Getting started

The cost of learning to fly extends beyond the cost of your Instructor and training Aircraft. You will need to purchase items such as a headset, flight computer, text books and various other items. In addition to your supplies you will need 3 exams: A Medical Exam, Written Exam and Flight Test with a Designated Pilot Examiner. 

The FAA has a set minimum off 40 hours of total experience to obtain a Private Pilot Certificate. The national average to obtain a Private Pilots license runs on the average of 60 - 75 hours total time.

This is an ESTIMATED cost break down as of August 2025:

Aircraft:

• Cessna 172: $200/hr
  • Wet rate (fuel / oil included)

Instruction: 

• Flight or Ground Instruction: $45/hr
  • ~25 - 30 hours of Flight Instruction given
  • Ground instruction outside of flight instruction will bill to the nearest ¼ hour

Supplies:

• Headset: $150 - $1,300 (This is 100% your decision to make)
• Navigation Tools*
  • Plotter - $20
  • E6B Flight Computer (analog) $15 (paper) - $50 (metal)
    • Electronic: $80 
  • Sectional Chart(s): $8 - $10
• Flight Bag: It all depends on what you go with… $50 - $300 
• View Limiting Device: $40
• Books 
  • Pilots Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge: Online
  • Pilots Flying Handbook: Online
  • FAR / AIM: Online
• Online Written Test prep tools:
  • Gleim: $160
  • Sportys: $300
  • King Schools: $300

Average cost of supplies: $750

Exams:

• Aviation Medical Exam: $100 - $180
• Written Exam: $175 per attempt

Designated Pilot Examiner Fee: $600 - $1000

The breakdown below is based on 50 hours flight time and 35 hours of Dual Instruction:

Aircraft (50 hours)

• $10,000.00

Flight instruction (35 hours)

• $1,600.00

Ground Instruction (40 hours)

• $1,800.00

Check Airmen

• $1,000.00

Written Exam

• $175.00

Medical Exam

• $150.00

Supplies

• $800.00

Total

• $15,525.00

Please note that these are estimates and each student will differ based on speed to competency. 

Being ‘Fit to Fly’ is a real thing! Before you will be eligible to solo you will need to meet with an Aviation Medical Examiner (AME) in order to obtain a Medical Certificate to exercise the privileges of your Student Pilot Certificate and ultimately your Private Pilot’s license.

There are three different medical classes you will have the ability to go after:

• First Class - Air Transport Pilots
• Second Class - Pilots flying for hire (Cargo, Charter, Crop Dusters etc…)
• Third Class - Private Pilots who fly for recreation and not for hire or compensation

Understanding your medical eligibility is important. You want to ensure that you can continue on your aviation journey and complete it successfully. Medical Eligibility can only be determined by an AME. The FAA Website will provide the official detail in order to successfully obtain your certificate. 

English is the internationally recognized language for all communications related to the operation of an aircraft. In order to obtain a pilots license you must be able to read, write, speak and understand the English Language. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) both mandate this capability to all pilots, air traffic controllers and other aviation professionals. 

I am unable to provide flight instruction to any person unable to comply with this mandate. For more information, please review the FAA Website.