Expert: D. Norkus - 9/25/2006

Question
does it cost a lot of money to pay for the test and learn to become a pilot

Answer
The cost of the Private Pilot can vary greatly depending on how you chose to go about it (schools or flying club, what is available in your area), the prices charged in your area and how quickly you progress through the course as a student pilot.

It will cost you anywhere from $5,000 to $9,000+ for the PPL depending on how you progress through the curriculum and what the rental and instruction rates are in your area. The longer you take, the more costly it will become- espcially if the rates are expensive.

Here are some estimates at a MINIMUM (most students take almost twice the 40 flight hours required by the FAA to finish) using some average rates:

Private Pilot-

At least 40 hours of flight time are required with a minimum of 10 being solo and 20 dual.

C172 40hr x $85/hr= $3,400
Flight instruction:
Inflight 25hr x $25/hr= $625
Ground 15hr x $15/hr $225*
Books & Supplies $100
Written Test Fees $75
Flight Test Fees $300
Medical Exam $50
Total $ 4,775

*Not all CFIs charge a lower rate for ground instruction.

If you apply yourself and fly 3-5 times a week you will finish for the cheapest and in the least amount of time (a month or two).


I met one pilot who paid a whopping $18,000 for their PPL as they were renting the schools most expensive aircraft and took almost 100 hours to finish the training! However that is very unusual (and also very unfortunate as the school knowingly ripped the student off as they were unaware of the much lower costs elsewhere and made no effort to assist or provide less expensive options.)

Read more about costs and what is required at my site here-
http://www.geocities.com/av8trxx99/PPLcosts.html

...and here- http://www.flightinfo.com/learntofly.htm