Like I said there are a lot of great flight schools out there and then there are a lot of bad ones. The key to the entire process is planning and researching. From the other three articles here, I have put down all of the costs together to come up with a realistic cost estimate for you.This way you can understand what you are getting into before you start spending money.
Once again I will use an aircraft rate of $120 Per hour For a C-172 and $45 for the Instructor Since that is what I charge. Remember you will find many different rates in different areas of the country so just use my numbers as a guide for you. After you read this you can use the cost estimate workbook at the bottom of the page to plug in the rates for the aircraft and flight instructors in your area.
Private Pilot License Books and Materials Cost. This is all the books and materials needed for your pilot training.
Private Pilot License Kit $200.00
Aviation Medical $100.00
Headsets $290.00
Total $590.00
Private Pilot License Pre Solo Cost. This is the Cost of your Pre Solo Flight Training.
Total Private Pilot License Cost. This is everything all added up. This will give you a realistic idea of what a priivate pilot license will cost you.
Now when we add all of this up we get the following cost Estimate:
Books and Materials $590.00
Pre Solo Flight Training $3030.00
Post Solo Flight Training $2543.00
Flight Test Preparation $2530.00
TOTAL $8693.00
So you can see this is probably more than most flight schools will lead you to believe. There are some honest one out there. You just need to research before you start flying. Remember you want to plan and then get your private pilot license in the most cost effective manner.
