Understanding the Costs Associated with Becoming a Pilot

Becoming a pilot is an incredibly fun and rewarding venture. As fun as it may be, you’ll likely have a few obstacles along the way.

However, it is also a hefty financial investment. If you’re asking the question, “How much does it cost to become a pilot?” the question can’t be answered cut and dry easily.

The short answer, plan on around 60-100k. However, there are many factors that go into this as well as several that could save you 10’s of thousands along the way.

From private pilot training for leisure flying to commercial certification for a career in aviation, the costs can vary extensively based on location, types you’re going for, and variations in weather and training patterns.

In this comprehensive guide, we will break down the expenses involved in pilot training, shedding light on the financial commitment you will need to make to realize your dream of soaring the skies.

The Journey to Becoming a Pilot: An Overview

The road to pilot certification is paved with several stages. Depending on what kind of pilot you aspire to be, the cost of your training will differ. So, to answer how much does it cost to become a pilot? Start with your end goal in mind, that will make this breakdown much easier.

Here’s a brief rundown of the types of pilot certification and their related costs:

Student Pilot: The first step in your aviation journey, the student pilot phase, will cost you around $500-1000, mainly for the required medical certificate. You will be required to obtain copies of any medical paperwork for the Aviation Medical Examiner (AME) plus any other onboarding fee’s.
Sport Pilot: For hobbyists, earning a sport pilot license will cost an estimated $9,500. This phase requires both ground and flight training.
Recreational Pilot: This certification, although not as popular as others, will cost you approximately $10,300.
Private Pilot: This is a common starting point for individuals serious about a career in aviation. The total expenses can range from $15,000 to $20,000.
Commercial Pilot: If you’re aiming for the skies professionally, you’ll need to invest a hefty sum of around $50,000 to $60,000.
Flight Instructor: Becoming a Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) can cost between $5,000 and $8,000, providing a path to gain flight experience.
Airline Transport Pilot: The final stop for aviation professionals, the Airline Transport Pilot License (ATPL) will cost about $5,000.
Drone Pilot: A recent and rapidly growing field, the cost of becoming a drone pilot averages $450.

Each of these certifications comes with its own set of prerequisites and training requirements, which we will explore in the following sections.

It’s also important to notice that not every certification is required to become a professional pilot. The most common path is generally as follows:

Student Pilot
Private Pilot
Instrument Rated Pilot
Commercial Pilot
Flight Instructor (CFI)
Airline Transport Pilot (ATP)

This path does answer the question of ‘how much does it cost to be a pilot?’, but remember, everyone has different goals. Not everyone wants to be a professional pilot. If you’re goal is to be professional pilot from the path listed. Plan on spending between 50-100k.

If you only want to pursue a private pilot license, generally speaking, plan on spending 15-20k.

However, everyone is different and will have different learning speeds and abilities.

Breaking Down the Costs

The overall cost of becoming a pilot includes several components besides the actual flight training. Let’s delve into the various expenses you’ll encounter.

The Cost of Medical, Written, and Practical Exams

Before you can get your wings, you must pass a series of exams. These include a medical test, a written knowledge test, and a practical test. Plan on around $500 for all of these.

Medical Certificate

A medical certificate certifying your fitness to fly is essential. This certificate is issued by an Aviation Medical Examiner (AME) and can cost between $75 to $200. Each AME can charge their own fee’s. Either call ahead or check the website for the exact fee’s.

Written Exam

The written exam tests your aeronautical knowledge. It’s administered by the FAA and the fee can range from $140 to $165, depending on the location.

Practical Test

The practical test, also known as a check ride, is your final hurdle. The cost can vary significantly based on the license type, location, and the aircraft used for the exam.

Most practical tests cost between $350 and $550.

An important note from recent years, many DPE’s (Pilot Examiners) are now expecting a 50% down payment for the check ride as some students are missing appointments or cancelling all together.

Cost of Essential Pilot Supplies

Starting your pilot training requires some basic supplies. These can include textbooks, charts, headsets, flight computers, and even specific pilot gear. It’s wise to budget $500 to $1,000 for these items.

The most significant will be your iPad. If you don’t already have one, plan on purchasing one. If you plan to purchase new, consider purchasing an iPad with cellular to avoid having to constantly hotspot your phone. An iPad will run you around $450-550 depending on the model.

Aircraft Rentals and Flight Instructor Fees

The most significant part of your expenses will be aircraft rental and flight instructor fees. These fees are typically billed on an hourly basis, with rates varying depending on the type of aircraft and the flight instructor’s experience.

It’s not uncommon to pay $150-200 per hour for the plane and an additional $50-80 per hour for the flight instructor.

The quick math shows us this:

Average Private Pilot Hours = 100 hours x $225/hour(avg) = $22,500~
Average Instrument Pilot Hours = 60 hours x $225/hour(avg) = $13,500~
Average Commercial Pilot Hours = 250 hours x $175/hour(avg) = $43,750~

The total of just these comes to $79,750.

Exam Fees

In addition to the training costs, you will also need to pay for written and practical exams. These fees usually range from $150 to $1,200, depending on the type of exam and your location.

Individual Certification Costs

Now, let’s take a closer look at the cost breakdown for each type of pilot certification.

Private Pilot License Cost

A private pilot license (PPL) is the first serious step for those eyeing a career in aviation. It involves three phases of training: the pre-solo phase, cross-country phase, and practical exam preparation.

The minimum time to get a PPL is 35 hours under Part 141 training or 40 hours under Part 61, but most pilots take substantially longer. Therefore, the minimum cost, including 40 hours of flight training, can be around $15,000.

Instrument Rating Cost

After obtaining a PPL, many pilots opt for an instrument rating. This course requires you to pass a written exam and a practical flying skills checkride. The estimated total cost for an instrument rating, including the required flight training, is around $12,000.

Commercial Pilot License Cost

The next step for those aspiring to become professional pilots is obtaining a Commercial Pilot License (CPL). This license allows you to earn money for flying and is a prerequisite for most aviation jobs. The estimated total cost for a CPL is about $40,000.

Multi-Engine Rating Cost

A multi-engine rating can be added to any grade of pilot certificate and expands your flying capabilities. The estimated total cost for this rating, with the required flight time, is about $5,000.

Flight Instructor Certification Cost

Becoming a Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) is a common path for pilots to gain flight experience and build up their flight hours. The estimated total cost for a CFI course is around $7,000.

Airline Transport Pilot License Cost

To qualify to become an airline transport pilot (ATP), you must have accrued 1,500 hours of total flying time. The actual cost of getting the ATP isn’t that great because the flight training is pretty simple. If you are paying for this expect to spend around $5,000.

Funding Your Pilot Training

Ok, how much does it cost to become a pilot? The general answer we’ve covered, plan on 85k minimum. So how do you pay for it?

Several options exist to fund your pilot training. These include:

Self-Pay: Some pilots choose to pay for their training out of pocket. If you choose this route, many flight schools offer installment plans to help manage the cost.
Loans: Several lenders offer private student loans specifically tailored for pilot training.
Scholarships: Numerous organizations offer aviation scholarships, which can significantly offset the cost of flight training.
Veterans Education Benefits: If you have served in the U.S. military, you may be eligible for educational benefits that could pay for a portion of your flight training program costs.

Conclusion

Becoming a pilot is no small financial commitment. However, with a clear understanding of the costs involved and careful financial planning, it’s an achievable dream for many.

It’s important to remember to not wait to look at the financial burden and to have a clear plan of action otherwise you will end up running out of funds when you are neck deep into training and you could possibly have to delay training until funds become available.

Whether you aspire to fly recreationally or professionally, knowing the answer to “how much does it cost to become a pilot” is the first step in planning your aviation future.

Keep your end goal in sight and work hard! It is achievable!

Read here on how long it takes to become a pilot!