Cost & Billing
How much does it cost to get a Private Pilot License (PPL)?
The total cost typically ranges from $11,000 to $20,000.
Why is there such a big range in the total cost?
The FAA's minimum requirement is 40 flight hours, but the national average is closer to 65-75 hours. The biggest factor is you. Students who study diligently and fly consistently (at least once a week) are much more likely to complete their training closer to the 40-hour minimum.
What are your hourly rates?
Our instructor rate is $60 per hour for all flight and ground instruction. Aircraft rental rates are billed separately and vary by plane. Please see our Aircraft Fleet page for current aircraft pricing.
What other costs are there besides the hourly rates?
You will also have one-time costs for your headset ($100 - $1,000), written materials ($200 - $400), testing fees ($100 - $200), the final checkride exam (~$1,000), and renter's insurance (~$800).
Do you offer financing?
We don't offer in house financing, but you can finance your flight training through many lendors including AOPA Finance.
Getting Started
I'm brand new. What's my very first step?
The best first step is to reach out! Visit our Contact Us page and send us a message or give us a call. We'll answer your initial questions and help you schedule your first introductory flight.
What paperwork do I need to start training?
After your first flight, we'll help you start your Student Pilot Certificate application online through IACRA. You will also need to bring proof of U.S. Citizenship, which can be a valid U.S. Passport OR a combination of your driver's license and original birth certificate.
Do I have to put my Social Security Number on the IACRA application?
No. The SSN field on the IACRA application is not required. We strongly recommend you leave this field blank to protect your privacy.
Medical & Insurance
Do I really need an FAA Medical Certificate?
Yes. Before you can fly solo, every new student pilot must obtain at least a Third Class Medical Certificate from an FAA-designated Aviation Medical Examiner (AME). There are no exceptions for your first certificate.
I have a medical condition I'm worried about. What should I do?
Please talk with us before you schedule your official medical exam. Certain conditions can lead to a disqualification or a long delay. We can provide advice on how to best approach the situation.
What about BasicMed?
BasicMed is an alternative path for renewing your medical privileges, but it is not an option for your initial certification. You must hold a medical certificate at least once to be eligible.
Do I need renter's insurance?
Yes. We require all students to have renter's insurance before they can fly solo. We recommend a policy with at least $50,000 in hull coverage, which typically costs around $800 per year.
Gear & Equipment
Do I need to buy a headset right away?
No, we can lend you a headset for your initial flights. After you've had a chance to try one, you will want to purchase your own. We recommend noise-canceling headsets like the Bose A30 or Lightspeed Zulu 3.
What logbook should I use? Paper or Electronic?
We highly recommend an electronic logbook. The industry-standard app is ForeFlight, which runs on Apple iPads and iPhones. It includes your digital logbook, electronic charts, flight planning tools, and weather, all in one place.
I'm a larger pilot. Are there any restrictions?
Please let us know if your weight exceeds 250 lbs. This is purely for safety. Due to the weight and balance limitations of our training aircraft, we may need to explore alternative solutions to fly safely.
The Training Process
How do I schedule lessons?
We use Flight Circle to manage all aircraft and instructor scheduling. We will get you signed up in the system.
What is "ground school" and when do I start?
Ground school covers the theoretical knowledge you need to be a pilot (e.g., regulations, weather, navigation). After your first few lessons, you should sign up for an online ground school program like Sporty's, King Schools, or Gold Seal. You must pass the FAA Written Exam before you can take your final checkride.
MOSAIC & Sport Pilot
Do you offer Sport Pilot training?
Yes! Our SkyReach BushCat is a modern, fun-to-fly Light-Sport Aircraft (LSA) and is the perfect platform for earning your Sport Pilot license.
What is MOSAIC and how does it change things?
MOSAIC is a new set of FAA rules that greatly expands what Sport Pilots can do. It allows them to fly larger, more capable aircraft and adds new privileges, such as flying at night, operating aircraft with retractable gear, and using a controllable-pitch propeller, all after receiving specific training and an endorsement for each.
Why should I get a Sport Pilot license instead of a Private Pilot license?
A Sport Pilot license is often faster and less expensive to obtain. It doesn't require an FAA medical certificate (you can use your driver's license), and the training focuses on flying for fun in simpler aircraft. It's a fantastic option if your goal is recreational, daytime flying.