The best first aircraft under 90,000 euro

Cessna 150 and 152: the ultimate bargain trainers

The Cessna 150 is the fifth most produced civilian aircraft in history, with nearly 24,000 built before production shifted to the 152. Cessna largely abandoned the two-seat trainer market after 1985, so these remain some of the only true bargains left in aviation: small, simple and very easy to maintain.

The 152 is a slight upgrade, adding 10 hp, roughly 45 kg (about 100 lb) more useful load and flaps that extend to 40 degrees rather than 30. There is even a rare 'Aerobat' 152 cleared for positive 6 and negative 3 G, for pilots who want to try basic aerobatics.

Piper Cherokee 140 (PA-28): the affordable classic

Built between 1964 and 1977, the Cherokee 140 is the smallest and most affordable entry in the long-running PA-28 line. It proved reliable and cheap to run, and it still enjoys an active, robust used market, which makes it an easy first aircraft for a budget-conscious owner.

Grumman Tiger: the best bang for the money

Introduced in 1974 as a step up from the Traveler and Cheetah, the Grumman Tiger is repeatedly cited by owners as the best value for money in its class. Around 1,300 were built, and they are loved for being cheap to operate, easy to maintain and unusually fast in cruise for the power, thanks to the slippery Grumman airframe.

Cessna 172 Skyhawk: the safe legacy pick

With more than 44,000 built since 1956, the Skyhawk is the most recognised and produced civilian aircraft in the world. Older legacy 172s are heavily sought after as first aircraft precisely because they combine forgiving handling, a simple design and straightforward maintenance without breaking the bank.

Beechcraft Musketeer: prestige without the price

If you want the Beechcraft name without the price of a Bonanza, the Musketeer is the answer. Introduced in the 1960s as a smaller, affordable alternative, it is not fast, but it offers a roomy cabin, very stable handling and strong value on the used market.

Piper Tri-Pacer: the affordable vintage option

Nicknamed the 'flying milk stool' for its stubby stance and short wings, the Tri-Pacer was a major commercial hit in the 1950s and 60s. Piper took the tailwheel Pacer and added a nosewheel, making it far easier for novices to handle on the ground. Today it is a nostalgic, iconic and genuinely affordable vintage option.

CZAW SportCruiser: the modern light-sport choice

For a more modern option, the all-aluminium CZAW SportCruiser is one of the most economical light-sport aircraft available. Its 100 hp Rotax 912 burns only about 20 litres per hour (roughly 4 to 5 US gallons) and runs on either MoGas or avgas.

It is forgiving for new pilots, with a stall speed just over 30 knots and a built-in airframe parachute, and it pairs that with a modern glass cockpit of dual Dynon screens and autopilot. A spectacular aircraft for fun, local flying.

The real cost of a low-budget aircraft

Purchase price is only one part of the sum. For a 23,000 to 32,000 euro aircraft (about $25,000 to $35,000), a 15-year loan at 6 percent with 20 percent down works out around 2,300 euro a year, roughly 6 euro a day (about $2,500 a year, $6.77 a day).

Add a typical 2,700 euro annual inspection (about $3,000), 730 euro of insurance (about $800) and a 230-euro-a-month hangar (about $250), and fixed costs land near 23 euro a day (about $25). Fly 100 hours a year burning 32 litres an hour (about 8.5 US gallons) at roughly 1.20 euro a litre (about $5 a US gallon) and fuel is around 10 euro a day (about $11). Add oil changes (around 230 euro every 50 hours, about $250) and database updates and variable costs sit near 14 euro a day (about $15).

Total cost of ownership: roughly 36 euro a day, about $40. These are US-market assumptions; European financing, VAT, insurance and shop rates will move the numbers, so treat the total as an order of magnitude rather than a quote.