A light aircraft based near Fakenham is turning heads locally after coming onto the market — offering a very different kind of travel opportunity.

The 1978 Piper PA-28-160, currently based at Little Snoring Airfield, has been listed for sale — giving private pilots, or those considering learning to fly, the chance to own what’s often described as the “Ford Fiesta of the skies”.

A more accessible side of aviation

While private aviation is often associated with multi-million-pound jets, aircraft like the PA-28 sit at the more accessible end of the spectrum.

Widely used for both training and touring, this type of aircraft is capable of UK-wide travel and short trips into Europe — making destinations like northern France realistically reachable for a day or weekend trip.

It’s rare to see an aircraft of this kind available locally, offering a glimpse into a side of aviation many people don’t realise is within reach.

What does it actually cost?

The aircraft is listed at around £90,000 — comparable to a high-end car — but the ongoing costs are where ownership becomes a serious commitment.

Typical annual and operating costs include:

• Insurance: £2,000–£3,500 per year
• Hangar space: £4,000–£7,000 per year
• Annual inspection: £1,500–£3,000
• Fuel and running costs: roughly £180–£250 per hour

Altogether, owners could expect to spend £15,000–£20,000 a year before even factoring in regular flying.

“This is the classic entry point into aircraft ownership. It’s less than a mid-spec Range Rover. The people buying these aren’t trying to save money versus Ryanair… they’re buying freedom.”

Flying yourself vs commercial travel

While commercial flights remain far cheaper — for example, a return flight between London and Edinburgh can cost £150–£300 — the appeal here isn’t about saving money.

Instead, it’s about flexibility.

Flying from a local airfield such as Little Snoring means avoiding large airports altogether, setting your own schedule, and travelling directly to smaller destinations across the UK and Europe.

A Growing Trend

Interest in private flying has remained steady in recent years, with more people exploring aircraft ownership as a lifestyle choice rather than a luxury reserved for the ultra-wealthy.

Entry-level aircraft like the PA-28 continue to attract attention from a new generation of owner-pilots — people looking for freedom, convenience, and a unique way to travel.

A Different Way to Travel

For most people, owning an aircraft may still feel out of reach — but listings like this highlight how aviation is broader and more accessible than many assume.

And for those with the means and the ambition, it offers something commercial travel simply can’t: the freedom to take off whenever and wherever you choose.

The aircraft is listed via Sprinkle, where you can find further details and other listings.