How much will it cost?

How much your flight training costs depends on several factors.

  • How frequently you fly: flying more often will keep the information and muscle memory fresh where flying infrequently will take longer as many of the basics will need to be refreshed.
  • What type of flying you want to do: if you want to do basic flying in a light aircraft it will cost less than if you want to fly in the clouds or fly professionally.
I want to fly... Suggested certificate Low cost estimate High cost estimate How much time? Learn more
For fun, during the day, in good weather and with no more than one passenger Sport pilot $8,000 $10,000 1-2 months
For fun or business with more passengers and in many more Private pilot $10,000 $14,000 3-4 months Learn More
In clouds and in other situations where the weather is not ideal Instrument rating $8,000 $10,000 As few as a couple of weeks Learn More
professionally as a flight instructor, airline pilot or another paid piloting career Commercial pilot $8,000 $10,000 As few as a couple of weeks Learn More

Private Pilot Estimate

40 Hour FAA Minimum Requirement Cost
25 Dual Flight Hours including Piper Warrior Aircraft Rate, Fuel, and Instruction Rate 5,100.00
15 Solo Flight Hours including Piper Warrior Aircraft Rate and Fuel 2,235.00
Ground Course with Books and Materials 619.00
Pilot Supplies (headsets, charts, fuel tester, log book, additional books, etc.) 400.00
FAA Knowledge Test 165.00
FAA Practical Test Designated Pilot Examiner’s Fee 500.00
Club Annual Membership Fee 500.00
One Year Unlimited Simulator Package 700.00
Estimated Total: $ 10,219.00
50 Hour Zone Aviation Student Average Cost
35 Dual Flight Hours including Piper Warrior Aircraft Rate, Fuel, and Instruction Rate 7,140.00
15 Solo Flight Hours including Piper Warrior Aircraft Rate and Fuel 2,235.00
Ground Course with Books and Materials 619.00
Pilot Supplies (headsets, charts, fuel tester, log book, additional books, etc.) 400.00
FAA Knowledge Test 165.00
FAA Practical Test Designated Pilot Examiner’s Fee 500.00
Club Annual Membership Fee 500.00
One Year Unlimited Simulator Package 700.00
Estimated Total: $ 12,259.00

Estimate only. Actual time and cost may vary depending on pilot proficiency, frequency, and consistency of flight lessons. All Training is completed to standard of pilot proficiency and safety, and not only on FAA minimum hours required.

Instrument Rating Estimate

40 Hour FAA Minimum Requirement Cost
20 Dual Flight Hours including Piper Warrior Aircraft Rate, Fuel, and Instruction Rate 4,280.00
20 Dual Instruction Hours in Simulator (20 hours of logged simulated time allowed) 1,300.00
One Year Unlimited Simulator Package 700.00
Ground School with Books and Materials 619.00
FAA Knowledge Test 165.00
FAA Practical Test Designated Pilot Examiner’s Fee 500.00
Estimated Total: $ 7,564.00
50 Hour Zone Aviation Student Average Cost
30 Dual Flight Hours including Piper Warrior Aircraft Rate, Fuel, and Instruction Rate 6,420.00
20 Dual Instruction Hours in Simulator (20 hours of logged simulated time allowed) 1,300.00
One Year Unlimited Simulator Package 700.00
Ground School with Books and Materials 600.00
FAA Knowledge Test 165.00
FAA Practical Test Designated Pilot Examiner’s Fee 500.00
Estimated Total: $ 9,704.00

Estimate only. Actual time and cost may vary depending on pilot proficiency, frequency, and consistency of flight lessons. All Training is completed to standard of pilot proficiency and safety, and not only on FAA minimum hours required.

Commercial Pilot License Estimate

Zone Aviation Student Average Cost
10 Dual Flight Hours including Piper Arrow (single engine complex) Aircraft Rate, Fuel, and Instruction Rate 2540.00
15 Hours Ground Instruction 975.00
Books 100.00
Club Annual Membership Fee 600.00
One Year Unlimited Simulator Package (50 hours of logged simulated time allowed) 700.00
FAA Knowledge Test 165.00
FAA Practical Test Designated Pilot Examiner’s Fee 500.00
Estimated Total: $ 5,580.00

Estimate only. The FAA minimum requirement of 250 hours total logged flight time is not included in estimate; estimate only for dual time logged. Actual time and cost may vary depending on pilot proficiency, frequency, and consistency of flight lessons. All Training is completed to standard of pilot proficiency and safety, and not only on FAA minimum hours required.