Patch's Flight Schools Guide

When most people think of someone with a private pilots license, they think of the rich or famous who can afford the huge amounts of money it takes to get your license. Truth is, flying lessons are considerably less than most people think. They’re still not cheap, but they’re not out of reach. For most people, like me, it’s a matter of priority, not affordability.

So, what does it cost to get your private pilots license? It’s a combination of aircraft rental fees, instructor time, classroom time and equipment. I’ll take a look at each one separatel but, I recommend you call your local flight schools and ask them for a rough estimate of the total cost. It can vary by region.

Equipment – $250

Before you buy your aviator sunglasses and Epaulets, you’re going to need a few other practical items. The flight schools I’m looking into right now (April 2007) have a pilot kit that includes everything you need in one complete package for $249. What’s in the bag? Basically everything you need to make it through flight training.

• Jeppesen Bag – This is your flying companion. You’ll put all your “pilot stuff” in this bag and use it regularly. Plus, it’s cool to have a pilot bag.
• Books & Manuals – Every manual you’ll need including your basic pilot manual, exam books, record books, test guides and more.
• Metal Slide Computer – Used for calculating your navigation tasks. It’s not a computer, like a PC or Mac, but rather a tool for computing.
• Navigation Plotter – Not really sure what this is for yet. I hope I figure it out. Sorry.
• Pilot Logbook – Something you will have for many years to come. Everytime you’re airborne, you’re going to be logging those minutes and recording everything you did.
• Other stuff – I believe there ’s a fuel tester in there among other things.

Ground School – $135

Ground school will take you from “this is an propeller” all the way up to plotting and planning a cross-country flight and more. This is the “book knowledge” you’ll need to pass your written test. The real learning comes in the air, but this will teach you WHY you do what you do when your in the air.

Medical Exam – $70

You’ll need to have a physical performed by an FAA certified medical examiner sometime early on in your training. To obtain your private pilots license you’ll need to a class 3 certificate. You can find a local doctor at the FAA website.

Aircraft Rental – $80 to $110 per hour

If you’re going to learn to fly, you’re going to need an airplane. I’m assuming you don’t already own one, so you’ll need to rent something. The school you’re attending will most likely have aircraft available. On the low end, you can rent a Cessna 150 but most people are using a 172. The 150, I’ve heard is a bit more difficult to fly and not as comfortable. But, if you’re looking to save as much as possible, it’s the best way to go.

The FAA minimum to get your Private Pilots License is 40 hours. The average person takes about 50 hours before they’re ready for their checkride (flying test). That puts your total cost for aircraft rental between $3200 (40 hours @ $80 each) and $7000 (50 hours @ $140 each)

Certified Flight Instructor – $40-45 per hour

I believe you’ll need to have your instructor for the entire time you’re flying. Though, some of the flights will be done “solo”. If anyone knows differently, be sure to let me know. 40 hours @ $40 per hour is $1600. 40 hours @ $45 per hour is $1800

Total Cost – Between $5255 and $8855

If you want to keep your costs down, I highly recommend taking as many lessons as you can, as rapidly as possible. If you can go up 5 or more times a week, you will dramatically decrease the number of hours you need to pass your checkride. The more time you leave between lessons, the more you’ll have to relearn on each lesson.