How Much Does an Extra EA300 Cost?

In the dizzying world of loops and rolls, the EXTRA EA300 reigns as the daredevil’s darling. Agile and emphatically athletic, this monarch of the monoplanes doesn’t just dip its wings into the realm of aerial stunts—it pirouettes.

Born in 1988 and still strutting its high-flying stunts out of a German factory, the EA300 roars with a brawny 315 horsepower, while still tipping its wings to the thirsty swigs of 100LL avgas. Under its command? A soul-stiffening cockpit fit for two – the perfect dance floor for those with a craving for atmospheric arabesques.

Thrill, though, exacts its toll in calculable numbers and stark-eyed stares into the biplane-stitched void of one’s not-so-bottomless pocket. So, for the showstoppers dreaming of a runway for a throne, let’s slice through the puffy playbook of extraordinary expenses—from a spirited valuation to the indelible ink of financial strategy.

Ready your chutes, fiscal tip-toeing and bungee budgeting are the EA300’s quintessential in-flight service. Strap in, and let’s financially aviate this beast to the boardroom and back.

New or Used – What’s the EA300’s Price Tag?

Let’s start with the purchase price. A brand new EXTRA 300 straight from the factory carries a starting price of around $500,000 in 2024. Opting for extras like glass cockpit avionics, smoke systems, or other upgrades can easily push the total over $600,000.

For pilots searching for a used EA300, you can find planes ranging from around $154,000 on the low end, up to $491,000 or more for a late-model in pristine condition. So while not cheap, the used market does offer substantial savings over purchasing the aircraft new. However, hangar rash and engine hours need to be carefully evaluated.

Of course, acquiring an EXTRA 300, whether new or used, represents a major investment. But for pilots bitten by the aerobatic bug, owning one of these exceptional airplanes is truly a dream come true. Let’s look at what it takes to make that dream a reality.

Fixed Operating Costs of EA300 Ownership

While the starting price is certainly eye-watering, the ongoing fixed costs are also a significant factor when budgeting for an EXTRA 300. Plan on approximately $17,405 annually for expenses that you’ll pay whether you fly or not.

Hangar or Tie-Down Fees

First, you’ll need hangar storage for the EA300 which can easily cost $3,000 per year. However, rates vary widely based on location, amenities, etc so be sure to research area options.

Insurance Costs

Insurance is required for any aircraft, but premiums for high-performance aerobatic planes like the EA300 are exceptionally steep. Expect to budget between $9,000 – $15,000 annually depending on pilot experience, policy limits, annual hours flown, and other factors. Definitely shop around to find the best rate.

Annual Inspection

The FAA mandates that all aircraft undergo an annual inspection by an certified A&P mechanic. For the EA300, plan on investing approximately $3,500 each year for this required maintenance. Actual costs will depend on any issues identified and number of hours flown.

Additional Fixed Costs

• $1,300 budgeted for scheduled maintenance like oil changes, tire replacement, hardware upgrades
• Depreciation expense – difficult to pin down but can be substantial depending on hours flown
• $605 for helpful aviation subscriptions like weather, charts, flight planning apps

Variable Flying Costs in the EA300

In addition to the fixed expenses, you’ll also incur variable costs that are directly related to how often you fly. For the EA300, total variable costs add up to around $17,242 annually assuming 100 flight hours. This covers consumables like fuel and oil as well as maintenance items.

Fuel Costs

With the Lycoming AEIO-580 engine burning 17.3 gallons per hour of $5.40/gallon 100LL avgas, budget $93/hr for fuel. That’s $9,300 yearly with 100 hours flown. Shop around between airports as prices vary.

Oil Costs

Figure the big Lycoming motor will consume approximately 4 quarts of oil every 5 flight hours. So about $35 per flight hour for oil.

Maintenance Reserves

It’s smart to budget $25/hr flown to save up for the engine overhaul, aircraft repairs, and major maintenance that will inevitably be needed down the road.

Unscheduled Maintenance

Even with diligent care, expect minor issues to arise like stuck valves, loose carb parts, cracked fittings, etc. Budget another $15/hr – $1,500 yearly – for unscheduled maintenance.

Miscellaneous Costs

Other variable costs like parking fees, headset batteries, cleaning supplies, etc will probably add up to about $15/hour, or $1,500 per year.

Total Variable Cost per Flight Hour

That brings the total variable cost per flight hour to approximately $172 in the EA300. Certainly not an inexpensive aircraft to operate!

How to Afford an EXTRA 300

Very few pilots can afford to purchase a $500,000 aerobatic aircraft with cash. But financing options do exist if your budget can support the ongoing costs. Here are some possibilities to make owning an EXTRA 300 more feasible:

Aircraft Loans

Banks offer loans for planes but credit score, income, and down payment percentage are key. Interest rates vary. Shop for the best terms.

Leasing

Leasing provides use of the aircraft for a fixed term in exchange for monthly payments. You may be able to buy it outright at lease end.

Shared Ownership

Splitting ownership with a partner or LLC reduces individual investment needed. But a very detailed operating agreement is essential.

Flying Clubs

Joining a regional aerobatic club provides access to aircraft like the EA300 at an affordable monthly rate. But availability can be limited.

While not an economical plane to own, the EA300 provides a thrilling flight experience that is hard to replicate. For pilots with the dedication and financing to support it, owning this exceptional aerobatic aircraft is a dream come true! Just be sure to diligently account for all fixed and variable costs in your ownership budget.

Owning an Aerobatic Airplane – An Exhilarating Endeavor

Let’s dig deeper into the rewards and challenges around owning a specialized aircraft like the EXTRA 300. While the cost is substantial, many EA300 owners report the experience enriches their life immensely.

Joining an Elite Group

Being part of the EXTRA 300 community connects you with an elite group of passionate aerobatic pilots across the globe. Owners share tips, advice, and friendship in person and online. It’s a tight-knit fraternity.

Living Aviation History

The EA300 has been continuously produced for 30+ years. Owning one makes you a steward of this legendary aerobatic aircraft. Adding your own chapter to its rich history is a special honor.

Building Skills and Pushing Limits

Mastering aerobatic maneuvers requires dedication and skill. Owning an EA300 allows practicing new techniques to expand your abilities exponentially. Focus and learning increase dramatically.

Exhilaration and Adrenaline

Executing loops, tumbles, and dizzying gyrations thousands of feet up delivers a rush like no other. The EA300 provides an unparalleled thrill and adrenaline surge every flight.

Finding Time and Building Experience

With ownership costs covered, having the time and experience to fly such a specialized airplane is also key. Aerobatics require commitment in the air.

Make It a Priority

Carving out time in your schedule takes discipline, especially with work or family commitments. But regular hours flying the EA300 makes ownership worthwhile.

Seek Out Instruction

Very few pilots have extensive aerobatic experience when they purchase an EA300. Ongoing instruction from experts develops skills safely.

Start Competing

Testing your skills on the aerobatic competition circuit against fellow EA300 pilots provides goals to strive for. Many competitions at all levels.

Fly Frequently

Flying an aerobatic plane requires constant practice for currency and muscle memory. Regularly schedule flight time in your EA300.

The Intangible Rewards of EA300 Ownership

Beyond the purchase price, budgeting for costs, and finding the time to fly, owning an EXTRA 300 also delivers profound intangible rewards that make it special.

Achieving an Aviation Dream

For aerobatic pilots, owning an EA300 represents the pinnacle of a deeply held aviation dream. Making it reality through dedication is deeply fulfilling.

Joining the Community

Becoming part of the nationwide EA300 community connects you with new lifelong friendships. You share a bond around aviation passion.

Mastering Aerobatic Flight

Developing your aerobatic skills to an expert level through regular flying brings enormous satisfaction and confidence.

Pure Joy and Adventures

While demanding, owning an aerobatic airplane delivers joy and adventures unmatched elsewhere. The EA300 puts a smile on your face every flight.

Final Thoughts on EA300 Ownership

We’ve covered a lot of ground on the costs, realities, challenges, and rewards of owning an exceptional aircraft like the EXTRA EA300. While certainly not an impulse purchase, we hope this provides perspective into budgeting smartly for ownership and finding ways to make it work for those with the passion.

The EA300 delivers a one-of-a-kind flight experience that many pilots only dream of. For those bitten by the aerobatic bug who secure financing and commit to training, the journey of owning an EXTRA 300 promises to be richly rewarding for many years to come. Just be sure to account for every dollar in your budget before takeoff.

Most of all, be sure to get out there and enjoy all the adventures your EA300 enables. Never forget that time behind the stick is the reason you worked so hard to purchase your very own aerobatic machine.

Here’s to many thrilling flights ahead!