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The Training Boom — and the Big Fleet Question
If you run a flight school today, you already know the challenge: student demand is soaring, maintenance costs are unpredictable, and expanding your fleet can drain your cash faster than a takeoff roll on a short runway.
So here’s the new trend among smart training operators — leasing instead of buying.
At Eye Candy Aviation, we specialize in leasing Cessna 172s and other trainer aircraft to flight schools. We make it simple and sustainable — we cover engine and propeller overhauls as part of our leasing program, so your school never faces those huge maintenance expenses that come with ownership.
1. Keep Your Cash in the Cockpit, Not the Aircraft
A new Cessna 172 today can cost $750,000 – $850,000, and even a well-equipped used model runs $300,000 – $400,000. That’s a massive capital commitment for a single aircraft.
With Eye Candy Aviation’s leasing program, you can expand your fleet for a fraction of the upfront cost — just a deposit and predictable monthly payments. And because engine and propeller overhauls are covered, you’ll never get hit with surprise five-figure repair bills.
Leasing can reduce startup or fleet-expansion costs by up to 60 percent compared to purchasing new aircraft. (Source: GlobalPlaneSearch, 2024)
That leaves more cash available for what matters most: instructors, simulators, and students.
2. Predictable Costs, No Major Overhaul Surprises
When you own, every unexpected squawk hits your budget directly — from overhaul cycles to equipment depreciation.
With Eye Candy Aviation’s leasing model:
• You enjoy fixed, predictable monthly costs
• Engine and propeller overhauls are included — we take care of those heavy-maintenance items
• Routine maintenance remains the school’s responsibility, giving you full control of day-to-day operations
• You may use your own on-site maintenance team, as long as it’s approved by Eye Candy Aviation.
This approach keeps your costs steady and your aircraft in service with minimal disruption.
3. Flexibility That Fits Flight-Training Cycles
Flight-training demand fluctuates with season and enrollment. Leasing makes it easy to scale your fleet without long-term financial strain or idle assets.
Plus, when major overhauls come due, Eye Candy Aviation handles them — so your training schedule stays on track. Routine MX stays in your control, with oversight to maintain high safety and reliability standards.
It’s the perfect balance between operational independence and long-term support.
4. Lower Hourly Cost and Faster Break-Even
A Flying Magazine study found:
• Flying 100 hours/year → ≈ $227 per hour
• Flying 250 hours/year → ≈ $137 per hour
When you own, those numbers only work if you fly enough to absorb big maintenance and depreciation costs. With Eye Candy Aviation covering the engine and propeller overhauls, your hourly cost remains stable — even as aircraft age.
That consistency helps you plan training schedules and tuition rates with confidence.
5. Cleaner Books and Long-Term Partnership
Buying aircraft ties up capital and adds depreciating assets to your balance sheet. Leasing with Eye Candy Aviation keeps your books cleaner and your borrowing power stronger — all while giving you reliable, well-maintained aircraft.
We also believe in long-term relationships over quick rotations. While short-term leases are available, longer-term agreements provide the best value, stability, and fleet consistency for both your school and ours. We want to grow with your training program — not just rent you airplanes
Case in Point: The Flight School Expansion Example
Buying (new): ≈ $3.0 – $3.4 million total for 4 aircraft | You handle all MX, engine & prop overhauls | Low flexibility | High risk
Leasing with Eye Candy Aviation: Deposit + monthly | You handle daily MX / we cover engine & prop overhauls | High flexibility | Low risk
That’s not just convenience — it’s a smart, scalable approach to fleet management.
The Eye Candy Aviation Difference
When you lease with Eye Candy Aviation, you get more than an airplane — you get a dependable partner dedicated to your school’s success.
What makes us different:
• Engine and prop overhauls included — the biggest maintenance costs are on us
• Approved use of your on-site maintenance team for day-to-day work
• Flexible, long-term lease options that promote stability and partnership
• Support that keeps your aircraft training-ready and your students flying
Ready to Grow Your Training Fleet with Confidence?
Leasing with Eye Candy Aviation gives your school predictable costs, strong aircraft uptime, and confidence that major overhauls are covered — all while maintaining control of your day-to-day maintenance and operations.
Let’s build a long-term partnership that helps your school soar.
Contact Eye Candy Aviation today to explore our flexible Cessna 172 leasing programs.