Our popular Private Pilot Pre-Pay Offer has returned, and it's better than ever! This package includes more than the required time needed to earn your Private Pilot Certificate, bundling 60 hours of aircraft rental, 60 hours of instruction, and our comprehensive Private Pilot Ground School. Plus, enjoy a 10% discount on any additional hours flown beyond the package.
No spots left—check back soon for more opportunities!
Compare the costs side by side to see the value of our pre-pay offer.
| Cost Category | Pre-Paid Special Offer | Pay-As-You-Go |
| 60 Hours Aircraft Rental | $13,300 (includes 60 hours aircraft rental) | $11,160 (60 hours at $186 per hour) |
| 60 Hours Instruction | Included in the offer | $3,300 (60 hours at $55 per hour) |
| Ground School & Discovery Flight | Included | $479 |
| Testing Fee + Checkride (Practical Flight Test) | Approximately $1,000 | Approximately $1,000 |
| Total Cost | $14,300 | $15,909 |
The cost of obtaining your private pilot certificate varies based on the total flight and instruction hours required. While the FAA mandates a minimum of 40 hours, most students typically need more, with the national average currently at around 62 hours.
Estimating how many hours it will take to learn to fly can be difficult.
It's wise to budget for more hours than anticipated. Factors like weather, maintenance, and scheduling delays can consume time, as you'll need to maintain proficiency before your test.
Hourly airplane rental often represents the largest training expense. For a Cessna 172, average rates are around $190 per hour wet (including fuel). Check our rates here.
Investing in a Springs Aviation Instructor is a smart choice. At just $55 per hour, our instructor rates are among the most affordable in the country.
Instruction costs apply to both ground and flight training, and ground training is essential for your success.
Books, charts, plotters, E6B calculators, bags, headsets, and more—these costs are minor compared to airplane rentals but are essential to consider.
While Springs students can borrow a headset, having your own can enhance comfort.
For all your gear needs, we recommend Quest Pilot Supplies.
Testing fees are an important expense to plan for. The written exam costs $175 per attempt, and the practical test (checkride) typically requires a minimum of $850 for the examiner. Additionally, you’ll need to account for the cost of renting the airplane for the duration of the checkride.
