There are many factors that go into the cost of completing your Private Pilot License. You will need to purchase learning materials, a headset, and a logbook at the minimum. Below you will find a cost breakdown based on the minimum requirements set forth by the FAA. While there are some students who are able to fly the minimums and take their check-ride, it is more common to fly between 50 and 70 hours before being ready to complete your check ride.
Private Pilot Cost Breakdown
| Minimum 40 hours aircraft rental | @$145/hour | $5,800 |
| Average 60 hours aircraft rental | @$145/hour | $8,700 |
| Minimum 20 hours dual flight instruction | @$40/hour | $800 |
| Average 50 hours dual flight instruction | @$40/hour | $2,000 |
| Average 20 hours ground instruction | @$40/hour | $800 |
| Average Annual Aircraft Rental Insurance | w/ $70,000 Hull Coverage | $700 |
| Average home study curriculum, online testing programs, ground school books, supplies | $500 | |
| FAA Practical Check Ride | $500 | |
| Headset $150- $1200 | $350 | |
| FAA Written | $150 | |
| FAA Medical Certificate | $150 | |
|
Minimum Total |
$9,750 | |
|
National Average Total |
$13,750 |
DISCLAIMER: This is a good faith ESTIMATE. Every student learns differently, consistency may vary, weather and availability may vary and therefore, quoted flight rental times, flight instruction times & ground instruction times may vary hence the above range and, may vary further from above-listed ranges. Quoted rental & instruction prices are as of April 1, 2018, and are based on an average between aircraft rental charges as follows: N20464- $140/ hour wet and N12867- $150/hour wet. Blue Skies Flight Training LLC reserves the right to adjust rental & instruction prices as fuel prices change, aircraft upgrades are accomplished and or operating expenses change.
Instrument Pilot Cost Breakdown
A prerequisite to applying for the Instrument Airplane Checkride is obtaining 50 hours of cross-country Pilot in Command time. During the private pilot license, a pilot generally receives 5-10 hours of cross-country PIC. If you require that additional 40 hours, add to the bottom ESTIMATES average rental price $145/hour x 40 hours = $5800
| Minimum 40 hours aircraft rental | @$145/hour | $5,800 |
| Average 60 hours aircraft rental | @$145/hour | $8,700 |
| Minimum 15 hours flight instruction time | @$40/hour | $600 |
| Average flight Instruction time 60 hours | @$40/hour | $2,400 |
| Average 20 hours of ground instruction time | @$40/hour | $800 |
| Average home study curriculum, online testing programs, ground school books, supplies | $500 | |
| FAA Practical Check Ride | $500 | |
| FAA Written | $150 | |
|
Minimum Total |
$8,350 | |
|
National Average Total |
$13,050 |
DISCLAIMER: This is a good faith ESTIMATE. Every student learns differently, consistency may vary, weather and availability may vary and therefore, quoted flight rental times, flight instruction times & ground instruction times may vary hence the above range and, may vary further from above-listed ranges. Quoted rental & instruction prices are as of April 1, 2018, and are based on an average between aircraft rental charges as follows: N20464- $140/ hour wet and N12867- $150/hour wet. Blue Skies Flight Training LLC reserves the right to adjust rental & instruction prices as fuel prices change, aircraft upgrades are accomplished and or operating expenses change.