Private Aircraft at Three Price Tiers: $50K, $500K and $5M Budgets, and the Airframe Parachute on Mid-Range Models

At about $50,000, a private aircraft means a simple regional type such as a Cessna 150 or a Piper Cherokee. These generally lack cabin pressurization, so they do not fly very fast or very far, but they burn little fuel, need little space and cost far less to maintain. Hangar rental for a small aircraft like a Cessna 150 typically ranges from $50 to $400 per month, depending on location and other factors.

With a six-figure budget, buyers move from hobby flying to practical transportation. Aircraft such as the Cirrus SR22 offer modern avionics, greater range and better performance, enough for a trip such as Las Vegas to Los Angeles. Some of these aircraft, including the Cirrus, carry an airframe parachute system that can lower the entire plane to the ground, a safety feature not found on most jets.

At the top tier, long-haul private jets have pressurized cabins, private lavatories, beds and sofas, and can cross continents or oceans. They cost millions of dollars at the lower end and tens of millions at the upper end; Boeing Business Jet (BBJ) airliner-based models can reach nine figures. They do not use airframe parachutes, relying instead on technical redundancy such as multiple engines and backup systems. Annual running costs run to millions of dollars before variable costs such as fuel, catering and landing fees.

Regional aircraft and mid-range private aircraft are the most likely to receive electric upgrades first. Independent aviation consultant Robert Cullemore, who has two decades of experience, told Supercar Blondie that any all-electric airline operations would likely be niche, on very small aircraft flying relatively short routes over land rather than water, so the aircraft can land safely if something goes wrong. Because batteries are heavy, short- and mid-range aircraft are the best candidates.