remaining, avionics and damage history move the real number more than the model year does.
Flying 80 hours a year, a Pipistrel Virus SW 121A works out at roughly $16k (€15k) annually, which is about $198 (€183) per flight hour all-in once fixed costs are spread across those hours. The direct cost per hour alone, covering fuel, reserves and consumables, is about $76 (€70).
Published range is 642 nm (1,189 km). With 2 people aboard and realistic reserves, plan on a practical radius of about 462 nm rather than the brochure figure.
Plan on approximately 984 ft (300 m) for take-off. Check this against the actual runway, surface, slope, temperature and loading, all of which extend the requirement.