Bellanca Viking Cost of Ownership

The Bellanca Viking: Six Seats and Strong Performance

The Bellanca 17-31 Viking represents an unusual category in general aviation: a true six-seat, retractable-gear single with robust engine performance. Produced from 1967 to 1979, the Viking family offered genuine six-seat capacity combined with cruise speeds exceeding 140 knots and reliable, simple systems.

The Viking appeals to pilots needing to move six people efficiently while accepting higher fuel burn and operating costs. With powerful Lycoming or Continental engines, excellent climb performance, and proven reliability, Vikings remain popular among utility operators and family aviators. This comprehensive guide examines the financial realities of Viking ownership.

Why Pilots Choose the Bellanca Viking

The primary appeal is genuine six-seat capacity combined with strong performance. Unlike four-seat aircraft that struggle to carry six people, the Viking manages the load adequately. The 300+ HP engine provides solid climb performance and acceptable cross-country capability. The aircraft is mechanically simple and straightforward to operate and maintain.

Secondary advantages include excellent useful load, proven reliability, and access to a niche community of Viking enthusiasts. The trade-off: higher fuel burn (14-15 GPH), substantial operating costs, and vintage airframes requiring careful maintenance.

Purchase Price: What You'll Pay

Used Aircraft Pricing by Model Variant

Bellanca ended Viking production in 1979. Current market prices vary by variant and condition:

• Early 17-30 Models (1967-1970): $40,000-$80,000 - Original equipment, requires evaluation
• 17-30A Models (1970-1977): $80,000-$140,000 - Mid-production, improved systems, good value
• 17-31A Super Vikings (1970-1977): $100,000-$160,000 - Better engines, modern systems
• Turbo Super Vikings (1978-1979): $120,000-$200,000 - Latest production, premium pricing
• Average Market Price: $95,000-$125,000 for well-maintained examples

Key Price Factors

• Airframe Condition: Corrosion history dramatically affects value; clean airframes worth premium
• Engine Time: Fresh engines add $15,000-$25,000; engines near TBO reduce value $15,000-$25,000
• Interior/Paint: Restored interiors and paint add $8,000-$15,000 to value
• Documentation: Complete maintenance records add $5,000-$10,000 to value

Financing a Bellanca Viking

Down Payment Requirements

Lenders are cautious with aircraft over 40-50 years old. Expect 25-30% down. For a $110,000 purchase:

• 25% down: $27,500 cash, $82,500 financed
• 30% down: $33,000 cash, $77,000 financed

Loan Terms and Rates

Viking terms typically range 7-10 years at 7-8% rates. Example monthly payments for $82,500 loan:

• 7 years at 7.5%: $1,228/month ($14,736/year)
• 10 years at 7.5%: $975/month ($11,700/year)

Insurance Costs

Liability and Hull Coverage

For a $110,000 Bellanca Viking:

• Liability Only ($1M): $550-$950 annually depending on experience
• Full Coverage ($1M liability, $90K hull): $2,200-$2,800 for qualified pilots
• Less Experienced Pilots: $3,100-$4,400 for full coverage
• Typical Cost: $2,500-$3,500 annually

Insurance Rating Factors

Qualified pilots have 500+ hours, 100 retractable gear hours, and 25 hours in type. Factors include pilot experience, hull value, and aircraft condition.

Fuel and Operating Costs: Substantial but Manageable

Fuel Consumption - The Major Cost Factor

The Bellanca Viking burns approximately 14-15 gallons per hour at cruise power settings. At current 100LL avgas prices:

• At $6/gallon: $84-$90/hour
• At $6.50/gallon: $91-$98/hour
• At $7/gallon: $98-$105/hour

Over 100 annual flight hours at $6.50/gallon, fuel costs run $9,100-$9,800 annually. This represents 45-50% of total operating costs.

Maintenance and Reserves

• Annual Inspection: $1,500-$2,500 (vintage aircraft complexity)
• Routine Maintenance: $19.50/hour average
• Engine Reserve: $18-$25/hour toward overhaul
• Oil and Misc: $4/hour

Hourly Variable Costs

Total variable costs run approximately $140-$160/hour including fuel ($95), maintenance ($19.50), oil ($4), and reserves ($20).

Fixed Annual Ownership Costs

• Hangar/Tie-Down: $100-$150/month ($1,200-$1,800/year)
• Insurance: $2,500-$3,500
• Annual Inspection: $1,500-$2,500
• Accessories/Misc: $500-$1,000

Total Fixed Annual Costs: Approximately $5,700-$8,800

Comprehensive Annual Ownership Examples

Scenario 1: 100 Flight Hours/Year (Cash Purchase)

Aircraft purchased for cash at $110,000:

• Depreciation reserve: $2,200 (2% annual for vintage aircraft)
• Fixed costs: $7,200
• Fuel (100 hours × $95): $9,500
• Maintenance (100 hours × $19.50): $1,950
• Engine reserve (100 hours × $22): $2,200
• Annual inspection: $2,000
• Total Annual Cost: $24,850
• Cost Per Flight Hour: $249

Scenario 2: 150 Flight Hours/Year (With Financing)

Aircraft purchased at $110,000 with 30% down ($33,000), $77,000 financed at 7.5% over 10 years:

• Loan payment: $975/month ($11,700/year)
• Fixed costs: $7,200
• Fuel (150 hours × $95): $14,250
• Maintenance (150 hours × $19.50): $2,925
• Engine reserve (150 hours × $22): $3,300
• Annual inspection: $2,000
• Total Annual Cost: $41,375
• Cost Per Flight Hour: $276

Bellanca Viking vs. Comparable Aircraft

Viking vs. Cessna 206 (Six-Seat Single)

A Cessna 206 owner budgets $300-$350/hour. A Bellanca Viking owner budgets $240-$280/hour. The Viking is moderately cheaper to operate while offering similar seating. The Cessna is newer with modern avionics options; the Viking is a vintage classic.

Viking vs. Piper Comanche (Four-Seat Single)

A Piper Comanche 180 owner budgets $200-$250/hour. A Bellanca Viking owner budgets $240-$280/hour. The Viking offers two additional seats while costing only marginally more to operate—excellent value for families needing six seats.

Is Bellanca Viking Ownership Worth It?

At $240-$280/hour all-in operating cost with a $110,000 purchase price, the Bellanca Viking offers practical six-seat capability at reasonable cost. For families needing to move six people regularly, a Viking is more economical than chartering or owning a larger twin-engine aircraft.

Viking ownership makes sense for experienced pilots flying 100+ hours annually who need genuine six-seat capacity and value the simplicity and reliability of a classic aircraft.

Next Steps to Viking Ownership

1. Build experience with six-seat singles. Fly multiple Vikings before purchasing
2. Get pre-purchase inspection from specialist. Budget $2,500-$4,000 for thorough evaluation
3. Review complete maintenance history. Confirm all ADs and service bulletins complied with
4. Evaluate airframe condition. Have mechanic assess corrosion and structural integrity
5. Obtain insurance quotes. Confirm availability and costs for your profile
6. Research available aircraft. Monitor Trade-A-Plane

Sources and Citations

1. BWI Aviation Insurance (2025). "Bellanca Viking Insurance Cost" - Insurance premium data and coverage information. Retrieved from bwifly.com
2. PlanePhD (2025). "Bellanca Viking specifications and operating cost analysis" - Detailed valuation and cost data. Retrieved from planephd.com
3. Aviation Consumer (2024). "Bellanca Viking Used Aircraft Guide" - Aircraft review and maintenance issues. Retrieved from aviationconsumer.com
4. AVweb (2024). "Bellanca Viking Feature" - Aircraft profile and specifications. Retrieved from avweb.com
5. Flying Magazine (2024). "Bellanca Viking Articles" - Aircraft features and reviews. Retrieved from flyingmag.com

Disclaimer: This article reflects market conditions as of October 2025. Aircraft prices, fuel costs, insurance premiums, and maintenance expenses vary by location and aircraft condition. Vintage aircraft ownership requires specialized knowledge—always work with experienced mechanics and inspectors familiar with the Bellanca Viking.