How much does a private pilot license cost?

The cost of a private pilot license is affected by several factors, including flight training, ground school, and aircraft rental fees. Additional expenses beyond flight training should also be budgeted for.

Time with your instructor 

Estimated Cost: $3000-$4000

Your flight instructor will tailor ground training to your specific needs. It will cover airport operations, aerodynamics, maneuvers, systems, regulations, and preparation for the oral exam. This differs from the online ground school used to prepare for the written test.

You will also pay an instructor to provide instruction in the aircraft. You will learn airport procedures, take offs, landings, maneuvers, and cross country operations. The amount of time necessary for training in the aircraft varies based on many factors. 

Aircraft Rental

Estimated Cost: $10,000-$12,000

Aircraft rental fees are calculated in 1/10th of an hour increments, meaning that if the aircraft is on for 1.2 hours, you will be charged for the full 1.2 hours. To be eligible for the checkride, a minimum of 40 hours of aircraft time is required; however, most students need more time to adequately prepare. Therefore, it is advisable to budget for at least 50-55 hours. As the duration of each lesson varies, so will the cost.

Some flight schools add a fuel surcharge or maintenance fee to the hourly rate, which can add $15-$40 per hour to the hourly cost of the aircraft. However, Summit Flight Training, a Greeley flight school, has no hidden fees in the aircraft rental. Our prices include all fuel and maintenance costs.