Return on Investment for the Diesel Conversion of a Cessna 172 Aircraft

Abstract

The conversion of the Cessna 172 to a diesel version has several aspects. Replacing the original engine with a modern diesel engine and a variable pitch propeller represents a technological change of several decades. Higher engine power and lower fuel consumption have a positive effect on the aircraft’s flight performance. In this paper, we analyse the cost of the conversion, the return period with regard to more economical operation, and the maintenance periods and costs.