Getting Started

Are there age restrictions?

There are no restrictions on age limits to learn with an instructor. However, you must be at least 16 years old to fly solo and at least 17 years old to hold a private certificate. We have had multiple clients ranging from ages 13 to 75+.

How long does it take?

As with a lot of things, you will most definitely get out what you put in!
It is a significant time investment and you will progress well when not only studying in lessons, but taking the time to do so at home.
Our lessons are all 1-to-1 instruction, so it will depend on the frequency and consistency of lessons.
We have had past clients do 5 lessons per week and complete their PPL in 2 months.

How many flight hours will it take?

The minimum is 40 hours of flight time. However, the average in the US per the FAA is between 70 to 75 hours; this is a good number to base your financial calculations on.
You can reduce this number by taking the time to study in your own time and practice what you have been taught.
However, this can go the other way! If you do not study in your own time and complete your homework assignments, it can increase the flight time.
The end goal is to reach a proficiency level that will allow you to perform the required tasks to the standard required.

Do I need to enroll? Is it class based?

No, there is no enrollment and no monthly or annual fees. All of our instruction is 1-to-1 with the instructor. You can start any time and you can schedule as many sessions as you like. All of our instructors set their own schedule, so you simply schedule with them when you are both available. Some instructors will start as early as 7:00AM and anywhere through to the late night.

What tests do I need to complete?

1 written test with 60 multiple choice questions and a 70% passing grade.
You also need to complete a check ride administered by an FAA-designated examiner, which is at the end of your training.

What other tasks do I need to complete?

There are a few items you need to acquire, including a student pilot certificate (your instructor will assist you with this), and you also need to complete a physical exam from a certified medical examiner (not required until solo flight).

What does it cost?

This is the question I get asked the most and depends on a several factors.
You cannot guarantee a set amount or fixed cost because there are so many variables. As mentioned above, it is based on your skill and proficiency at performing the required tasks! However, it is reasonable to give a ballpark estimate based on the averages.

A huge factor is the plane that you choose to fly. Then, using the 70 to 75 hour averages we talked about above, you can start to get a rough idea of the cost.

Once you factor in the instructor’s time, which is charged the same rate whether it is during flight time or ground, you will find these numbers are a reasonable estimate.

Estimates 2024 based on slightly higher end US Averages

Private Pilot 

– 75 hours of aircraft time in a Cessna 152 @ $130 p/hr = $9,750
or
– 75 hours of aircraft time in a Cessna 172 @ $185/195 p/hr = $13,875 / $14,625

Including

– 117 hours of Instructor flight/ground/debrief time @ $80 p/hr  = $9,360

  Total $19,110 – $23,985*

* Estimates based on average hours of completion of PPL within the US

Instrument

35 hours of Cessna 152 time @ $145 p/hr for an upgraded Cessna 152 = $5,075
or 
35 hours of Cessna 172 time @ $185/195 p/hr = $6,475 / $6,825

Including

20 hours of Simulator time @ $85 p/hr = $1,700
82 hours of Instructor flight/ground/debrief time @ $80 p/hr = $6,560

Total $ 13,335 – 14,735* 

* Estimates based on average hours of completion of Instrument within the US

Commercial

These numbers would be only if you flew solo.

100 hours of Cessna 152 for time building @ $130 p/hr = $13,000
25 hours of Cessna 152 for commercial training @ $130 p/hr = $3,250
or
100 hours of Cessna 172 for time building @ 185/195 p/hr = $18,500 / $19,500
25 hours of Cessna 172 for commercial training @ $185/195 p/hr = $4,625 / $4,875

Including

37 hours of Instructor time @ $80p/hr = $2,960

Total $ 19,210 – 27,335*

* Estimates based on average hours of completion of Commercial within the US

Additional Costs

Medical – $130-$150
Checkrides x 3 $800 – $1000 per checkride = $2600 – $3000
Renters Insurance Annual Policy – $200-$300
Ground School Online – $200-400
Training Materials – $100-150

Additional Total $3,320 – $4,000

Estimated Total Cost : Private, Instrument, Commercial, Additional = Cessna 152 $54,900 / Cessna 172 $69,820+

Generally people consistently do it in 10 to 15% less than these numbers. These are HIGH averages.

These numbers are based on a decent level of self study, good preparation, consistency and drive on the part of the student! They are in no way a guarantee of completion or passing of any checkrides.

* These are based on US averages and are dependent on several factors and do in no way guarantee completion for this amount.