{
  "generated_on": "2026-07-31",
  "source_edition": "Economic Values for FAA Investment and Regulatory Decisions: 2024 Update",
  "source_published": "2024-11",
  "faa_source_url": "https://www.faa.gov/regulations_policies/policy_guidance/benefit_cost/econ-value-section-4-op-costs.pdf",
  "faa_guide_url": "https://www.faa.gov/regulations_policies/policy_guidance/benefit_cost",
  "faa_table": "Table 4-12",
  "benchmark_flight_hours": 2,
  "sprinkle_variants_evaluated": 54656,
  "sprinkle_variants_mapped": 33245,
  "faa_categories_with_sprinkle_matches": 14,
  "piston_1_3_variable_benchmark_usd": 522,
  "piston_1_3_total_benchmark_usd": 1202,
  "piston_4_9_single_variable_benchmark_usd": 544,
  "piston_4_9_single_total_benchmark_usd": 1306,
  "faa_fuel_assumption": "Table 4-11 uses $6.53 per gallon for piston fuel and $6.28 per gallon for turbine fuel; Table 4-12 rolls fuel, oil, maintenance and crew into the Part 91 variable cost.",
  "methodology": "Map one preferred Sprinkle performance record per variant to the FAA's aircraft categories using propulsion, engine count, seats, rotorcraft taxonomy and MTOW, then multiply the FAA Part 91 hourly benchmark by a fixed two flight hours.",
  "excluded": [
    "meal price",
    "route-specific landing or parking fees",
    "taxi time",
    "weather or diversion costs",
    "aircraft-specific utilization and financing"
  ],
  "caveat": "This is an FAA category-level economic benchmark, not a quote, flight plan, reimbursement rate or claim about a specific aircraft's actual cost.",
  "refresh": "Annual, or when the FAA replaces the source guide"
}