Plane Rental Guide for Pilots

Owning an airplane can be an expensive proposition. Not all pilots can afford the many different costs associated with owning an airplane let alone the cost of the aircraft itself. Just like having a place to live, there are many situations where renting rather than owning a plane makes more sense. Whether you are looking at the perfect plane to rent for training or the best plane to take to the skies for a weekend getaway.

Here are five most common options for plane rental:

Cessna 152/172
A fantastic four seat, high wing airplane the Cessna 172 is a very popular aircraft. This is due to its wide availability and reliability. This plane is sure to be the perfect option for many. The 152 is the little brother to the 172 with only two seats but still a very popular choice for plane rental.  

Cessna 162
The lightweight high wing Cessna 162 Skycatcher is gaining popularity and finding a home in many training fleets. A two-seater like the Cessna 152, the 162 is lighter and easy to fly, featuring a control stick which is different from the yoke in the 152. This is a great option for pilots looking to rack up their flight hours without breaking the bank.

Diamond DA20/40
The Diamond DA40 is like the Cessna 172 in that it has four seats, but it features a different design. This low wing airplane is made of very lightweight materials and sports a high visibility canopy along with the T-tail making it very recognizable. The There is also a slightly smaller, two-seat version of the aircraft in the Diamond DA20.  

Piper Warrior/Arrow 
The Piper Cherokee, Warrior, and Arrow are all variants of the same airplane; the PA-28. Pilots often argue over the benefits of low wing vs. high wing airplanes, but the Piper series has been a great choice for a solid low wing aircraft. Like the Cessna 172 the Piper Cherokee is a great option for training.

Cirrus SR 20/22
Make no mistake, though the Cirrus may resemble other low wing training aircraft, this plane packs a powerful punch. Known for its Cirrus Airframe Parachute System, the primary difference in the SR20 and SR22 is the power of the engine. The SR22 boasts 110 more horsepower.   

Renting a Plane
So, once you have a pilot’s license how do you go about renting a plane?  It all starts with a checkout. The first time you fly in a new airplane must be accompanied by an instructor to demonstrate the nuances of that airplane as well as the surrounding area before taking it up on your own. Once a check out in an airplane is complete, you can book the aircraft and you are on your way!

To rent a plane or to learn more about which plane is right for you and your needs, please call Elevate Aviation today. We’re located here in beautiful Salt Lake City, Utah offering services with becoming a pilot, cirrus training vernal & cirrus training midway.