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/ $5,000 Hull Coverage | $250 |
| Average home study curriculum, online testing programs, ground school books, supplies | $500 | |
| FAA Practical Check Ride | $550 | |
| 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. Thus, the above range is only an estimate and may vary further from above listed ranges. Quoted rental and instruction prices are current as of September 2019 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 and/or 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 | $550 | |
| FAA Written | $150 | |
| 40 hours PIC cross country flight, if needed ($145/hour x 40 hours) | $5,800 | |
| Minimum Total (w/o cross country flight) | $8,350 | |
| Average Total (w/o cross country flight) | $13,050 | |
| Average Total (WITH cross country flight) | $18,830 | |
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. Thus, the above estimates may vary further from above listed ranges. Quoted rental & instruction prices are as of September 2019 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 and/or instruction prices as fuel prices change, aircraft upgrades are accomplished, and/or operating expenses change.