Quite often when we are planning to pursue something that is going to cost substantial money we sort of come up with a mental quote. We start researching with this price in mind but most often find out we were way off base. Individuals who are interested in becoming a Pilot will initially think that it is way out of their financial reach. They are often pleasantly surprised when they do get an actual quote from an accredited flying school and it is not as expensive as they had anticipated.

Just because you got a quote much less than you thought does not mean that you should sign up immediately. You now have a figure to work with and are able to get some other estimates. It's important to do some research and have a good idea of just what you will be required to pay for. Otherwise, you have no way of validating what you are being told. For example, you may be given a quote of what the school is going to cost you for your flying time only. Then on top of this there is the ground study that has to be completed, your medical to be paid for, your equipment you will need as well as your text books. You really need to understand what is included in that quote.

When it comes to the equipment, we are not referring to you having to go out and buy your own plane. If that were the case, there would be a lot less Pilots around. You will need items such as a metal slide computer. This is not referring to what we know as a computer. It is just a computerized instrument. Then you will need a navigation plotter, jeppesen bag, logbook and some miscellaneous items such as a fuel tester for example. Then of course, you will require your texts and manuals. The entire equipment cost will probably average around $250. Many schools have compiled kits that include all of what you will require by way of equipment.

As we mentioned there is ground theory that must be studied and then passed by way of written test. There is no way you can by pass your ground training no matter how much knowledge you have about flying. Your cost for this segment of your course will be around $135. Varying slight with each independent school.

Your medical exam costs will be dependant on each individual Doctor. The physician has to be one that is approved by the FAA, but the FAA does not set the fees they can charge. Normally is around $70. For This aspect of your overall costs. You will have to have a class 3 medical certificate to be able to qualify for Private Piloting.

As we mentioned you do not have to own or buy an airplane but you will be charged hourly fees for the rental. Many of the students are opting to learn in172 Cessna although you do have the choice of a Cessna 150. Naturally, this is dependant on the type of aircraft your particular school of choice possesses. The average hourly cost will be somewhere between $80 to $110.

Forty hours of logged flying time is mandatory but most people require about 50 hours. So simply multiply, the flying time rentals quote you received by 50.
Now unfortunately your plane rental does not cover the cost of your flight Instructor. You will need the instructor for your non-solo flight, so there is no way of cutting costs here. Their average hourly rate is $40-$45.