Private Pilot Training
The FAA requires every new pilot in training to have a minimum of 40 hours of training before they are eligible for the Private Pilot practical test. Most of this training is done with a certified flight instructor in the plane and some of it is done in solo flight without anyone else in the plane with you. However, not every pilot is ready for the test after 40 hours of flying. The national average is over 70 hours of training. In my experience, the more often a student pilot flies when in training, the faster they will progress in their training, leading to fewer dollars spent.
Flying Lessons: What does it cost?
You can rent my Cessna 172 to do your training. You essentially pay for the plane the entire time that the engine is running. This is referred to as Hobbs time. This plane rents for $130/ hr.
I am paid for all of the hobbs time that I am instructing you, as well as my time spent teaching on the ground before and after lessons. Occasionally, we will also have lessons that don't include flying that we refer to as ground lessons. I charge $45/ hour for my time for both flying and ground instruction. The FAA requires you to have a minimum of 40 hours of flying to take your final test. However, the national average for students is over 70 hours of training. My goal is to make you a safe pilot as quickly and as cost effectively as possible.
You will also have to pay for an FAA written exam $160, the practical exam $600+ in this area (also known as a checkride), and a ground school study guide $300. There are quite a few FAA study books available for free online as well.
The total cost can vary significantly based on how many hours you require to be ready for your test. The good thing is that you only have to pay for one lesson at a time. If you study, show up for lessons prepared and fly often, training will progress quickly and you will save money in the long run.
Example expenses:
Airplane Rental $130/ hr x 60 hours = $7,800
Instructor $45 / hour x 60 hours = $2,700
Total = $10,500
I am paid for all of the hobbs time that I am instructing you, as well as my time spent teaching on the ground before and after lessons. Occasionally, we will also have lessons that don't include flying that we refer to as ground lessons. I charge $45/ hour for my time for both flying and ground instruction. The FAA requires you to have a minimum of 40 hours of flying to take your final test. However, the national average for students is over 70 hours of training. My goal is to make you a safe pilot as quickly and as cost effectively as possible.
You will also have to pay for an FAA written exam $160, the practical exam $600+ in this area (also known as a checkride), and a ground school study guide $300. There are quite a few FAA study books available for free online as well.
The total cost can vary significantly based on how many hours you require to be ready for your test. The good thing is that you only have to pay for one lesson at a time. If you study, show up for lessons prepared and fly often, training will progress quickly and you will save money in the long run.
Example expenses:
Airplane Rental $130/ hr x 60 hours = $7,800
Instructor $45 / hour x 60 hours = $2,700
Total = $10,500
