How Much Does It Cost to Become a Pilot?

Do you dream of being a pilot? Before you start your journey, it’s important to understand the money you’ll need. The cost depends on things like what type of license you want, what training program you choose, and where you go.

Besides just the cost of tuition, you also need to pay for things like flight time, instructors, classes, tests, and equipment. Some flight schools have all-inclusive packages, but make sure to check what’s included so you don’t get any surprises.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the different costs of becoming a pilot, from basic licenses to advanced ratings, and share options that might help make the journey more affordable.

Key Takeaways

• Expect certification costs, aircraft rental, instructor fees, ground school, exams, and extras.
• Your total expenses will depend on other factors such as location, duration, and training program.
• Check out loans, scholarships, or grants that will help you manage the cost of flight training.
• While training comes with significant costs, the rewards are worth the investment.

How Much Does It Cost To Become a Private Pilot?

Your Private Pilot License (PPL) will be the foundation of your life in the sky. Whatever your flying goals are, this is the first certificate you’ll need to earn. With your PPL, you’ll be able to fly small aircraft for personal trips.

Are you wondering how much it’ll cost? Let’s break down the bill.

Flight Training

Flight training is where the bulk of your money goes. The FAA requires a minimum of 40 flight hours for a PPL, but students usually take around 55–70 hours before they’re ready for checkride. 

Your aircraft rental fees typically cost between $150 and $250 per hour, depending on the aircraft you’re flying. Generally, older models like a classic Cessna 172 are more affordable than modern ones with glass cockpits.

On top of that, Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) fees range from $50 to $100 per hour.

So, with all these combined, you’re looking at roughly $8,000 to $15,000 just for flight training.

Ground school will be another big part of your training. You can choose between an online Private Pilot course or in-person instruction. Either way, ground school is where you’ll build your theoretical knowledge.

Online programs typically cost between $200 and $500+, while in-person classes at flight schools can range from $1,000 to $2,000.

How can you know which one to go for?

Well, if you’re looking for something more budget-friendly and flexible, online schooling is a great option. But if you want something more hands-on with a structured pace, classroom instruction might be the one for you.

Exam and Checkride Fees

When it comes to exams, there are also a couple of costs to keep in mind. The FAA Knowledge Test usually costs around $175. The Practical Exam (checkride) can range from $500 to $800, depending on the examiner and location.

A Class 3 Medical Certificate, the minimum required for a PPL, costs between $75 and $200.

Miscellaneous Fees

Beyond the obvious costs, watch out for miscellaneous fees that can sneak up on you. For example, some airports charge small landing fees. And if you’re in a flying club, you’ll need to pay annual membership dues.

You’ll also need essential equipment and materials. Depending on quality and features, a good aviation headset can cost anywhere from $200 to $1,000.

Flight bags, logbooks, and navigation tools typically add another $100 to $300 to your expenses, while study materials and reference books cost around $100 to $200. 

These upfront purchases might seem steep, but they’re mostly one-time investments that will serve you well throughout your training.

How can you stay on the safe side? It’s a good idea to set aside an additional $500 to $1,000 for these smaller but necessary expenses.

The Factors that Affect Costs

Keep in mind, though, that these costs can vary depending on several different factors. Regarding this, you should answer the following questions:

• Which school do you plan to go to?
• Where is it located?
• What aircraft type will you train in?

All of these factors can have an impact on your final bill.

University-affiliated flight programs are more expensive than local flying clubs or independent flight schools. Training on newer aircraft with advanced avionics will also cost more per hour than older models. 

Regional differences play a role, too. Areas with higher fuel prices or congested airspace, like California or New York, often come with higher training costs.

On average, you can expect to spend around $10,000 to $20,000 at a local flight school, while university-affiliated programs cost between $15,000 to $25,000.

Advanced Licenses and Ratings

Earning your Private Pilot License (PPL) is just the first step in your life as a pilot. Are you planning to make a career out of flying? Advanced licenses and ratings open you up to new opportunities, but they also come with additional costs.

Now, let’s take a look at your next steps and their price tags.

Instrument Rating

With an Instrument Rating (IR), you’ll be able to fly in a broader range of weather conditions, relying on instruments instead of visual cues. It’s a must-have for professional pilots. But even if you’re sticking to your PPL, its value comes in giving you more flexibility and safety.

• Flight Hours: Most pilots need 40–50 hours of instrument flight training. Aircraft rental typically costs $200 to $300 per hour.
• Simulator Hours: Up to 30 hours of your training can often be completed in a Part 142-approved flight simulator. The maximum will be 20 hours if not in accordance with Part 142, and 10 hours in an aviation training device. Simulator training typically costs $75 to $150 per hour.
• Instructor Fees: Expect $50 to $100 per hour for your Certified Flight Instructor-Instrument (CFII).
• Ground School: Around $500 to $1,000 for online or classroom instruction.
• Exams: Around $150 for the written test.
• Checkride: Typically $600 to $800 for the practical exam.

An Instrument Rating generally costs between $8,000 to $12,000, depending on your location and training pace.

Commercial Pilot License

If you want to earn money as a pilot, you’ll need a Commercial Pilot License (CPL). It’ll give you opportunities to work in cargo flights, aerial tours, or other commercial operations.

How many flight hours will you need? The FAA requires 250 total flight hours for a CPL under Part 61. But for a Part 141 flight school, you’ll only need 190 total flight hours.

Here’s a rundown of the costs:

• Flight Hours: $200 to $300 per hour on advanced training aircraft.
• Instructor Fees: Around $50 to $100 per hour.
• Ground School: Typically costs $1,000 to $2,000.
• Exams: The written test costs around $150.
• Checkride: Can range from $700 to $1,000.

On average, earning your CPL will set you back $25,000 to $35,000. This will also depend on how efficiently you complete your required hours.

Multi-Engine Rating

Adding a Multi-Engine (ME) Rating lets you fly aircraft with more than one engine. This is great if you want an airline career and a higher-paying job.

Unlike the previous certificates we discussed, there’s no minimum flight time requirement to get your ME Rating. But of course, you’ll still need to put in the hours to develop your skills.

Did you also know you won’t need to take a written exam? Instead, you’ll just need an endorsement from your Multi-Engine Instructor (MEI) and pass the practical test.

So how much will it cost? Let’s take a look:

• Flight Hours: On average, pilots take 10–15 hours of multi-engine flight time. But because of higher operating costs, the rental fee goes by around $150 to $350 per hour.
• Instructor Fees: Multi-engine instructors usually charge $60 per hour.
• Ground School: Typically costs $300 to $500.
• Checkride: Typically costs $500.

In total, a Multi-Engine Rating usually costs between $2,000 and $7,000, depending on the aircraft and training program.

Airline Transport Pilot Certificate

The Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) Certificate is the highest certification you can earn. You’ll need it to act as a captain for airlines. By this point, most of the costs are tied to logging in the required 1,500 total flight hours.

To get to 1,500 hours, a lot of pilots work in general aviation or as a flight instructor. If you want to become a CFI, you’ll need to set aside $10,000 to $15,000.

Do you want to collect these hours on your own terms instead? If so, you can either buy your own aircraft or continue to rent.

Now, with this scenario in mind, let’s take a break down the cost:

• Aircraft ownership: A used Cessna 172 can cost $80,000 to $500,000. Your recurring annual expenses for insurance, maintenance, and storage can run from around $40,000 to $100,000, depending on how often you fly.
• Rental costs: You can get from 250 total flight hours to 1,500 by renting a Cessna 172, which can cost around $200,000.
• Training Programs: ATP prep courses typically cost $3,000 to $5,000.
• Exams: Expect to spend $500 on written exams.
• Checkride: Typically costs $1,000 to $2,000.

If you’re funding the remainder of 1,500 flying hours yourself, the full cost of obtaining an ATP Certificate can range from $125,000 to $600,000.

Total Cost Overview for Airline Pilots

Overall, it will cost around $70,000 to $150,000+ to go from zero experience to earning your Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) Certificate. 

But remember that the cost of becoming an airline pilot isn’t just about flight hours and licenses. So, what other factors can affect your bill?

Key Factors That Drive Total Costs

The training path you choose will play a huge role. Integrated programs tend to be more expensive, but they will get you to the finish line faster.

Modular programs, on the other hand, let you complete each license separately, and often at your own pace. The trade-off? This flexibility can come with higher overall costs, especially if your training stretches too long.

Another critical factor will be the location of your training. Of course, you can expect bigger expenses in regions with high fuel prices, expensive landing fees, or premium facilities. 

The type of aircraft used for training also affects pricing. Modern ones with advanced avionics cost more to operate, though they may better prepare you for airline environments. 

Finally, instructor availability and scheduling affect costs more than you realize. If your instructor’s schedule is inconsistent or the weather gets in the way, training becomes less efficient and, ultimately, more expensive.

Training Schedule: Full-Time vs. Part-Time

We’ve mentioned that your approach to scheduling has a direct effect on your final costs. But how exactly does that work?

Full-time training is often more cost-effective because you’ll be flying consistently. You’ll have less of a need to take on extra flying hours just to regain lost skills. 

Students in full-time programs generally progress more efficiently. They complete their training faster and with fewer setbacks.

On the other hand, part-time training offers flexibility if you’re balancing work or other responsibilities. Just note that spreading training over an extended period can lead to higher costs. This is because of skill regression and additional flight hours needed to stay proficient. 

At the end of the day, your choice will depend on:

• Your financial situation 
• Your lifestyle
• How quickly you want to enter the industry

Additional Expenses Beyond Licenses and Ratings

While flight hours and training programs make up most of the cost, there are also other unavoidable expenses to consider.

• Housing and Living Costs: If your flight school isn’t local, expect additional expenses for rent, food, and transportation.
• Renter’s Insurance: Some schools require students to carry insurance, typically costing around $200 to $500 annually.
• Study Materials: Books, online resources, and test preparation tools can total $500 to $1,500 throughout your training.
• Skill Tests and Re-Examinations: Failing a checkride means paying for retakes, which include fees for aircraft rental, examiner costs, and possibly extra instruction hours.

Ways to Fund Your Pilot Training

Are the numbers starting to make you feel overwhelmed? Well, fortunately, you also have a lot of funding options to choose from.

From scholarships and loans to airline sponsorships, each option comes with its requirements and benefits. Let’s examine each one.

Financing Options for Pilot Training

• Personal Loans: Some financial institutions offer flight training loans. These loans often come with flexible repayment plans, and some lenders even allow deferred payments until training is complete. 
  Interest rates vary based on credit history, so you can improve your terms when you secure a co-signer.
• Scholarships: Plenty of organizations offer aviation scholarships. Just some for example are:
  • The Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA).
  • Women in Aviation International (WAI).
  • Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA). 
    Their scholarships can cover partial or complete costs for licenses and ratings. Just keep in mind that they are highly competitive. You’ll need to do well with essays and interviews, and show a passion for aviation.
• Grants: Some government programs and aviation foundations provide grants to aspiring pilots. Unlike loans, grants don’t need to be repaid. Availability varies by region, and eligibility may depend on income level or specific demographics.
• Veteran Benefits: In the United States, veterans can fund pilot training through military benefits like the GI Bill. You’ll have to meet certain requirements to qualify, like attending VA-approved schools.
• Flight School Payment Plans: Some schools offer in-house financing or payment plans. These will let you spread training costs over time. But while convenient, they might include additional fees or higher rates.

Are loans and scholarships not for you? No need to worry. There are other ways to fund your training, like working in the aviation industry.

Flight schools and airports often need line service technicians, front desk staff, and aircraft cleaners. You can save up for flight training by working these jobs, and even receive discounts on training fees. Plus, you’ll have a great opportunity to build your network and gain exposure to the field.

Airline and Flight School Sponsorship Programs

Many airlines and flight schools offer programs to help you cover the cost of pilot training. In exchange, you’ll often have to commit to work for them afterward. 

So, where can you apply for these programs? 

Big companies like Delta, United Airlines, and Lufthansa have cadet programs that can either reduce or entirely cover your training costs. In return, you’ll agree to work for the airline for a set number of years once you’re fully trained.

Some flight schools, like CAE Aviation Academy and L3Harris Flight Academy, partner directly with airlines to give you a clear pathway to work.

Is It Financially Worth It to Become a Pilot?

You’ll need to invest significant time and money to become a pilot. But in time, it can lead to one of the most rewarding and lucrative careers out there. 

With global demand for pilots and salaries on the rise, you might wonder: is the return on investment worth it?

Earnings Potential and Career Growth

Like in any job, your salary will depend on your experience, your role, and the size of the company. Flight instructors typically earn between $80,000 and $120,000 per year.

Regional airline pilots usually start with salaries ranging from $40,000 to $60,000 annually. To attract new pilots, they often offer signing bonuses of $10,000 to $20,000.

PSA Airlines even recently offered $175,000 for direct entry captains. And once you become a regional captain, you can earn between $70,000 to $100,000 per year.

But of course, the financial rewards are significantly higher at major airlines.

First officers earn around $90,000 to $200,000 annually, depending on the airline and the aircraft they operate. Experienced captains at major airlines can expect to earn between $200,000 to $350,000 per year. Some long-haul captains on wide-body jets even make at least $400,000 per year.

The Demand for Pilots

You might have heard about the global pilot shortage. Factors like increased air travel demand, mandatory retirement ages, and fewer pilots entering the workforce have created a gap that airlines are eager to fill. 

It’s actually projected that airlines will need over 600,000 new pilots globally by 2040. This is reassuring news if you’re just starting out.

Return on Investment Timeline

How soon can you see the return on your investment? It will depend on how quickly you progress in your career.

On average, it takes about 5–10 years after earning your Private Pilot License (PPL) to reach a point where your earnings outweigh your training costs. 

Regional airline pilots often start repaying training loans early in their careers. They then cover debts and secure financial freedom with major airline salaries.

Factors That Affect Financial Worth

You’ve probably heard of pilots’ sacrifices to get where they are. While the paycheck is attractive, they deal with unpredictable schedules, time away from home, and significant training costs.

But the return on investment isn’t just measured with your salary.

As an airline pilot, you can enjoy travel perks, retirement plans, and healthcare packages. On top of that, many airlines offer bonuses, profit-sharing, and per diem allowances during trips.

Conclusion

Becoming a pilot may seem expensive, but you can make it happen with some clever thinking and planning.

There are lots of ways to get help paying for the costs, like scholarships and programs from airlines. And don’t forget about the rewarding experiences and good pay that come with this career.

So, if flying is what your heart desires, don’t let money stand in your way. Keep pushing towards your dream and use all the tools available to achieve it!