Understanding the True Cost of Learning to Fly

A dream though learning to fly might be, it can feel unattainable. It took me until I was almost 30 to actually believe I could pull the trigger, and it takes others far longer than that. Part of the hesitation for myself and, surely, for others was the sense that costs were simply too high.

Yes, flying is expensive, but there are ways around that problem. With a clear-eyed understanding of the costs involved, which can be admittedly difficult to nail down without some guidance, the dream might just start to feel attainable.

Some schools out there simply charge an all-encompassing tuition. This will usually be larger, Part 141 schools and some university programs. That said, “tuition” in flight training is a bit of a misnomer in most cases; generally, costs can be broken down into rental costs, flight instructor fees, and the cost of various supplies.

Each time you fly, you’ll pay an hourly rental rate for the airplane, which undoubtedly represents the most significant portion of your overall costs. These rental fees are typically determined by the time measured on a device in the cockpit—often a Hobbs meter— which runs whenever the engine is operating.

A good way to get an idea of the total aircraft rental costs you might incur is to reference the Federal Aviation Regulations (FAR), particularly Part 61. Assuming you do not plan to go to a Part 141 school, this section will lay out the basic flight hour and experience requirements you will need in order to earn whichever certificates and ratings you plan to pursue. Just keep in mind that these are minimum requirements, so budget a few extra hours.

Be sure to also consider instructor fees. In addition to aircraft rental rates—discussed in a bit more detail below—you will need to also pay an hourly rate for the time you spend in an aircraft with your instructor. These fees vary widely, but generally somewhere between $50-$70 is the going rate in most places. It is possible to save on these fees somewhat by using an independent flight instructor who is not associated with a school, in which case you can often expect to pay somewhere around $40-$60 per hour, assuming you aren’t receiving specialized training or flying in an uncommon aircraft. The trick, in this case, is that you often will need to provide the airplane, usually meaning you must either purchase an aircraft or use an independent flight instructor associated with a flying club and become a member yourself. 

While purchasing involves a high upfront cost, this can be a way to save money in the long run, depending on your goals. Most planes tend to retain their value fairly well, so much of the cost that would have otherwise been spent on rentals can often be recouped when you sell the plane.

A “wet” rate includes the cost of fuel, meaning you usually won’t be expected to fill the tanks after each flight. A “dry” rate excludes fuel, so you’ll pay for it yourself. Wet rates can save you the hassle of purchasing fuel at potentially variable airport prices, although you can often save money by utilizing a dry rate, since you simply pay whatever the cost of fuel is, rather than going off the flight school’s estimation of fuel prices, which is usually somewhat higher than the going rate.

Wet rates for a typical single-engine trainer aircraft these days will cost somewhere from around $120-$200 an hour. As you advance to complex or multiengine aircraft, that price can rise to $300 or even $400 or more per hour.

Unsurprisingly, newer airplanes with upgraded glass cockpits tend to cost more, while older aircraft with classic steam gauges tend to cost less. What you choose is really a matter of preference. As long as the school has a good reputation for its maintenance program, you should be perfectly fine either way.

Some schools utilize flight simulators or advanced aviation training devices (AATDs) to help students practice procedures and maneuvers without incurring the full cost of an actual aircraft rental. Some of this time can even be logged towards your certifications, so long as the simulation device the school uses is properly certified.

Becoming a pilot in the United States involves several tests. After passing an aeronautical knowledge test (the “written”), you’ll need to complete an oral and practical exam (the “check ride”) with a Designated Pilot Examiner (DPE). Examiners are not employed directly by the FAA and, therefore, charge fees for their services, which vary based on geographic region and certificate level. For a private pilot check ride, fees often hover around $800-$1,000. Advanced certificates or ratings might cost more.

Additionally, each attempt at the FAA knowledge test requires a testing fee—commonly around $175 per exam. To prepare, you can use structured, online training courses to reduce the chance of needing costly retakes.

Although the digital age has shifted much of flight planning and reference work onto tablets and other devices, books and study materials remain vital. You’ll likely want a well-rounded library of flight manuals, regulations, and test prep guides.

Many students opt for EFB apps on tablets, like ForeFlight. These apps are extremely useful resources that help pilots plan flights, make many relevant calculations, and even store important documents. Still, they are usually subscription-based services that can easily run a few hundred dollars a year.

Even if you plan to fly with an EFB, it’s still a good idea to keep paper backups of whatever documents you need during a flight. This is an especially good idea during any check ride. Paper charts, supplements, and approach plates are not terribly expensive but still do add up over time.

Ground school covers aerodynamics, weather, regulations, navigation, and more. The cost for ground instruction depends on a few factors.

Some flight schools might bundle ground lessons with flight training. In most cases, though, you will pay per hour of ground instruction, which can be anywhere from $40-$80 or more. Alternatively, many students choose self-paced online courses to complete these lessons more affordably while providing enhanced flexibility.

Though it might sound trivial, even costs like those associated with getting to your flight school are relevant, especially if you plan to train far from home. Whether you’re paying for gas, tolls, rideshares, or public transportation, these costs accumulate with every trip, so be sure to budget for them.

Students who will need to move in order to attend training will face the added burden of rent, utilities, groceries, and other household expenses that might look different than if those students trained closer to home. If the flight school is in a high-cost city, living expenses might rival the actual cost of flight training. Alternatively, you might move to a more rural area where living is cheaper, but flight training options could be more limited or require significant travel.

Some flight schools partner with local apartment complexes or student housing providers to arrange discounted, or at least convenient, accommodations for trainee pilots. In some cases, the cost of these living arrangements can be wrapped into your flight training loan, if you are using one.

In the U.S., earning most pilot certificates requires you to pass a medical exam with an Aviation Medical Examiner (AME). If you’re training for recreational or private pilot privileges, you’ll typically need a third-class medical certificate to start with. The exam fee can run from $75-$200, depending on region and potential additional testing if you have underlying health issues.

Getting this exam done early in your training is highly recommended. You don’t want to invest time and money into flight lessons only to discover a disqualifying health condition or face a lengthy special issuance process.

No matter how nice the airplanes are, certain tools will make your training far more comfortable and enjoyable.

A reliable aviation headset can cost anywhere from $150 to well over $1,000. While the price tag might hurt a bit, you will wear your headset for thousands of hours during your training, time building, and early career. Pick one that is comfortable, has good sound quality, and protects your hearing in what tends to be a loud environment.

Organizing charts, headsets, tablets, and logbooks is crucial, and specialized bags designed for pilots can help with this. Invest in a quality bag upfront to avoid repurchasing equipment a few months into training.

For apparel optimized for cockpit environments—lightweight, durable, with well-placed pockets—some flight-specific brands can keep you comfortable year-round.

Kneeboards, mounts, hand-held radios, and ADS-B In receivers are helpful as you try to stay organized and safe. These tools are specifically tailored to keep things organized and secure, simplifying tasks in the cockpit. Additionally, you will need other tools like an easy-to-use and reliable CX-3 Flight Computer for learning how to flight plan over the course of your training.

Your choice of aircraft—whether a simple single engine or a more complex model—impacts overall expenses, as do accelerated versus part-time schedules. Faster programs sometimes require hefty upfront payments or may offer loans but come at a higher overall cost. Slower pacing can help spread out costs, and schools that allow for self-paced learning tend to be generally less expensive. Even so, a slower pace leads to the risk of needing extra remedial lessons to get up to speed and maintain proficiency.

Instructor experience also matters. While seasoned mentors may charge higher hourly rates, they might also help train you more efficiently.

Geographic location can make a big difference as well, influencing factors like flight instructor and rental rates along with the frequency of weather-related delays.

Many aspiring pilots turn to specialized loans for financing, especially if they plan to knock out multiple certificates and ratings on their way to becoming a professional pilot. These often carry higher interest than conventional student loans, and few options for flight training exist outside of university environments that are eligible for federal loans. That said, weigh repayment timelines carefully. Scholarships provided by various aviation groups can help offset costs, so be sure to do some research on what options might apply to you. Even partial awards can cover vital materials or exam fees.

Ultimately, success hinges on smart planning. Budget thoroughly, combine in-person instruction with online study to minimize total hours, and acquire well-reviewed textbooks. If relocation is an option, compare living expenses in smaller towns to busier city airports. Keep commutes feasible and expect to invest in necessary gear, from headsets to specialized apparel.

Despite the price tag, flight training is a gateway to adventure, personal growth, and career possibilities. With disciplined preparation and resourcefulness, earning your wings becomes more than a dream—it becomes your reality and an enduring professional achievement.

Is it expensive to learn to be a pilot?

Learning to fly can range in cost significantly, from less than $10,000 for a basic recreational or private glider certificate to more than $100,000 for career-track training with premium flight schools. There are many factors at play that impact the final cost.

How much does it cost to learn to fly?

A basic private pilot certificate will typically run somewhere between $10,000-$20,000, while full career-track training can run from around $60,000-$120,000. Factors influencing these costs include the type of school, age and level of equipment of the fleet, frequency of training, and the student’s ability to master knowledge and maneuvers quickly.

Is it financially worth it to become a pilot?

There are a multitude of motivations for becoming a pilot, but those who want to become professionals can look forward to salaries well above the six-figure mark.

Is it cheaper to buy a plane to learn to fly?

Some pilots with the means to do so opt to purchase a plane for flight training. Often they recoup the cost of the airplane by selling it when they conclude training or time building, as airplanes generally tend to hold their value well.