Private Pilot Costs
The first question on everyone's mind seems to be "how much does it cost?" This page will provide specific aircraft costs some general estimates for course costs.
AIRCRAFT RENTAL RATES
Aircraft rental costs have been fluctuating recently with the variable (and lately increasing) cost of aviation fuel. Be sure when you compare costs that you inquire about fuel surcharges. At JLS Aviation, we choose to provide aircraft costs inclusive of all charges.
| Aircraft | Cost Per Hour | Instructor | GPS Installed |
| C-152 | $115 | $60 | GNS-430W (IFR Certified) |
| C-172M | $134 | $60 | GNS-430W (IFR Certified) |
| C-172N | $134 | $60 | GNS-430W (IFR Certified) |
| P28-151 | $130 | $60 | GNS-430W (IFR Certified) |
PRIVATE PILOT COURSE COSTS
If you are investigating the cost of a private pilot's license, there are two important factors you must consider.
- You should be aware that there are no set costs for the license. The cost of the course is based on how long (flight time and ground instruction) it takes you to learn the material and become proficient in the maneuvers required to pass the flight test, also known as a Practical Test. Time to completion varies. The FAA minimum is 40 hours of flight time. The national average is about 70 hours.
- You can have an impact on the amount of time it takes you to finish. The major considerations are the number of times per week that you fly, how well you prepare for each lesson, and the quality of your flight instruction. A good benchmark is to initially fly as often as you can adequately prepare for a lesson. Three times a week until solo flight usually sufficient, then twice a week after that.
The table below sums the general costs for a license based a student who requires 40, 55 or 70 hours to become proficient enough to pass the practical (flight) test. These costs include all the items for which you would normally expect incur a cost. Note that the below costs are indicative of a C-172M or C-172N model. For training in the C-152 subtract $15 per hour of flight time.
| Item | Sub Item |
40 Hours Required |
Cost |
55 Hours Required |
Cost |
70 Hours Required |
Cost |
| Dual Instruction | Plane (C172) | 30 | $4020 | 40 | $5360 | 55 | $7270 |
| Instructor | 30 | $1800 | 40 | $2400 | 55 | $3300 | |
| Ground Instruction | Flight Mvrs | 8 | $480 | 10 | $600 | 15 | $900 |
| Pre and Post | 10 | $600 | 12 | $720 | 15 | $900 | |
| Solo Flight | 10 | $1340 | 15 | $2010 | 15 | $2170 | |
| GIFT Software | $500 | $500 | $500 | ||||
| Supplies | Books, etc | $100 | $100 | $100 | |||
| Headset | $200 | $200 | $200 | ||||
| AFD, Sectionals | $30 | $30 | $30 | ||||
| Class III Medical | $125 | $125 | $125 | ||||
| Written Test | $165 | $165 | $165 | ||||
| Practical Test | Examiner | $500 | $500 | $500 | |||
| Aircraft | 1.5 | $201 | 1.5 | $201 | 1.5 | $201 | |
| Total Cost | 40 hours | $10,061 | 55 hours | $13,011 | 70 hours |
$16,106
|
FINANCING
Earning a pilot\'s certificate is a thrilling experience as well as a significant accomplishment. It is also expensive. Should financing be needed, we are registered with Pilot Finance. You should contact them directly for information about your specific needs.
