Why Are General Aviation New Aircraft So Darn Expensive?

Many student pilots wish to buy a new aircraft of theirto an FBO is a dead end deal other than a tax write
own after they learn to fly. Renting an aircraft costsoff, because of the maintenance costs and the fact
too much. Yet consider the cost of a new aircraft, talkthat the flight school will run it out of TBO and you
about sticker shock and that is before you have tohave to pay to over haul the engine at 2,000 hours or
buy insurance, pay for hangar space, tie down or putso. But why are general aviation aircraft so
fuel in it.expensive?
Obviously all these costs are considered when rentingWell much has to do with products liability costs for the
you the aircraft to learn to fly in and those who haveaircraft manufacturer you see? Some have estimated
leased them back to an FBO are all too aware of thethe costs for products liability insurance and defending
abuse the plane will take and the maintenance costslawsuits, legal staff, etc at some $75,000 per unit sold?
which will ensue.Ouch, and that is before you consider the avionics,
So, it costs too much to buy your own aircraft, tooairframe or components in the aircraft, which are not
much to rent and leasing back a new aircraft you buycheap either. So, consider all this in 2006.