The Real Costs of Aircraft Ownership
No estimates. No averages. The actual numbers, updated as they happen.
Purchase & Financing
Purchased September 2025. Financed through LMCU (Lake Michigan Credit Union). Aircraft held in Krosswind Aviation LLC.
| Monthly Loan Payment | $693.55 |
| Lender | LMCU (Lake Michigan Credit Union) |
| Entity | Krosswind Aviation LLC |
Monthly Fixed Costs
| Item | Monthly | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Loan payment | $693.55 | LMCU |
| Insurance | $748.07 | AIG / National Union Fire Insurance — $8,976.88/yr |
| Tiedown | $79.88 | Page Field (KFMY), Fort Myers |
| Total Fixed | $1,521.50 |
Insurance Coverage
Policy LA 000316072-01 — National Union Fire Insurance Co. of Pittsburgh, PA (AIG). September 10, 2025 – September 10, 2026.
| Liability (per occurrence) | $1,000,000 |
| Passenger Bodily Injury | $100,000 per passenger |
| Medical Expense | $10,000 per passenger |
| Hull (Agreed Value) | $100,000 |
| Annual Premium | $8,976.88 |
Annual Inspection
Every aircraft certified under FAR 91 requires an annual inspection. On a vintage Bonanza, this is not a formality. The first annual on N2015W is April 2026. Findings, cost, and a full write-up will be posted here when complete.
Engine Reserve Planning
The IO-520 has a manufacturer TBO of 1,700 hours. N2015W has 1,267 hours SNEW — meaning roughly 433 hours remain to TBO. Engine overhaul runs $35,000–$50,000 depending on what is found. A responsible reserve is $75–$115 per hour flown, set aside specifically for engine work. This is a real cost that most ownership calculators undercount.
Why the LLC Structure
Aircraft held in an LLC provides liability separation from personal assets, clean accounting for all aviation expenses, and a structure that can support future arrangements or partnerships. Consult an aviation attorney and accountant for your specific situation.