2 answers
Mallory
Student
Big Lake, Minnesota
7
Questions
Updated
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How easy it it to get your pilots license, and what is the cost?
I am a sophomore in high school, and got to pilot some in a four person plane, as an experience with a trainer. I really enjoyed it and I am trying to figure out if it is worth it for me to pursue.
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2 answers
Doc Frick
Career Coach and Mentor
1942
Answers
California, CA
Updated
Doc’s Answer
The total cost to get a STUDENT pilot license can be around $4,000 Mallory. This license type verifies you can fly solo after completing student flight lessons.
Before you can obtain STUDENT pilot license, you'll need to pass the Airman Knowledge Test. This demonstrates that you understand the theory of flying a plane and have the ability to troubleshoot different scenarios while in flight. Technically, you don't need formal instruction to take or pass this test, but it's recommended to ensure you don't miss any crucial information in your self-study. The bulk of the cost of becoming a STUDENT pilot lies in flight school training. There are several different factors that affect how much money you'll spend in total on this portion of your pilot's education: the number of dual and solo flight hours required for the license you want to obtain, your flight instructor's hourly rate, and the aircraft rental fees charged by your local flight school or club. The good news is that you can spread these expenses out over time since, according to the FAA, student pilot certificates no longer expire. Plus, flight schools typically allow you to pay as you go.
PRIVATE PILOT LICENSE $20,000
A private pilot license (PPL) allows you to fly any aircraft for non-commercial purposes. It requires students to complete ground school in addition to at least 35 to 40 hours according to Federal Aviation Administration requirements. Flight schools may require closer to 60 to 75 hours. The cost of earning your PPL ranges from $15,000 to $20,000.
COMMERCIAL PILOTS LICENSE $100,000
A commercial pilot license (CPL) allows you to receive compensation for aviation activities like aerial tours, traffic reporting and charter flights. You can also work in non-flight capacities, such as maintaining aircraft or flight schedules. Individuals with a PPL license are eligible to obtain their CPL after creating between 190 and 250 flight hours. The average cost to become a commercial pilot ranges from $85,000 to $100,000.
Several scholarships are available for pilots in training Mallory. Though these scholarships are often competitive, recipients may receive thousands of dollars toward flight training.
Hope this was helpful Mallory
Before you can obtain STUDENT pilot license, you'll need to pass the Airman Knowledge Test. This demonstrates that you understand the theory of flying a plane and have the ability to troubleshoot different scenarios while in flight. Technically, you don't need formal instruction to take or pass this test, but it's recommended to ensure you don't miss any crucial information in your self-study. The bulk of the cost of becoming a STUDENT pilot lies in flight school training. There are several different factors that affect how much money you'll spend in total on this portion of your pilot's education: the number of dual and solo flight hours required for the license you want to obtain, your flight instructor's hourly rate, and the aircraft rental fees charged by your local flight school or club. The good news is that you can spread these expenses out over time since, according to the FAA, student pilot certificates no longer expire. Plus, flight schools typically allow you to pay as you go.
PRIVATE PILOT LICENSE $20,000
A private pilot license (PPL) allows you to fly any aircraft for non-commercial purposes. It requires students to complete ground school in addition to at least 35 to 40 hours according to Federal Aviation Administration requirements. Flight schools may require closer to 60 to 75 hours. The cost of earning your PPL ranges from $15,000 to $20,000.
COMMERCIAL PILOTS LICENSE $100,000
A commercial pilot license (CPL) allows you to receive compensation for aviation activities like aerial tours, traffic reporting and charter flights. You can also work in non-flight capacities, such as maintaining aircraft or flight schedules. Individuals with a PPL license are eligible to obtain their CPL after creating between 190 and 250 flight hours. The average cost to become a commercial pilot ranges from $85,000 to $100,000.
Several scholarships are available for pilots in training Mallory. Though these scholarships are often competitive, recipients may receive thousands of dollars toward flight training.
Hope this was helpful Mallory
Thank You Kim. Thank you so much for your contributions to CareerVillage.
Doc Frick
Wayne Johnson
Maintenance Programs, FAA Part 121
102
Answers
Auburn, Washington
Updated
Wayne’s Answer
Mallory - I cannot add much to what the other answers are except for the following;
To keep your cost at a minimum you should have enough money or financing to be able to fly a minimum of 3 times a week. Each lesson will last about 1 hour flying time plus about 1/2 to 1 hour of ground school prior to your flight.
The last thing you want to do is fly one day and then not fly again for another week or so. There is too much relearning if you do not fly regularly.
Also you might be able to fly a flight simulator if the school has one, as this will reduce the cost, especially when first starting to fly.
You might have a backup plan if you cannot pass the medical exam, you can still work in aviation - you just cannot fly.
For a private pilot - a physical is every 2 years.
For a commercial pilot - a physical is every year
For the ATP (Airline Transport Pilot Rating, fly the commercial jets, Boeing, Airbus) - a physical is required every 6 months.
For pilot training I would research what airline you would like to fly for:
Alaska Airlines has a partnership with Hillsboro Aero Academy located in Oregon:
You can do a search using something like: "airline name" pilot program
Listed below are the internet addresses for Alaska and Delta Airlines.
https://careers.alaskaair.com/career-opportunities/pilots/pilot-training/
If you meet some requirements they will provide a stipend of up to $27,000 upon signing on to work for Horizon Air. Then after some years of experience you should be able to move to Alaska Airlines.
Delta Airlines for Pilot Training: https://www.delta.com/us/en/careers/pilots/propel
United Airlines: https://atpflightschool.com/airlines/united-airlines-aviate-pilot-program.html?gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQiAw6yuBhDrARIsACf94RVH8f0_kIoXltTkgna8TWBeHseKm-Fc1kWhCTxTU-rTOXN1PXUj2nUaAqLUEALw_wcB
Best wishes on your future endeavors.
To keep your cost at a minimum you should have enough money or financing to be able to fly a minimum of 3 times a week. Each lesson will last about 1 hour flying time plus about 1/2 to 1 hour of ground school prior to your flight.
The last thing you want to do is fly one day and then not fly again for another week or so. There is too much relearning if you do not fly regularly.
Also you might be able to fly a flight simulator if the school has one, as this will reduce the cost, especially when first starting to fly.
You might have a backup plan if you cannot pass the medical exam, you can still work in aviation - you just cannot fly.
For a private pilot - a physical is every 2 years.
For a commercial pilot - a physical is every year
For the ATP (Airline Transport Pilot Rating, fly the commercial jets, Boeing, Airbus) - a physical is required every 6 months.
For pilot training I would research what airline you would like to fly for:
Alaska Airlines has a partnership with Hillsboro Aero Academy located in Oregon:
You can do a search using something like: "airline name" pilot program
Listed below are the internet addresses for Alaska and Delta Airlines.
https://careers.alaskaair.com/career-opportunities/pilots/pilot-training/
If you meet some requirements they will provide a stipend of up to $27,000 upon signing on to work for Horizon Air. Then after some years of experience you should be able to move to Alaska Airlines.
Delta Airlines for Pilot Training: https://www.delta.com/us/en/careers/pilots/propel
United Airlines: https://atpflightschool.com/airlines/united-airlines-aviate-pilot-program.html?gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQiAw6yuBhDrARIsACf94RVH8f0_kIoXltTkgna8TWBeHseKm-Fc1kWhCTxTU-rTOXN1PXUj2nUaAqLUEALw_wcB
Best wishes on your future endeavors.