What is the average fuel consumption of an aircraft in the U.S.?

The average fuel consumption of an aircraft in the U.S. is around 15 gallons per hour (GPH). This figure represents a general approximation for a range of general aviation aircraft, particularly those used for instructional and recreational flying. Different aircraft types will have varying fuel efficiency based on factors such as engine type, purpose, and design, but 15 GPH serves as a baseline that aligns with typical operations in general aviation.

This average can be influenced by many factors, including the size of the aircraft, weight, flight profile (cruise configuration, climb, or descent), and atmospheric conditions. While some smaller single-engine planes might consume less fuel, and larger or more powerful aircraft could use more, 15 GPH effectively captures a middle ground for average fuel consumption across a broad spectrum of general aviation flying within the U.S.