Ski planes are a fairly unusual vehicle when compared to other modes of transportation. However, there are some parts of the world that can only be reached by ski planes. If you live in a secluded area that requires a ski plane for access, it might be worth considering investing in one.
If you know how to fly, or are willing to put in the time to learn, owning a ski plane can also be an extremely rewarding experience. Not to mention, a lucrative business venture. In this article, we explain what a ski plane is and how much it costs to buy one and maintain it.
What is a ski plane?
A ski plane is a type of aircraft that is designed to land on snow or ice. It is called a ski plane due to the skis that have been placed at its base. These allow it to take off in snow and also make landing in snow far easier than with wheels.
Ski planes are designed for flying in snowy conditions, which makes them perfect for exploring more remote areas of the world. While most mainstream destinations in big cities which experience a lot of snow such as Montreal and New York have regular clearing routines that allow normal planes to land safely, this is not always the case for destinations which are off the beaten track.
However, that does not mean that these secluded areas should not be explored. This is where ski planes come in. Ski plane pilots are specially trained to fly in the snow. Just like all planes, ski planes can take passengers to their destination along with any baggage or equipment they might have. They are a popular mode of travel for individuals looking to take adventurous holidays.
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How much does it cost to buy a ski plane?
A ski plane can cost anywhere between $ 5,000 to well over $ 5 million. There are different options when it comes to buying a ski plane. You can either buy a seaplane with skis already attached to it, or you can buy a regular plane and attach your own skis in the winter months.
If you already own a plane that is certified to allow ski attachment, you can get away with only buying the skis, which, of course, will cost you less. Skis on their own can cost anywhere from $ 5,000 to $ 30,000 depending on the make, the mechanisms, and the company from which you are buying from. To avoid wasting time and money, it’s important to check that the plane you own is certified to have skis attached before you go and buy them.
On the other hand, if you want to buy a ski plane outright, without having to make modifications and enhancements, it will cost significantly more. A ski plane itself will cost you anywhere from $ 100,000 to over $ 5 million. Therefore, it is only advisable if you are certain you will use it regularly. If you’re looking for a plane you can use in different conditions, it might be more beneficial to buy one that allows you to add skis later on down the line, as you will get more use out of it.
How much does a ski plane cost to maintain?
Cost-wise, there isn’t much difference between maintaining a ski plane and a regular plane. Both incur similar costs, which means you can expect to pay anywhere from $ 5,000 to $ 10,000 per year on ski plane maintenance.
This cost is just a rough estimate. Each plane owner will pay a different amount for maintenance, depending on a number of variables, such as plane model, flying hours, the condition of the plane, etc.
Here is a list of regular costs related to ski plane maintenance:
- Fuel: $ 45 per hour
- Hangar: $ 150 per month
- Insurance: $3 ,000 to $ 5,000 per year
- Annual check up: $ 2,500 per year
- Oil changes: $ 800 per year
- Taxes: dependent on your area
What do I pack for a trip to Northern Canada?
Seaplane transport services
If you don’t want to buy a ski plane, it doesn’t mean that you have to miss out on all the adventures that come with it. Air Tunilik offers seaplane transportation services so that you can enjoy all the beautiful areas of Quebec that are unreachable by traditional modes of transport.
Having been in business for 20 years, we are committed to providing quality air transport experiences, and will do whatever it takes to accommodate the logistics of your trip. Whether you want to enjoy breathtaking views of the province or you want us to transport you to a one-of-a-kind fishing and hunting destination, we are here to help.
