Comprehensive Study Guide
Aviation Operating Economics & Budgeting Guide
Master direct variable operating costs, wet vs dry rental billing, $/NM metrics, and LOP fuel economy.
Editorially reviewed by the AviCalculator team
1. Flight Operating Economics
Fuel represents the single largest direct hourly variable operating cost in general aviation.
- Wet vs Dry Rental: Wet hourly rental includes fuel & oil. Dry rental bills airframe only; pilot buys fuel separately.
- Efficiency Metric: Cost per Nautical Mile = Total Fuel Expense ÷ Total Nautical Miles Traveled.
- Lean of Peak (LOP): Operating fuel-injected piston engines LOP EGT saves 2 to 4 GPH, reducing trip expenses substantially.
Test Your Knowledge
You've reviewed the theory. Now apply it to real FAA/EASA checkride questions to verify your understanding.