Training Costs
Private Pilot Training
The FAA requires a minimum of 40 hours of flight training in order to be eligible to apply for the private pilot license. The national average is 65 hours. The total price will vary depending on each individual’s time required to meet government standards. This is only an estimate. The following prices are based on the minimum of 40 hours. You pay for each lesson as you complete each lesson. No up-front payments are required.
Cherokee 140
40 hours Aircraft rental (Cherokee 140)-$7,000
30 hours Flight instruction-$1,800
15 hours Ground instruction-$900
Books & Supplies-$125.00
FAA Medical Exam-$80.00
FAA Written Test-$165
FAA Practical Test (Check-ride)-$900.00
Total-$11,570
Instrument Rating
An instrument rating will allow you to legally fly solely by reference to instruments. In order to be eligible for an instrument rating you must have at least a private pilot license. 40 hours of instrument flight training is required. You must have at least 50 hours of cross country time as pilot in command by the end of your training. You must pass a knowledge (written) test as well as a practical (flight) test. Following prices are an estimate. Again, you pay as you go.
40 hours Aircraft rental (Cherokee 140)-$7,000
40 hours Flight instruction-$2,400
15 hours Ground instruction-$900
Books & Supplies-$125
FAA Written Test-$165
FAA Practical test (Check-ride)-$900.00
Total-$11,490
Commercial Pilot
To be eligible for a Commercial License you must hold at least a Private Pilot certificate. You must have at least 250 hours of flight time, 100 hours as pilot in command and 50 hours of cross country time as pilot in command. Some of the other requirements may have already been met during your training for the private pilot license and instrument rating. This will vary with each person. A review of your log book would be required. The estimated prices below assume none of those requirements have been met prior to commercial training, except the 250 hours total time and 50 hours of cross country.
20 hours Aircraft rental-$3,500
10 hours Aircraft rental (complex)-$1,100.00
20 hours Flight instruction-$1,200
10 hours Ground instruction-$600
Books & Supplies-$80.00
FAA Written test-$165
FAA Practical test (Check-ride)-$900.00
Total-$7,545