Top 10 Personal Aircraft for New Pilots
- LLCTLC
- Mar 17
- 5 min read
Updated: Mar 28
Introduction
Owning a personal aircraft opens up a world of travel freedom and adventure, but choosing the right one can be overwhelming. Selecting the perfect aircraft requires careful consideration of factors like affordability, range, passenger capacity, and cruising speed.
At LLCTLC, we specialize in helping individuals maximize their savings by registering their aircraft in tax-friendly Montana. If you're considering purchasing a personal aircraft, this guide will walk you through the top options available and what to consider before making your decision.
What Is a Personal Aircraft?
A personal aircraft is a small, privately owned plane designed for individual use rather than commercial operations. These aircraft typically seat between one and six people and are used for recreational flying, business travel, and flight training.
Types of Personal Aircraft
Personal aircraft come in various forms, including:
Single-engine piston planes – Ideal for training and recreational flying.
Light sport aircraft (LSA) – Affordable and fuel-efficient options for beginner pilots.
Turboprop planes – More powerful, often used for long-distance travel.
Light jets – High-speed luxury aircraft for business and personal travel.
Now, let’s take a look at the top 10 personal aircraft for beginner pilots.
Top 10 Personal Aircraft for New Pilots
Selecting the right personal aircraft is crucial for new pilots looking for reliability, ease of handling, and cost-effectiveness. Whether for training, adventure flying, or cross-country travel, these aircraft are well-suited for beginners while offering excellent performance.
1. ICON A5
A unique amphibious aircraft, the ICON A5 is perfect for pilots who want the ability to land on both water and runways. The level of freedom you gain from having an amphibious aircraft is exhilarating.
Seats: 2
Range: 420 nautical miles
Maximum Cruising Speed: 90 knots
Engine: Rotax 912 iS Sport, 100 hp
Fuel Capacity: 20 gallons
Why it’s great:
Can land on both water and land, absolutely ideal for recreational flying.
Compact folding wings allow for trailer transport.
Simplified controls for ease of learning.
2. Beechcraft G36 Bonanza
The Beechcraft G36 Bonanza is a high-performance aircraft designed for business and personal travel, offering luxury, speed, and long-range capabilities.
Seats: 6
Range: 920 nautical miles
Maximum Cruising Speed: 174 knots
Engine: Continental IO-550-B, 300 hp
Fuel Capacity: 74 gallons
Why it’s great:
It’s a high-performance, versatile aircraft.
Comfortable luxury interior with modern avionics.
Seats 6.
3. Piper Archer LX
The Piper Archer LX is a solid, well-rounded aircraft known for its smooth handling, efficiency, and modern avionics.
Seats: 4
Range: 522 nautical miles
Cruising Speed: 128 knots
Engine: Lycoming IO-360-B4A, 180 hp
Fuel Capacity: 48 gallons
Why it's great:
Smooth and forgiving flight characteristics.
Plush leather interior.
Garmin avionics for easier flight control.
4. Cessna 182 Skylane
The Cessna 182 Skylane is a popular choice for beginner pilots due to its stability, durability, and versatility.
Seats: 4
Range: 930 nautical miles, depending on the model
Maximum Cruising Speed: 159 knots, depending on the model
Engine: Lycoming IO-540-AB1A5, 230 hp, depending on the model
Fuel Capacity: Up to 88 gallons, depending on the model
Why it's great:
Generally considered an easy-to-fly aircraft.
Many used models available.
Widespread availability of parts.
5. Texas Aircraft Colt
A modern light sport aircraft (LSA) that balances affordability with ease of operation. The Texas Aircraft Colt is ideal for beginner pilots who want a lightweight, fuel-efficient aircraft with modern avionics.
Seats: 2
Range: 831 nautical miles
Cruising Speed: 110 knots
Engine: Rotax 912 ULS, 100 hp
Fuel Capacity: 32 gallons
Why it's great:
At least certain models come with a parachute in case of a critical malfunction.
Designed for flight training and recreational flying.
Advanced avionics make navigation easier.
6. Cessna Turbo Stationair HD
For pilots looking for a step up in capability and passenger space, the Cessna 206 Turbo Stationair HD offers higher power, increased payload, and extended range.
Seats: 6
Range: 703 nautical miles
Cruising Speed: 161 knots
Engine: Lycoming TIO-540-AJ1A, 310 hp
Fuel Capacity: 87 gallons
Why it's great:
Lots of passenger and cargo space, great for small business travel.
Strong short takeoff and landing (STOL) capabilities.
Excellent for backcountry and adventure flying.
7. Cirrus SR22T
For pilots seeking high-tech safety features and top-tier performance, the Cirrus SR22T is a luxury personal aircraft with cutting-edge avionics.
Seats: 4 - 5
Range: 1,000 - 1,200 nautical miles
Cruising Speed: 183 knots
Engine: Continental TSIO-550-K, 315 hp
Fuel Capacity: 92 gallons
Why it's great:
Equipped with the Cirrus Airframe Parachute System (CAPS) for added safety.
Great range.
Great for business travel.
8. CubCrafters CarbonCub SS
A lightweight, highly maneuverable taildragger aircraft, the CubCrafters CarbonCub SS is perfect for short takeoff and landing (STOL) operations, making it ideal for off-airport landings and remote flying.
Seats: 2
Range: 352 miles
Cruising Speed: 110 knots
Engine: Titan CC340, 180 hp
Fuel Capacity: 25 gallons
Why it's great:
Incredible off-road capability for bush flying.
Shockingly short takeoff and landing (STOL) performance (60 ft and 110 ft, respectively) allows access to remote areas.
Lightweight carbon fiber frame reduces weight and therefore fuel consumption.
9. Diamond DA40 NG
The Diamond DA40 NG is a modern, fuel-efficient aircraft known for its composite airframe and advanced avionics.
Seats: 4
Range: 940 nautical miles
Cruising Speed: 154 knots
Engine: Austro Engine AE300, 170 hp
Fuel Capacity: 41 gallons
Why it's great:
Great fuel efficiency with diesel engine technology.
Glass cockpit avionics make navigation easier.
10. Cessna 172 Skyhawk
The Cessna 172 Skyhawk was first flown in 1955. Since then, more 172s have been built than any other aircraft. Known for its forgiving handling and reliability, this aircraft is a staple for new pilots.
Seats: 4 (depending on the model)
Range: 640 miles (depending on the model)
Cruising Speed: 124 knots (depending on the model)
Engine: Lycoming IO-360-L2A, 160 hp (depending on the model)
Fuel Capacity: 56 gallons (depending on the model)
Why it's great:
Extremely stable and predictable handling.
Excellent safety record, widely used in flight schools.
Affordable maintenance and widespread availability of parts.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Personal Aircraft
When selecting the right aircraft, consider the following:
Affordability
The cost of purchasing and maintaining an aircraft can vary significantly. Factor in:
Initial purchase price
Fuel and maintenance costs
Insurance and storage fees
Maximum Range
Consider how far you plan to fly. If you need an aircraft for long cross-country trips, opt for one with a larger fuel capacity and higher range.
Passenger Capacity
If you plan to fly solo or with one passenger, a two-seater will suffice. For family trips or business travel, consider a four- to six-seater aircraft.
Cruising Speed
Faster aircraft can save time on long trips but may consume more fuel. Balancing speed and efficiency is important.
Comfort Versus Functionality
Luxury aircraft offer advanced avionics, climate control, and leather seating, while others focus on basic functionality and ease of handling. Choose based on your comfort preferences and budget.
Matching the Right Aircraft to Your Needs
Whether you need a compact two-seater for local flights, a four-seater for longer trips, or a high-performance aircraft for business travel, there’s an option that fits your needs.
For short trips and flight training: Cessna 172 Skyhawk, Texas Aircraft Colt
For long-range travel: Cirrus SR22T, Beechcraft G36 Bonanza
For off-the-grid adventures: CubCrafters CarbonCub SS, ICON A5
For business and family use: Diamond DA40 NG, Cessna 206 Turbo Stationair
Register Your Aircraft in Montana with LLCTLC
Buying a personal aircraft is a major cost, but did you know you can legally avoid thousands or even tens of thousands in sales tax on your purchase?
At LLCTLC, we handle LLC formation, aircraft registration, and compliance, making the process simple and stress-free.
Contact LLCTLC today to start your Montana LLC and register your aircraft tax-free.
