Learn to Fly Cost Estimates

Learn to Fly! Cost Estimates

Many prospective pilots want to know how much it will cost to get to solo and also achieve their private pilot rating. Exact figures cannot be provided as they are based on the number of flights and the amount of time it takes to achieve the required proficiencies. We are providing some flight and subsequent cost ranges for reference. Remember, these are only estimates. Your experience and ability to master new skills will influence these costs.

The following cost estimates include initial membership purchase, annual dues, flight costs, instructor fees and miscellaneous books.
New member with no previous experience Cost estimates (including Membership Purchase): Membership Purchase (if paid in full year 1): $900 Annual Dues: $600 Flight costs to solo: $920-$1,840 Instruction fees to solo: $200-$400 Books\Logs\Charts: $58 Total: $2,678- $3,798	New member with existing airplane rating Cost estimates (including Membership Purchase): Membership Purchase (if paid in full year 1): $900 Annual Dues: $600 Flight costs to rating: $736-$2116 Instruction fees to rating: $160-$460 Books\Logs\Charts: $58 Total: $2,454- $4,134
Cost estimates (post Membership Purchase): Annual Dues: $600 Flight costs to rating: $598-$2,116 Instruction fees to rating: $130-$460 Total: $1,328- $3,176	Cost estimates (post Membership Purchase): Annual Dues: $600 Flight costs (20-40 flights): $920-$1840 Total: $1,520- $2,440

Student with No Previous Flight Experience or Ratings (includes flying and instructional costs)

Training Phase	Minimum Flights (per CFRs)	Estimated Average Flights	Estimated Maximum Flights
Pre-solo	20 ($1,120)	25 ($1,400)	40 ($2,240)
*Solo	10 ($460)	20 ($920)	40 ($1,840)
PTS (check ride)	3 ($138)	3 ($138)	6 ($276)
Total	33 ($1,718)	48 ($2,458)	86 ($4,356)

* No instruction fees calculated for these flights, although the student may request instruction for some of these flights.

Student seeking add-on rating (current airplane rating) (includes flying and instructional costs)

Training Phase	Minimum Flights (per CFRs)	Estimated Average Flights	Estimated Maximum Flights
Pre-solo	3 ($168)	15 ($840)	20 ($1120)
*Solo	10 ($460)	15 ($690)	20 ($920
PTS (check ride)	3 ($138)	3 ($138)	6 ($276)
Total	16 ($766)	33 ($1,668)	46 ($2,316)

* No instruction fees calculated for these flights, although the student may request instruction for some of these flights.

An average flight includes:

A tow to 3,000' above ground level (AGL) = $40
Aircraft rental for 30 minutes = $6
Instructor fee per flight = $10
Total average cost per flight with instructor = $56