✈️ Plan Your Flight Training Journey with Confidence
At Aces High Aviation, we understand that embarking on flight training is a significant commitment. To assist you in making informed decisions, we’ve outlined clear timelines and cost estimates for each certification level. Whether you’re aiming for a Private Pilot License or advancing to Commercial Pilot status, our transparent breakdowns will guide you every step of the way.
📊 Flight Training Time Estimates
✈️ Private Pilot License (PPL)
| Training Type | Frequency | Estimated Completion Time |
|---|---|---|
| Full-Time | 4–5 lessons per week | 3 months |
| Consistent Part-Time | 2–3 lessons per week | 4 to 6 months |
| Flexible / Sporadic | 1 lesson per week or less | 6 to 12+ months |
🌫️ Instrument Rating
| Training Type | Frequency | Estimated Completion Time |
|---|---|---|
| Full-Time | 4–5 lessons per week | 2 months |
| Part-Time | 2–3 lessons per week | 3 to 4 months |
| Flexible / Sporadic | 1 lesson per week or less | 4 to 8+ months |
💼 Commercial Pilot License (CPL)
| Training Type | Frequency | Estimated Completion Time |
|---|---|---|
| Full-Time | 4–5 lessons per week | 2 to 3 months |
| Part-Time | 2–3 lessons per week | 3 to 6 months |
| Flexible / Sporadic | 1 lesson per week or less | 6 to 12+ months |
Note: These are realistic estimates based on student averages. Completion time depends on consistency, weather, availability, and how much time you dedicate to studying between lessons.
Cessna 152 vs Cessna 172 – Full Training Path Cost Estimates
Side-by-side comparison using current aircraft, instructor, and simulator rates.
| Item | Cessna 152 (2 Seat) | Cessna 172 (4 seat) |
|---|---|---|
| ✈️ Private Pilot License (PPL) | ||
| Aircraft Time | 70 hrs @ $140/hr = $9,800 | 70 hrs @ $190/hr = $13,300 |
| Instructor (Flight, Ground, Debrief) | 117 hrs @ $90/hr = $10,530 | 117 hrs @ $90/hr = $10,530 |
| FAA Fees & Training Materials | • FAA Medical Exam: $130–$150 • Renter’s Insurance (Annual): $300–$350 • Training Materials: $100–$150 • Online Ground School: $250–$350 • FAA Written Test: ~$175 • FAA Checkride: $800–$1,000 | • FAA Medical Exam: $130–$150 • Renter’s Insurance (Annual): $300–$350 • Training Materials: $100–$150 • Online Ground School: $250–$350 • FAA Written Test: ~$175 • FAA Checkride: $800–$1,000 |
| Total PPL Estimate | $22,035 – $22,455 | $25,535 – $25,955 |
| 🌫️ Instrument Rating (IR) | ||
| Aircraft Time | 35 hrs @ $155/hr = $5,425 | 35 hrs @ $190/hr = $6,650 |
| Simulator Time | 20 hrs @ $90/hr = $1,800 | 20 hrs @ $90/hr = $1,800 |
| Instructor | 82 hrs @ $90/hr = $7,380 | 82 hrs @ $90/hr = $7,380 |
| FAA Fees & Training Materials | • Training Materials: $100 • Online Ground School: ~$60 • FAA Written Test: ~$175 • FAA Checkride: $800–$1,000 | • Training Materials: $100 • Online Ground School: ~$60 • FAA Written Test: ~$175 • FAA Checkride: $800–$1,000 |
| Total IR Estimate | $15,750 – $15,950 | $16,975 – $17,175 |
| 💼 Commercial Pilot License (CPL) | ||
| Time Building (Split) *Required time varies based on your total hours after Instrument Rating | 100 hrs @ $70/hr = $7,000 | 100 hrs @ $95/hr = $9,500 |
| Aircraft Training Time | 20 hrs @ $140/hr = $2,800 | 20 hrs @ $190/hr = $3,800 |
| Instructor | 37 hrs @ $90/hr = $3,330 | 37 hrs @ $90/hr = $3,330 |
| FAA Fees & Training Materials | • Training Materials: $60 • Online Ground School: ~$60 • FAA Written Test: ~$175 • FAA Checkride: $800–$1,000 | • Training Materials: $60 • Online Ground School: ~$60 • FAA Written Test: ~$175 • FAA Checkride: $800–$1,000 |
| Total CPL Estimate | $14,485 – $14,485 | $17,735 – $17,935 |
| 🧮 Full Path Total | $52,270 – $52,890 | $60,245 – $61,065 |
Color cue only indicates aircraft choice — training quality and curriculum are identical.
Helpful Links
- Getting Started Guide – Step-by-step for new students beginning flight training
- Pilot License Requirements – See what’s needed for Private, Instrument, and Commercial
- Student Documents & Requirements – TSA, IDs, and everything else you’ll need to bring