Comparative Analysis: Choosing The Kit Aircraft That's Right for You

Worksheet 5: The Costs

Cost is obviously an important area to examine. The actual kit price is only a portion of the total cost of getting the aircraft flying. Once flying, operating costs also vary widely.

To compare total costs, you may want to create a separate worksheet comparing actual prices (dollar amounts). To avoid costly surprises, research the costs ahead of time. For the purposes of this worksheet, assume you're familiar with each aircraft and costs. You may find it useful to talk with builders that have completed the kits.

When rating each kit, remember that the higher the score, the more favorable it rates. Click here for example.

Kit Aircraft Comparative Analysis
Worksheet 5: Costs		 Kit A: Kit B:
Weight COSTS Rating Score Rating Score
Purchase Price of Kit with Options 3
2
1 		3
2
1
Purchase Price of Engine / Instruments 3
2
1 		3
2
1
Tools, Jigs, Workshop and Other Building Related Costs 3
2
1 		3
2
1
Cost of items NOT included in the kit
How much for all the extras?		 3
2
1 		3
2
1
Direct Operating Cost of Aircraft
Fuel / Oil, etc.		 3
2
1 		3
2
1
Maintenance / Spare Parts
What will it cost to keep the aircraft flying?
Will I be able to do this myself?		 3
2
1 		3
2
1
Insurance
How much will it cost to insure?
Is this a high risk design?		 3
2
1 		3
2
1
Training / First Flight
Will I need additional flight training before I can fly this aircraft safely?
Will I be able to perform the flight tests myself?		 3
2
1 		3
2
1
Hangar / Storage
Will I need to hanger this aircraft (i.e. composite / fabric)		 3
2
1 		3
2
1
Resale Value
Will I be able to resell this aircraft?		 3
2
1 		3
2
1
Depreciation
Will this aircraft last?
Is the construction durable?		 3
2
1 		3
2
1
Other 3
2
1 		3
2
1
Worksheet 5: Costs
TOTAL SCORE		 TOTAL
KIT A:		 TOTAL
KIT B:

We're finally done! Let's now total all the scores to find the most suitable kit.

CHOOSING YOUR KIT HOME Worksheet 1
FLYING		 Worksheet 2
DESIGN		 Worksheet 3
COMPANY		 Worksheet 4
KIT
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