How Much Will It Cost to Get a License?

In the early 1950's, the FAA set the minimum requirement for Private Pilot Certification at 40 hours of total time. With the rapid pace of technology, the refinement of navigational equipment and radios, and the dramatic increases in airspace traffic, the national average now hovers around 65 total hours.

Initial estimates are based on FAA minimum completion times under part 61.   A real world estimate based near the national average completion times is also included for your reference.  Please realize that your preparation and frequency of flight training affects their overall cost. Other factors include age, specific knowledge, prior experience, etc.

Prices listed below are for example purposes only. Please give us a call to find out more details.

Private Pilot:

All estimates are based on Cessna 172 rental rates of $95/hr and $40 hours for instruction.   Total cost for FAA minimum completion time is $5,835 and the real world estimate is $8,560. 

Minimum FAA Estimate:			Real World Estimate of 65 Hours:
20 hours Dual	$2,700		40 hours Dual	$5,400
20 hours Solo	$1,900		25 hours Solo	$2,375
15 hours Ground Instruction	$600		15 hours Ground Instruction	$600
FAA Written Exam	$90		FAA Written Exam	$90
FAA Medical Exam	$95		FAA Medical Exam	$95
Examiner Fee Practical Exam	$450
TOTAL	$5,835		TOTAL	$8,560

Instrument Rating:

All estimates are based on Cessna 182 rental rates of $130/hr and $45/hr for instrument instruction.   Total cost for FAA minimum completion time is $7,185 and the real world estimate is $8,310.

Minimum FAA Estimate:			Real World Estimate of 65 Hours:
15 hours Dual	$2,625		40 hours Dual	$7,000
25 hours w/Safety Pilot	$3,250
15 hours Ground Instruction	$675		15 hours Ground Instruction	$675
FAA Written Exam	$90		FAA Written Exam	$90
FAA Medical Exam	$95		FAA Medical Exam	$95
Examiner Fee Practical Exam	$450		Examiner Fee Practical Exam	$450
TOTAL	$7,185		TOTAL	$8,310

Notes:

• Students must have 50 hours of cross-country time by completion of the instrument rating.  This estimate does not include cross-country time building between the Private Pilot Certificate and the Instrument Rating. 
• Costs of training will vary individual to individual based upon their aptitude to flight training and personal preparation prior to each flight.  BAS does not guarantee these estimates, but provides them as a way for students to prepare for the costs of flight instruction.