The average time spent earning your private pilot certificate is 55-75 hours of flight time. Of this flight time, 10 hours of these are solo hours. The rest of the time is normally spent with your flight instructor receiving instruction.

The FAA minimum of 40 hours can be misleading for many reasons. The minimum is set up to allow anyone to get their certificate no matter what their background is. For example, if you are a glider or helicopter pilot, you might be able to finish in the minimum because of your background and experience in aviation. The normal applicant does not have a very extensive background in aviation; thus, the minimum is not appropriate. For this reason, we do not quote that you will obtain your certificate in 40 hours of flight time.

Below, you will find a realistic estimate, based on our block rate, of the time and expenses of learning how to fly.

Projected cost for a private pilot Certificate:

55 hours Aircraft rental (C-172) - $5,335.00
45 Hours Dual - $1,980.00
20 Hours Ground - $880.00
Jepp Kit (Books &Training Materials) - $289.00
Medical - $90.00

Total - $8,574.00
* Fuel flow fee may apply.

These costs are based on students flying 2-3 times a week. As your flying progresses, you will be able to better estimate the cost to complete your rating. It is recommended that you schedule a lesson at least once a week so you can keep moving forward with your flight training. Lessons are usually two hours long, including about 1 hour of flight time and anywhere from 0.5 to 1.0 hours of ground instruction. Some lessons are ground only, and others are flights with pre and post briefings.