Briefing 03 · Training Programs

Training,
at your pace.

Private Pilot, Instrument, Commercial.
Multi-Engine, CFI, CFII. Pay-as-you-go, lesson by lesson.

Costs and time-frames below are honest estimates, not sales numbers. They assume a decent level of self-study, good preparation, consistency and drive. Numbers reflect the 70-hour FAA national average for PPL. Your actual mileage will vary with currency, weather and aptitude — we'll tell you the truth on a sit-down before you commit a dollar.

01 /

The Programs

Ratings · pathways · costs

Private Pilot LicenseFAA Part 61 · the licence that changes things

Foundation certification covering basic flight maneuvers, navigation, radio communication, weather theory and FAA regulations. 60-question written test (70% to pass), oral and flight checkride with an FAA examiner. Train in either the Cessna 152 or 172.

Full-time (4-5/wk): ~3 months
Part-time (2-3/wk): 4-6 months
C152 estimate: $22,035 – $22,455
C172 estimate: $25,535 – $25,955

Instrument RatingFly in clouds, on instruments, in IMC

Enables flying in all weather conditions using cockpit instruments only. 60-question written, instrument checkride. Simulator-blended curriculum to maximize retention before the ride.

Full-time (4-5/wk): ~2 months
Part-time (2-3/wk): 3-4 months
C152 estimate: $15,750 – $15,950
C172 estimate: $16,975 – $17,175

Commercial Pilot LicenseThe licence to be paid to fly

Authorizes being paid to fly and carrying passengers for hire. 100-question written test, commercial checkride. 250 hours total time. Time-building in 4-8 hour blocks, five to seven days a week.

Full-time: 2-3 months
Part-time: 3-6 months
C152 estimate: $14,485
C172 estimate: $17,735 – $17,935

Multi-Engine RatingDiamond DA-42 Twin Star · flagship

An add-on rating done entirely in the Diamond DA-42 Twin Star. Glass panel, two diesel engines, the most modern airframe at KLGB south of the airline ramp. Type-rated CFIs on staff.

Typical time: 10 flight hrs
DA-42 wet: $500 / hr
Instructor: $100 / hr

Certified Flight InstructorThe natural step after CPL · sponsorship considered

Two months of structured ground and flight, max three students per class, an above-average pass rate. The natural step after Commercial and a real path toward airline minimums.

Duration: ~2 months
1-on-1 ground: ~$5,000 (50 hrs)
3-4 student ground: ~$3,000 / person
Right-seat flight: $675 – $1,850

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The Full Path

Zero to Commercial · with self-study and consistency

Cessna 152 Path TimeEstimate

Private ~3 months $22,035 – $22,455

Instrument ~2 months $15,750 – $15,950

Commercial 2-3 months $14,485

Zero → CPL ~7-9 mo $52,270 – $52,890

Cessna 172 Path TimeEstimate

Private ~3 months $25,535 – $25,955

Instrument ~2 months $16,975 – $17,175

Commercial 2-3 months $17,735 – $17,935

Zero → CPL ~7-9 mo $60,245 – $61,065

Certified Flight Instructor · a separate track

Becoming a CFI

CFI training runs about two months (one-on-one is fastest at roughly 3 weeks; a group runs 6 to 8 weeks), in small classes with an above-average pass rate. It averages ~50 hours of instructor-led time, plus plenty of work outside class on lesson plans and teaching technique. Ground work is priced per hour by class size, and right-seat flight time is billed at the aircraft rate.

Ground Work Per hour~50 hrs / student

1-on-1$100 / hr$5,000

2 people$70 / hr$3,500 / person

3 people$60 / hr$3,000 / person

4 people$60 / hr$3,000 / person

Flight Time C152C172

Right seat
5–10 hours $675–$1,350$925–$1,850

Full CFI training details →

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Cadence Options

How often you fly is how fast you finish

C · 01

Full-time.

Four to five lessons per week. The fastest sustainable path. PPL in ~3 months, IFR in ~2, CPL in 2-3 once you reach the hours threshold.

C · 02

Consistent part-time.

Two to three lessons per week. Designed for working students. PPL in 4-6 months, IFR in 3-4, CPL in 3-6.

C · 03

Flexible.

One lesson per week or less. PPL in 6-12+ months, IFR in 4-8+, CPL in 6-12+. Slower but workable around full lives.

C · 04

Accelerated.

Five days a week with the occasional double lesson. Zero to Commercial typically $50,000 – $60,000, nearly half what bundled programs charge.

Begin

Pick a path.
Let's begin.

The next step is a free 60–75 minute sit-down with Sam to scope cost, timeline and approach. Then a demo flight to confirm the school fits you. Then your first lesson on the books.

Get Started → Join the Waitlist → Book a demo flight → See financing options →

Doc. AHA · Training · Rev. 26.05 · KLGB · MMX

Training,at your pace.