For many aviation enthusiasts, the dream of owning an airplane remains frustratingly out of reach. With sleek beasts like Cessnas and Pipers costing hundreds of thousands of dollars, the barriers to buying your own plane can seem insurmountable.

But it doesn’t have to be that way. Enter the Savannah S – an affordable, high-performance aircraft bringing personal aircraft ownership back within the realm of possibility. The Savannah S is part of the popular Savannah series of aircraft produced by Italian manufacturer ICP.

Known for its impressive short takeoff and landing (STOL) abilities thanks to its high lift wing and beefy flaperons, the two-seat Savannah first flew in 1997 and has seen over 2,000 units delivered in ready-to-fly and kit configurations. Its stellar low-speed handling, rugged construction and ample cockpit space have made the Savannah a top-selling recreational aircraft worldwide.

In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about purchasing your very own Savannah S, from pricing and options to tips for sourcing the perfect plane. Strap in and prepare for takeoff into the exciting world of Savannah S ownership.

Key Points

1. Base model prices start at around $89,950. More options mean more cost.
2. Kits can save money but require hundreds of build hours.
3. Engine choices impact price – opt for more power and pay more.
4. Buy used to save, but inspect thoroughly.
5. Factory-built means ready to fly but costs more.

Pricing: How Much Does a Savannah S Airplane Cost?

So what’s the damage to your bank account for getting behind the controls of a Savannah S? Luckily, the Savannah offers performance and quality at relatively affordable prices compared to many recreational aircraft.

The Base Model

The most basic ready-to-fly Savannah S model starts at around $90,000. This gets you a well-designed monoplane with ample cockpit space and excellent short takeoff and landing (STOL) performance. It’s equipped for visual flight rules (VFR) flying, but not much else.

Pricing Factors

Beyond the baseline, your choice of options and upgrades will impact the final price tag. Here are some key factors:

• Engine selection: Opt for more horsepower and your cost will rise proportionally. Rotax 912S (100HP) costs more than Rotax 912 (80HP). Fuel-injected Rotax 912 iS (100HP) offers modern engine management.
• Avionics and instrumentation: Fancy glass cockpits, GPS, and advanced avionics suit cross country cruising but aren’t cheap.
• Interior comforts: Electrics, lighting, ventilation, and other interior finishes add luxury and comfort at the expense of your bank balance.
• Custom paint: A sexy paint job looks great at the airfield but isn’t a necessity. Stick with standard schemes to save money.
• Kits vs factory built: Kits offer big savings but require hundreds of assembly hours. Pre-built planes mean you fly sooner.
• New vs used: Second-hand planes cost less but require thorough inspection. Low-hour new planes give peace of mind.

Sourcing Your Savannah S

Once you’ve settled on your must-have options and budget, it’s time to source your very own Savannah S. Here are some tips:

• Check manufacturer sites for new plane inventory and pricing. But beware of long lead times.
• Search major aircraft sales listing sites for available used planes. Focus on low-hour planes.
• Check aviation forums and magazines for private sellers advertising their Savannah S.
• Consider group buys to save money. Join up with other enthusiasts to buy in bulk from the factory.
• Attend fly-ins and air shows to view planes in person and chat with owners before you commit.

The Joy of Building Your Own

If you have the time, building a Savannah S from a kit is deeply rewarding. But be prepared to invest at least 400-500 hours of sweat equity to see your bird take wing.

You’ll gain intimate knowledge of every nut and bolt, and take pride in crafting your own flying machine. However kits require workspace, tools, and mechanical skills. And unfinished amateur builds do hurt resale value down the line.

Future Potential: The FAA MOSAIC Rule

The Savannah S currently falls within the light sport aircraft (LSA) category in the United States, with strict weight and performance limitations. However, the FAA’s proposed MOSAIC rule seeks to modernize and expand the LSA regulations.

As described by Acting FAA Associate Administrator David Boulter, MOSAIC would encourage manufacturers to make LSAs safer and more versatile by increasing weight limits based on stall speed calculations.

This could allow larger, more rugged designs like the Savannah S to qualify as LSAs up to 3,000 pounds takeoff weight – more than double the current 1,320 pound limit. By bringing more advanced LSAs under its oversight, the FAA hopes to maintain rigorous safety standards as the LSA category evolves.

If adopted, the MOSAIC reforms would enable the Savannah S to leverage its impressive STOL performance and robust design at higher weights and in expanded utility roles, opening up new markets for this popular aircraft.

Take to the Skies

Building or buying a Savannah S lets you experience the magic of flight far more affordably than comparable aircraft. With prices within reach and exhilarating performance, the Savannah S brings fun back into flying.

The drone of the engine awaits. Blue skies beckon. Don’t let anything stand between you and the cockpit of your very own Savannah S!