Decoding the Cost to Learn to Fly: A Comprehensive Guide

The dream of taking to the skies is a powerful one, but the question of "How much does it cost to learn to fly?" is a crucial consideration for aspiring pilots. Flight training is a significant investment, and understanding the various factors influencing the overall cost is essential for effective budgeting and planning. This article breaks down the expenses associated with flight training, from initial licenses to advanced certifications, and offers strategies to potentially reduce those costs.

The Allure of Aviation and Career Opportunities

Flying is a rewarding career, both financially and in terms of job satisfaction. The aviation industry offers diverse career paths and opportunities for pilots and flight school graduates. The shortage of pilots qualified to fly for the airlines is causing regional airlines to offer signing bonuses, tuition reimbursement, and other incentives. An ATP certification will also open a wide array of pilot job opportunities with various corporate and private air carriers. It takes three months to become a private pilot. In two and a half years, you can become a commercial airline pilot. Enroll in accelerated flight training with ATP and go from zero experience to a commercial airline pilot, with 1500 hours, in two and a half years.

Initial Investment: Pilot Certificates and Ratings

The cost of flight school can vary significantly depending on the level of certification being pursued. "How much does flight school cost" is a question every potential student asks. As shared above, if you’re starting with zero experience your total flight training program will cost you $105,000 for our Zero Time to Airline program. But if you aren’t looking to become a professional pilot, you’re likely wondering how much it will cost for each individual certificate and rating. In this article we’ll go through the average cost to complete each certificate and rating you need to work as a commercial pilot.

Here's a breakdown of approximate costs for various pilot certificates and ratings, based on full-time training:

Sport Pilot License: A more recreational option, potentially costing a few thousand dollars. The FAA created the sport pilot certificate for aviation hobbyists back in 2004.
Private Pilot Certificate (PPL): $15,000 - $26,000. The minimum private pilot license cost, including 35 hours of flight training, is around $18,000. It takes 2-3 months to complete full time training.
Instrument Rating: $21,000 - $26,000. It takes 2-3 months to complete full time training.
Commercial Certificate: $25,000 - $27,000. It takes 2-3 months to complete full time training.
Certified Flight Instructor (CFI): $6,500 - $8,000. It takes 1-2 months to complete full time training.
Certified Flight Instructor Instrument: $5,000 - $8,000. It takes 1 month to complete full time training.
Multi-Engine Add On (with 25 hours of flight time): $15,000 - $18,000. It takes 2-3 Weeks to complete full time training.

It costs $116,995 to become a pilot when starting with no previous experience or $86,995 when starting with a private pilot certificate. Both prices include the flight training and certification necessary to become a commercial pilot with flight instructor certificates.

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Key Cost Factors in Flight Training

Flight training costs can vary widely depending on several key factors, such as the type of training program, aircraft used, location of the flight school, and the level of certification you’re pursuing. The biggest factors that affect how much it costs to become a pilot are aircraft rental and flight instructor time.

Aircraft Rental: At least half the cost of flight training is the airplane rental, so it only makes sense that you should focus your money saving efforts on the airplane. Aircraft rates are billed per hour to the nearest tenth. Depending on the school, they may be billed wet, an all-inclusive number including fuel, or dry, where the student will pay for the fuel they use. Aircraft time is billed based on the Hobbs time recorded from the aircraft, which begins and ends when the engine operates. The price you pay will vary depending on the type of plane. Larger, more complex planes cost more to operate and are therefore more expensive. Smaller planes provide a better value since they can be rented for less money. Generally speaking, aircraft with traditional analogue gauges will be less expensive than those with newer “glass cockpits”. If saving money is a priority, learn to fly with analogue gauges, and then make the easy transition to glass after you’ve earned your pilot’s license. When doing research on where to do your training, be aware that there are other flight schools and instructors out there that might try to push you to train in higher cost aircraft. If you are on a budget, take control and don’t allow yourself to be pushed into a more expensive aircraft without good reason.
Flight Instructor Time: Flight instruction time is billed hourly, as well. Instructors charge an average of $40 an hour for ground instruction. On average, the light sport aircraft rental rate is $180 and the flight instructor’s rate is $60. You’ll pay for instruction time while you are in the aircraft receiving training, as well as for any ground instruction you receive before and after the flight. You’ll also occasionally pay for ground-only instruction to help you prepare for exams or checkrides.
Training Program Structure (Part 61 vs. Part 141): The Federal Aviation Regulations (FARs) say that the minimum time you can get a private pilot certificate is 35 hours under Part 141 training or 40 hours under Part 61 (Learn the difference between Part 141 and Part 61). Part 61 schools have no minimum flight time requirement for a CFI course, it’s based on pilot proficiency. At a Part 141 school? Well, it goes up to $8,000.
Flight Training Supplies: One of the most overlooked aspects of pilot license cost is the additional supplies and materials. Every certificate or rating will require new textbooks, charts, and supplies. When you first start, you’ll need to buy some pilot gear, but that should last you for many years to come. Pilot School Cost: Supplies. When you first start your training there are also a number of basic supplies you’ll need to purchase.

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- Headset: $400-$1,000
- Kneeboard: $20-$40
- iPad: $400-$600
- Flight Computer: $30-$80
- Pilot Bag: $70-$150
- Fuel Tester: $10-$20
In the Zero Time to Airline program these supplies are included in the cost of your program.
Pilot Exams: Among the often overlooked flight school fees is the written exam and FAA practical exam. As you train to become a pilot, you need a headset, books, and maybe even a bomber jacket and a pair of Aviator sunglasses to look the part. How much exactly? However, the cost you’re concerned with is what you have to pay for pilot training. You still need a medical certificate, though. The FAA created the sport pilot certificate for aviation hobbyists back in 2004. Now you need another $700 for a home-study course, medical exam, and test fees.
- Written Exam: When you take a written exam, you have to pay a fee to the FAA testing center. The fee is usually around $150, but it varies by location and type of exam.
- FAA Practical Exam: When you do your check ride with a designated pilot examiner (DPE), they’ll charge for their time. Costs vary considerably depending on the type of checkride and your region. Most schools don’t include these in the cost of flight training (but they are included in the Zero Time to Airline program). FAA practical exams are between $900 and $1,500 in most areas. The final step toward getting your license is to pass a practical test, the cost of which varies based on the license, location, and type of aircraft used to conduct the checkride. Most practical tests cost between $350 and $550.
Aviation Medical Certificate: An Aviation Medical Examiner (AME) issues the certificate after conducting a medical exam. In most cases, you must also pass an aeronautical knowledge test to obtain your pilot license.

Breaking Down the Costs: A Closer Look at Specific Certificates

Private Pilot License (PPL) Cost

The private pilot course consists of three different phases of training. Over the course of your training your pilot license cost will vary. During the pre-solo phase, you learn what you need to fly the plane safely. That training culminates in your first flight alone around the traffic pattern. You then move into the cross-country phase of training to learn more about navigation and moving between airports. The last part of the course is practical exam preparation, where you bring all of these skills together and master them. It culminates in your FAA checkride, a two-part practical exam. You’ll have an oral question and answer session, followed by a flight test in the plane.

The Federal Aviation Regulations (FARs) say that the minimum time you can get a private pilot certificate is 35 hours under Part 141 training or 40 hours under Part 61 (Learn the difference between Part 141 and Part 61). But the national average is closer to 70 hours, indicating that most pilots will take substantially longer than the regulatory minimums. So, how much does it cost to get a private pilot license? The minimum private pilot license cost, including 35 hours of flight training, is around $18,000. If you want to fly an airplane for fun, you can get your Private Pilot license for around $15,000 - $20,000. The private pilot license (PPL) allows you to command any aircraft for any non-commercial purpose. FAA’s minimum is 35 to 40 hours, depending on whether the flight school is Part 61 or Part 141. With that in mind, the private pilot license cost averages about $15,000 - $20,000.

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Instrument Rating Cost

The instrument rating course follows the same general schedule that the private pilot did. You need to complete a written exam, and many pilots choose to attend a formal ground school to prepare for it. Some people will attend an online instrument ground school. You must complete at least 35 to 40 hours of training, broken into a few phases. In the end, like the private pilot license, you must pass a practical exam that consists of an oral knowledge test and practical flying skills checkride. The instrument rating’s estimated total cost, including 21 hours in the G1000-equipped Cessna 172SP and 14 hours of dual in the RedBird full-motion simulator, is around $12,000.

Commercial Pilot License (CPL) Cost

In the aviation realm, it starts by getting a commercial pilot license (CPL). Often, commercial pilot license courses include multiengine and instrument rating training. The estimated total commercial pilot license cost is about $24,000. The exact makeup of the sorts of training flights you need to accomplish to fulfill the regulations vary considerably, so make sure you work closely with a flight instructor when you get to this point. CPL license cost will also vary based on how much flying you’ve done and if your school has an accelerated commercial program like Thrust Flight. Those wanting to fly for a career will need to spend around $75,000 - $100,000 to get a Commercial Pilot License (CPL).

Multi-Engine Rating Cost

A multi-engine rating can be added to any grade of pilot certificate-private, commercial, or ATP. Most pilots opt to get it as an add-on to their commercial certificate. The course includes roughly ten hours of dual instruction in a multiengine airplane. Only about five hours of ground instruction is needed to bring you up to speed on the new airplane’s systems and some multiengine aerodynamics. The estimated total cost of the multiengine rating, with 7 hours in the Piper Seminole, is about $5,000. If you’re working to become an airline pilot you’ll need 25 hours of multi engine time which will cost about $15,000 to earn your rating and build that time.

Flight Instructor (CFI) Cost

Becoming a Certificated Flight Instructor (CFI) makes for a path to gain flight experience. Part 61 schools have no minimum flight time requirement for a CFI course, it’s based on pilot proficiency. On average, a typical flight instructor training cost runs at $5,000. At a Part 141 school? Well, it goes up to $8,000. The flight instructor course is one that mostly revolves around ground training. There are no new maneuvers or airplane systems to learn, but you will be expected to know the material you have learned well enough to teach it to someone else. There are two written exams required for the CFI course. The Fundamentals of Instruction (FOI) is an exam about basic teaching techniques, introductory learner psychology, communication, and how to structure lessons and a curriculum. The Flight Instructor-Airplane exam looks a lot like the commercial pilot aeronautical knowledge exam. These will cost about $150 each. The total flight time required is usually around ten hours. You may have to do spin training if you are getting the single-engine airplane rating. The estimated total cost of a CFI training course is around $6,500-$8,000. However if you are doing a 141 CFI program expect to pay considerably more because it has rigid flight requirements. The Certified Flight Instructor Instrument (CFII) and a Multi-Engine Instructor (MEI) are often add-on ratings to an existing CFI.

Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) Cost

To qualify to become an airline transport pilot (ATP), you must have accrued 1,500 hours of total flying time. Few people pay for all of that time; the ATP is usually a license that working professionals get after they’re already well into their careers. Remember, there are lots of jobs in the aviation world that only require a commercial pilot license. The actual cost of getting the ATP isn’t that great because the flight training is pretty simple. Any pilot who has built up 1,500 flying hours is likely to be reasonably experienced. Most ATP applicants need less than 20 hours of flight training to get themselves ready for the checkride. Pilots who do not do a lot of instrument flying may need a little more time since the ATP is heavily an instrument-flying checkride. The written exam is another matter. The ATP written is difficult, but most pilots find success with independent study programs and the occasional check-in with their flight instructors. If you are paying for this expect to spend around $6,000. However, if you’re becoming an airline pilot you may not need to worry about paying for your ATP certificate because the airline that hires you may pay for you to get it.

Strategies for Saving Money on Flight Training

Evidently, pilot training can cost tens of thousands of dollars, but you can save quite a bit. Here are some effective strategies to help manage and potentially reduce the cost of flight training:

Find affordable aircraft: the largest portion of your pilot training cost is airplane rental.
Research schools: Many flight schools offer packages, group discounts, and accelerated courses. ATP provides up-front, fixed-cost pricing in a way that differentiates us from most other flight schools and academies. This breakdown provides a general idea of the financial commitment required for pilot training. ATP quotes prices based on realistic flight time requirements, providing up-front, fixed-cost pricing for becoming a pilot. SAVE Up To $12,000 on Your Checkrides! At select locations, ATP will pay for your checkrides - up to six checkride fees, one for each certificate and rating (valued at $12,000). Hurry - this promotion won't last long as class dates are limited!
Study well: learning aviation theory constitutes a crucial part of becoming a good pilot. It is amazing how much you can reduce the cost of flight training if you study and show up to each lesson prepared.
Fly frequently: In an ideal world, you would fly, at a minimum, 2 to 3 times per week throughout your flight training.
Take advantage of simulators: … both loggable Basic Aviation Training Devices (BATDs) and desktop simulators. It is true that while these devises do not react exactly like a real aircraft, they are great for teaching systems, techniques, emergencies, and instrument procedures. Practicing in a simulator can help you retain what you learned during your previous lesson. To help with the transition and overall cost of flight training, American Flight Schools provides free glass cockpit classes and low-cost simulators.
Join a flight club: flight club members get reduced rates, meaning a cost cut on flight training. Join a flying club or flight school that has a strong social community.
Apply for a scholarship: several organizations, such as AOPA, offer to pay the cost of flight training for select recipients. Yes, there are scholarships available, and commonly they go unused. Research scholarships and apply for any and all that you are qualified for.
Find a compatible instructor: An ideal instructor loves to teach, and the right one for you will teach each lesson in a manner that you best learn. Finding an instructor with compatible scheduling availability is also very important. Take the time to interview prospective instructors and if you don’t feel comfortable after a lesson or two, find another instructor that better suits you. It is your money and your time.
Find a mentor: that has already obtained their certificate; look for one at your flight school or flying club. Find one that is not necessarily a CFI but a pilot that is doing what you want to do in aviation and has the ratings and certificates that you aspire to obtain.
Work as an intern: doing aircraft cleaning, font desk dispatch, etc.
Speak with your employer: about education benefits. Many companies reimburse employees for any training they undertake.
Come up with a plan: Sit down with your instructor and develop a training plan tailored exactly to your needs and learning abilities. Set goals on your calendar and stick with them. Review about once per month.
Use “recycled” training materials: Purchasing used books and materials will save a lot of money over purchasing new ones. Some schools have a swap area, so use it. Great deals can also be found on craigslist or eBay, however, use caution when doing so. Make certain you are buying a current issue of the book, as FAA rules and regulations change regularly.
Purchase your own aircraft: If you are committed to learning to fly, it can make sense to purchase your own aircraft to fly in. You may be able to come to an arrangement with your school to lease back the aircraft to them when you are not using it. Investing $30-$100k in a flight training aircraft at a busy school will put 40-60 hours per month on your aircraft. The income generated should totally offset the cost of your training. When you are finished, you will still own the aircraft. Additionally, the tax incentives for purchasing an aircraft have rarely been more advantageous then they have been over the past decade.
Join AOPA: for free as a student pilot, active military member, or AV8RS Youth (anyone between the ages of 13 to 18 is free). The free trial includes: Six issues of AOPA’s flight TRAINING magazine - digital or print edition, Exclusive Flight Training Helpline with Veteran CFIs for one-on-one answers, and personal training support. Additionally you get flight planning tools, training and safety information, education resources such as flight schools, instructors, and aviation colleges, and AOPA’s award-winning training videos. If used properly, these free resources should reduce your overall cost learning to become a private pilot.
Ride along programs: Obtain permission from other students and CFI’s to sit in the back seat and learn by observing.

Financial Considerations and Planning

Understanding these costs can help you budget effectively for your flight training. It is not recommended that people place large deposits in advance during their flight training pathway. Many schools will offer some level of discount when a student places a deposit on the account. FSANA recommends that students limit advanced deposit levels to between $1,000-$2,000 per deposit. Exceptions to this guideline include flight schools that provide accelerated training where a person earns a pilot certificate or rating in a short time period, which can be 2-6 weeks.

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