Why it will cost over $2.5 million to get this Falcon 20 jet from Facebook Marketplace back in the air

Having bought the ‘world’s cheapest jet’ this Nebraska YouTuber has been met with the biggest shock of his life for this Falcon 20 restoration quote.

Planes, and specifically private jets, have been placed under the microscope of environmental law in recent years.

The giant aircraft have been made to reduce emissions and noise pollution significantly.

But that has rendered many old planes unsalvageable, and that appears to be the fate for this 1996 Falcon 20, despite one man from Nebraska hoping to bring it back to life again.

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Nebraska man attempts to restore ancient Falcon jet

Airplane and flying vehicle restoration projects are the ultimate Pokémon evolution stage for mechanics, with many people’s wrenches being turned toward the completed car industry and pointed at private jets.

Previously, we saw Elvis Presley’s jet be restored in an unorthodox fashion.

One man who is undertaking some aircraft rebuilds is famed YouTuber Cleetus McFarland, who usually enjoys typically American pastimes and most recently had a blast on an incredible Extreme Double Throw Down Sand Car.

After restoring a helicopter last year, the YouTuber also looked at getting an old Falcon 20 jet back in the air.

But this project met a quick end.

Having bought the ‘world’s cheapest private jet’ for just $15k – a prize 1996 Falcon 20 – he found that the plane was destined to be eternally grounded.

In an upload to YouTube, he consulted with an aircraft expert (Joe) and was flabbergasted to find that it would cost a whopping $2.5 million to get the Falcon 20 airborne again.

Colossal Falcon 20 fix costs breakdown

Starting the restoration off, the engine alone would cost a cool mil.

The straightpipe engines are outdated and have been outlawed by noise regulations, meaning a full overhaul would be needed at roughly $500k each.

Then McFarland would have to cough up another $100k to add a hush kit if he could find anyone willing to bother touching these relics.

Continuing with the list, the mechanical expert listed repairs needed to the auxiliary power unit (APU) at $150k, interior refurbishing and general maintenance at $100k, landing gear at $300k, and more.

Just to get the ball rolling, the Falcon 20 would need to be moved to a secure hangar, which would cost $150,000 alone.

So, what will happen to the jet?

Well, it appears that the Falcon 20 might be permanently retired.

The YouTuber originally planned to get it back in the air, but after the repair quote, he prepared to strip it for parts and ornament it at the Freedom Factory in Florida.

He had already received an offer for the engines to make a profit on the $15k buying price.

However, in another video, he explained that the jet was sold back to its previous owner and that was the last that they had heard.

It’s a sad end for the Falcon 20, which posed a lot of promise, but regulations have made restoring old jets quite the undertaking.