Aviation School cost
There is no simple answer to the question, “What is the cost of flight training?” The cost of flight training will vary greatly upon the student and their ability to train frequently. Knowing how to make the most efficient use of your time and money while going through flight training can substantially lower the overall cost of flight training.
We have solicited the advice of over 4000 pilots, student pilots, and aviation enthusiasts on ways to reduce the cost of flight training. Below is the result of all of their input. As you review this list, please contact us with any further ideas. We will continue to add to this list whenever we get further suggestions that we feel will help the general aviation community as a whole. Together, we can continue to build the general aviation community by helping to reduce the cost of flight training.
Here are some great ways to reduce the cost of flight training:
1. At least half the cost of flight training is the airplane rental, so it only makes sense that you should focus your money saving efforts on the airplane. Generally speaking, aircraft with traditional analogue gauges will be less expensive than those with newer “glass cockpits”. If saving money is a priority, learn to fly with analogue gauges, and then make the easy transition to glass after you’ve earned your pilot’s license. To help with the transition and overall cost of flight training, Aspen Flying Club provides free glass cockpit classes and low-cost simulators. When doing research on where to do your training, be aware that there are other flight schools and instructors out there that might try to push you to train in higher cost aircraft. If you are on a budget, take control and don’t allow yourself to be pushed into a more expensive aircraft without good reason. It is your money and your decision.
2. Consider a sport pilot certificate. It is possible to obtain this certificate in half the time and at half the cost of the private pilot certificate. While it has some limitations (daytime only, must fly only Light Sport Aircraft), it is a cost effective way to get up in the air. After building some time and experience, many sport pilots will then add on the private pilot certificate, an easy transition.
3. Find a compatible instructor. An ideal instructor loves to teach, and the right one for you will teach each lesson in a manner that you best learn. Finding an instructor with compatible scheduling availability is also very important. Take the time to interview prospective instructors and if you don’t feel comfortable after a lesson or two, find another instructor that better suits you. It is your money and your time. If you are being taught in a manner that doesn’t work for you, it will cost you more time and consequently, money.
4. STUDY! It is amazing how much you can reduce the cost of flight training if you study and show up to each lesson prepared. Study the suggested material and go over the maneuvers that you will be accomplishing in your head prior to arrival at the airport.
