How Much Does It Really Cost to Become a Pilot?
If you're looking to break into the world of aviation, you're probably wondering, "How much does it cost to become a pilot?" Here's a breakdown of what you can expect when pursuing your dream of flying.
Private Pilot License (PPL)
See our related cost estimates on our Courses page. All estimates are based on the national average of hours it takes students to complete requirements, not the minimum hour requirements mandated by the FAA.
Private Pilot License (PPL)
- Cost Range: $17,350 - $21,150
- Details: The PPL is your first step in becoming a pilot. This cost includes your flight hours, ground school, and all necessary exams and materials. It’s a significant investment but one that opens the skies to you.
- Cost Range: $11,500 - $14,724
- Details: Getting an instrument rating allows you to fly in a wider range of weather conditions, making you a more versatile and skilled pilot. This cost covers additional flight training, simulator sessions, and exam fees.
- Cost Range: $18,200 - $22,975
- Details: A CPL lets you start getting paid to fly. It involves more advanced training and additional flight hours. This is a crucial step if you’re aiming to fly professionally.
- Cost Range: $8,200 - $9,700
- Details: Becoming a CFI is a great way to build flight hours while getting paid. Plus, you’ll be helping others achieve their dreams of flight. This cost includes your training, exams, and certification fees.
- Overall Cost: $55,250 - $68,549
- Details: If you're aiming to become a professional pilot, these are the key certifications you’ll need. The total cost can vary based on how efficiently you complete each phase of your training and the rates your chosen flight school charges.
See our related cost estimates on our Courses page. All estimates are based on the national average of hours it takes students to complete requirements, not the minimum hour requirements mandated by the FAA.
How long does it take to become a pilot?
Wondering how long it will take to earn your wings? The answer depends on your schedule and commitment level. Whether you're training full-time or balancing flight training with school or work, here’s what you can expect.
Full-Time Flight Training
Part-Time Flight Training (While in School or Working Full-Time)
Key Factors That Influence Your Timeline:
Full-Time Flight Training
- Private Pilot License (PPL): 3 to 6 months
- Instrument Rating: 2 to 4 months
- Commercial Pilot License (CPL): 6 to 12 months
- Certified Flight Instructor (CFI): 2 to 4 months
- Total Time: 1 to 2 years
Part-Time Flight Training (While in School or Working Full-Time)
- Private Pilot License (PPL): 6 to 12 months
- Instrument Rating: 4 to 6 months
- Commercial Pilot License (CPL): 12 to 24 months
- Certified Flight Instructor (CFI): 4 to 6 months
- Total Time: 2 to 4 years
Key Factors That Influence Your Timeline:
- Weather: Bad weather can delay flight training, especially if you're training in an area with seasonal weather patterns.
- Instructor Availability: Consistent scheduling with your flight instructor can help keep your training on track.
- Personal Commitment: How often you can fly each week directly impacts how quickly you progress.
How much time will flight training take out of my day?
If you're considering flight training and wondering how much time it will take out of your day, here's what you can expect:
At Summit Aviation, we schedule flight training and ground lessons in 2-hour blocks. This time includes pre-flight briefings, the actual flight time, and post-flight debriefings. Typically, you might spend around 1 to 1.5 hours in the air, with the remaining time dedicated to briefing and reviewing the lesson.
Most students schedule 2-3 sessions per week, but you can adjust this based on your availability and how quickly you want to progress. This setup allows you to balance flight training with work, school, or other commitments without overwhelming your schedule.
At Summit Aviation, we schedule flight training and ground lessons in 2-hour blocks. This time includes pre-flight briefings, the actual flight time, and post-flight debriefings. Typically, you might spend around 1 to 1.5 hours in the air, with the remaining time dedicated to briefing and reviewing the lesson.
Most students schedule 2-3 sessions per week, but you can adjust this based on your availability and how quickly you want to progress. This setup allows you to balance flight training with work, school, or other commitments without overwhelming your schedule.
In-Person vs. Online Ground School: What’s Best for Your Private Pilot Training?
f you're weighing the options between in-person and online ground school for your private pilot license, here’s what you need to know to make the best choice for your schedule and learning style.
In-Person Ground School: A Hands-On Approach
Online Ground School: Flexibility and Convenience
Summit Aviation’s RecommendationWe recommend in-person ground school if your schedule allows, as it helps you get accustomed to the pace and workload of pilot training. However, if your schedule doesn’t permit in-person attendance, our online ground school is an excellent alternative that provides flexibility while ensuring you receive the necessary training.
In-Person Ground School: A Hands-On Approach
- Structured Learning: Summit Aviation offers in-person ground school, which provides a structured environment and direct interaction with instructors. This can help you get accustomed to the pace and workload of pilot training more effectively.
- Immediate Feedback: You'll benefit from real-time feedback and clarification on complex topics, which can enhance your understanding and retention of material.
- Networking Opportunities: Learning in a classroom setting allows you to connect with fellow students, creating a supportive learning community.
Online Ground School: Flexibility and Convenience
- Learn at Your Own Pace: If in-person attendance doesn’t fit your schedule, online ground school offers the flexibility to study whenever and wherever it’s convenient for you.
- Access to Resources: Online programs often come with a variety of digital resources and tools that you can use at your own pace.
- Adaptability: You can balance your training with other commitments, making it easier to fit learning into your busy life.
Summit Aviation’s RecommendationWe recommend in-person ground school if your schedule allows, as it helps you get accustomed to the pace and workload of pilot training. However, if your schedule doesn’t permit in-person attendance, our online ground school is an excellent alternative that provides flexibility while ensuring you receive the necessary training.
What is a discovery flight?
A discovery flight is like a "test drive" for flying! Here’s what you’ll experience:
What is a Discovery Flight?
What is a Discovery Flight?
- Fly the Plane: You’ll sit in the pilot’s seat and get a chance to control the aircraft, with an instructor guiding you.
- Short and Sweet: The flight lasts about 30 to 60 minutes, giving you a feel for flying without a big time commitment.
- No Experience Needed: It’s perfect for beginners who want to see if flying is for them. You don’t need any prior experience.
- Fun and Informative: You'll learn the basics of flying, get to explore the skies, and ask any questions you have about becoming a pilot.
How do I become a private pilot?
So, you want to become a private pilot? Here’s a straightforward guide to get you started:
1. Begin Your Training
Starting early and choosing a training path that fits your life can make the process smoother and more enjoyable.
1. Begin Your Training
- Start Young: You can start flight training at 16 and even solo an airplane at that age. If you're passionate about flying, you can begin your journey early!
- Learn the Basics: Ground school teaches you the theory behind flying, like navigation and weather. You can choose between in-person classes or online options based on what fits your schedule best.
- Flight Hours: You’ll spend time flying with an instructor, learning the ropes and gaining experience. Training sessions are usually in 2-hour blocks, making it easier to fit into your routine.
- Written Exam: After ground school, you’ll need to pass a written test on what you’ve learned.
- Checkride: Finally, you’ll demonstrate your skills in a checkride with an FAA examiner to earn your private pilot certificate.
- Fly for Fun: With your certificate, you can fly for personal enjoyment, take friends and family on trips, and explore new places. Just remember, you can't get paid for flying.
Starting early and choosing a training path that fits your life can make the process smoother and more enjoyable.
What are the financing options at our part 61 school?
Here’s how you can manage the cost of your flight training with us:
Pay-As-You-Go
Feel free to reach out to us for more details or if you need help with financing options.
Pay-As-You-Go
- Flexible Payments: Pay for lessons as you go, which makes it easier to manage costs without a big upfront payment.
- Flight Training Scholarships: Apply for scholarship assistance through organizations like AOPA, EAA, WAI, the 99's, BPA, NGPA and many more!
- Personal Loans: Banks or credit institutions can provide loans to help cover training costs.
- Credit Cards: Useful for smaller expenses, but be mindful of interest rates.
- Limited Financing: While Part 61 schools like ours may not have formal financing plans, we offer flexible payment options to help manage the cost.
Feel free to reach out to us for more details or if you need help with financing options.
Why are Piper Archer's the best for flight training?
- Reliable: They’re dependable and have fewer maintenance issues.
- Easy to Fly: Smooth handling makes learning easier.
- Affordable: Cost-effective and fuel-efficient.
- Comfortable: Spacious cockpit and simple controls.
- Piper Archers make your flight training straightforward, comfortable, and budget-friendly.
Take a look at our fleet here!
Choosing Between Part 61 and Part 141 Flight Schools: What’s Best for You?
When you're looking to become a pilot, choosing the right flight school is a big decision. You'll come across two main options: Part 61 and Part 141 flight schools. Here's a quick guide to help you decide which one fits your goals and lifestyle.
Part 61 Flight Training: Take Control of Your Life
- Flexible Schedule: Perfect if you’re juggling work, school, or other commitments. Part 61 training is all about flexibility, so you can learn to fly at your own pace.
- Customized Learning: No rigid syllabus here. Your instructor can tailor the lessons to fit your needs, helping you progress faster where you're strong and spending more time where you need it.
- Autonomy: You and your instructor have more freedom to focus on what’s important to you. It's about learning on your terms.
- Affordable: Pay as you go, making it easier to manage your finances while you pursue your dreams.
Part 141 Flight Training: Structured and Full-Time
- Structured Program: If you prefer a more traditional school-like environment, Part 141 might be for you. These schools follow strict FAA-approved programs.
- Fewer Flight Hours: Thanks to the structured approach, you might need fewer flight hours to get your certification.
- Full-Time Commitment: This path often requires a full-time commitment, which can be a great fit if you can fully dedicate yourself to your training.
Why Choose Part 61?
- If you’re looking to take control of your life, balance your ambitions with other responsibilities, and want a training experience that's as unique as you are, Part 61 is the way to go. You'll get the flexibility to learn at your own pace while still achieving your dream of becoming a pilot.
Do your training planes have regular maintenance?
Yes, at Summit Aviation, we prioritize aircraft maintenance for your safety:
We keep our planes in top condition to ensure a safe and reliable training experience.
- Oil Changes: Every 50 hours, with oil samples tested for performance.
- Annual Inspections: Every 100 hours, checking all components for FAA compliance.
- Maintenance Logs: Detailed records ensure transparency and adherence to safety standards.
We keep our planes in top condition to ensure a safe and reliable training experience.
Can I be still be a pilot if I'm not a U.S. Citizen?
Yes, you can become a pilot if you’re not a U.S. citizen. Here’s what you need to do:
- FAA Pilot Certification: You can obtain an FAA pilot certificate if you pass the necessary written, oral, and flight tests, and meet all FAA requirements.
- Visa Requirements: You’ll need an appropriate visa, such as an M-1 student visa, to study and train in the U.S. Make sure your visa allows you to stay for the duration of your training.
- Medical Certification: Obtain an FAA medical certificate from an authorized aviation medical examiner. This verifies you meet the health and fitness requirements for flying.
- English Language Proficiency: You must be proficient in English, as all communication with air traffic control and flight training will be in English.
- Background Checks: The FAA requires a security background check for non-U.S. citizens as part of the certification process.
Can I buy a plane and do my flight training in it?
Yes, you can buy a plane and use it for your flight training, but there are several factors to consider before making that decision:
Benefits of Training in Your Own Plane
Considerations
Summit Aviation’s Approach At Summit Aviation, we focus on providing high-quality training with our well-maintained fleet and experienced instructors. While training in your own plane is an option, we recommend using our aircraft during training to ensure a consistent and supportive learning environment. Our aircraft are regularly inspected and maintained to the highest standards, which can help streamline your training experience.
If you’re considering buying a plane for training, discuss it with your instructor to ensure it aligns with your training goals and requirements.
Benefits of Training in Your Own Plane
- Personal Experience: Training in your own aircraft can provide a more personalized experience and allow you to become familiar with your specific plane’s handling and systems.
- Flexibility: Owning your own plane gives you the flexibility to schedule flights without relying on aircraft availability at a flight school.
Considerations
- Initial Cost: Purchasing an aircraft involves significant upfront costs, including the price of the plane, insurance, and potential maintenance expenses.
- Maintenance and Upkeep: You'll need to ensure your aircraft is maintained to FAA standards. This includes regular inspections, maintenance, and adherence to airworthiness requirements.
- Training Costs: While owning your plane may reduce rental fees, you’ll still incur costs for flight training, including instructor fees and possibly higher insurance premiums.
Summit Aviation’s Approach At Summit Aviation, we focus on providing high-quality training with our well-maintained fleet and experienced instructors. While training in your own plane is an option, we recommend using our aircraft during training to ensure a consistent and supportive learning environment. Our aircraft are regularly inspected and maintained to the highest standards, which can help streamline your training experience.
If you’re considering buying a plane for training, discuss it with your instructor to ensure it aligns with your training goals and requirements.
Can I rent a plane?
Yes, you are able to rent one of Summit Aviation’s planes, subject to certain conditions and requirements. Here's what you need to know:
1. Rental Requirements: You must meet the rental requirements set by our flight school, which include holding a valid pilot certificate, meeting any minimum experience or currency requirements, and demonstrating proficiency in the specific aircraft you wish to rent.
2. Checkout Process: Before renting an airplane, you'll need to undergo a checkout process with one of our certified flight instructors. During this process, you'll familiarize yourself with the aircraft's systems, procedures, and handling characteristics to ensure safe operation.
3. Rental Rates and Policies: Our flight school will have established rental rates and policies governing the use of rental aircraft. This may include rental fees, hourly rates, scheduling procedures, and any limitations on where the aircraft can be flown.
4. Insurance Coverage: You may need to provide proof of insurance coverage or purchase rental insurance to cover any potential liabilities while operating the rental aircraft.
5. Availability: Rental aircraft availability may vary based on factors such as demand, maintenance schedules, and aircraft availability. It's advisable to check with our flight school in advance to reserve the aircraft for your desired dates and times.
6. Compliance with Regulations: When renting an airplane from our Part 61 flight school, you must comply with all applicable regulations and guidelines set forth by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and our flight school.
If you're interested in renting an airplane from our Part 61 flight school, please contact us for more information on rental requirements, availability, and pricing. We're here to help you enjoy the freedom of flight responsibly and safely
1. Rental Requirements: You must meet the rental requirements set by our flight school, which include holding a valid pilot certificate, meeting any minimum experience or currency requirements, and demonstrating proficiency in the specific aircraft you wish to rent.
2. Checkout Process: Before renting an airplane, you'll need to undergo a checkout process with one of our certified flight instructors. During this process, you'll familiarize yourself with the aircraft's systems, procedures, and handling characteristics to ensure safe operation.
3. Rental Rates and Policies: Our flight school will have established rental rates and policies governing the use of rental aircraft. This may include rental fees, hourly rates, scheduling procedures, and any limitations on where the aircraft can be flown.
4. Insurance Coverage: You may need to provide proof of insurance coverage or purchase rental insurance to cover any potential liabilities while operating the rental aircraft.
5. Availability: Rental aircraft availability may vary based on factors such as demand, maintenance schedules, and aircraft availability. It's advisable to check with our flight school in advance to reserve the aircraft for your desired dates and times.
6. Compliance with Regulations: When renting an airplane from our Part 61 flight school, you must comply with all applicable regulations and guidelines set forth by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and our flight school.
If you're interested in renting an airplane from our Part 61 flight school, please contact us for more information on rental requirements, availability, and pricing. We're here to help you enjoy the freedom of flight responsibly and safely
Does Summit Aviation offer charter flights or sightseeing tours?
Answer: No, Summit Aviation does not offer charter flights or sightseeing tours. Our focus is solely on providing comprehensive flight training services. We specialize in pilot training and ensuring the safety and proficiency of our students. For charter flights, we recommend contacting PVT Air https://pvtair.com/, our neighbor, which offers Part 135 charter flights for your travel needs.