What you're paying for
A private pilot license isn't one fee. It's the sum of the time and materials you use. The main pieces:
| Item | How it's charged | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Aircraft rental | Per flight hour (Hobbs time) | The biggest cost. Usually includes fuel ("wet" rate). |
| Flight instruction | Per hour with your CFI | Includes ground briefings before and after flights. |
| Ground school | One-time course fee | Online courses are popular and affordable. |
| FAA knowledge test | Testing center fee | Paid once, if you pass the first time. |
| Checkride | Examiner fee + aircraft time | Examiners set their own fees. |
| Medical exam | Paid to the AME | Third class is enough for private pilots. |
| Supplies | One-time | Headset, logbook, charts or an EFB app, kneeboard. |
Our current rates
| Item | Rate |
|---|---|
| N12345 · Cessna 172 Skyhawk (rental, wet) | Contact us |
| N54321 · Piper PA-28 Archer (rental, wet) | Contact us |
| Flight instruction (CFI) | Contact us |
| Instrument instruction (CFII) | Contact us |
| Ground instruction | Contact us |
| Discovery flight | $199 |
We're happy to build a realistic estimate for your schedule and goals. Contact us.
How to estimate your total
Most of what you pay is for time in the airplane and time with your instructor. The more often you fly, the fewer hours you'll need.
When budgeting for a private pilot license, plan on about 60–75 hours of flying, not the 40-hour FAA minimum. Very few students finish at the minimum.
The easiest way to get a real number is to ask. Tell us how often you can fly and we'll put together an estimate for you.
Seven ways to spend less
- Fly often. Two to three lessons a week is the single biggest money-saver. Flying once a week, you spend part of each lesson relearning what you forgot.
- Study before every lesson. Know the maneuver before you get in the airplane. Learning in a briefing room is much cheaper than learning at a rental rate.
- Get your medical early. Finding a medical issue at hour 30 is expensive. Find out at hour zero.
- Pass the knowledge test early. Getting the written out of the way frees your brain for flying and makes lessons more productive.
- Chair-fly. Sit at home and rehearse procedures, radio calls and checklists. It's free and it works.
- Use a simulator where it helps. Procedures and instrument skills can be practiced for less on the ground.
- Stay consistent through the seasons. Long breaks (winter, summer vacation) cost more than people think. Plan around them.
Paying for training
Most students pay as they go, lesson by lesson. Some set up a prepaid account or look into aviation-specific loans and scholarships. Organizations like the AOPA, EAA and Ninety-Nines offer flight training scholarships every year and are worth researching.