Getting your Private Pilot License is about flying safely and NOT about how many hours you have logged. All individuals are different and will require varying levels of hours of training. Consistency is key to effective flight training. As a ballpark estimate, we have supplied the cost figures for the FAA minimum hours and the T&G average.

Private Pilot Certification

FAA Minimum Requirements: 40 Hours of Flight Time
40 Hours of Aircraft Time  -  $5,160
20 Hours of Instruction  -  $1,500
Ground School (optional)  -  $250
Books and Supplies  -  $200
Medical Exam - $125
Flight Exam  -  $450
Written Exam  -  $150
Club Dues (6 months)  -  $450
Total  -  $8,285
T&G Average: 50-60 Hours of Flight Time
55 Hours of Aircraft Time  -  $7,095
30 Hours of Instruction  -  $2,250
Ground School (optional)  -  $250
Books and Supplies  -  $200
Medical Exam - $125
Flight Exam  -  $450
Written Exam  -  $150
Club Dues (6 months)  -  $450
Total  -  $10,970

Instrument Pilot Certification

FAA Part 61 Requirements
50 Hours of cross country flight as pilot in command
​40 Hours of actual or simulated instrument time
  • 15 Hours of instrument flight training from an authorized instructor in the aircraft category for which the instrument rating is sought
  • 3 Hours of preparation instruction within 60 days prior to the practical exam
  • Note: A maximum of 20 hours may be performed in a flight simulator or flight training device with an authorized instructor
IFR 250 NM cross country flight along airways or ATC-directed routing
  • Includes an instrument approach at each airport; and
  • Three different kinds of approaches with the use of navigation systems
Pass FAA written examination
Pass FAA flight exam
Cost Estimate (w/ Previous Private Pilot Experience)
40 Hours of Aircraft Time  -  $7,120
40 Hours of Flight Instruction  -  $3,000
Ground School (optional)  -  $300
Books and Supplies  -  $120
FAA Written Exam  -  $150
FAA Flight Exam  -  $450
Club Dues (6 months)  -  $450
Total  -  $11,590

**Note that the above is only an estimate. Each pilot begins instrument training with differing amounts of hours as their starting point. The above estimate assumes that you have the majority of your cross country pilot in command time already completed while obtaining the Private Pilot License.

Commercial Pilot Certification (+ Complex/High Performance Training)

FAA Part 61 Requirements​
250 Hours of total flight time
  • 100 hours of pilot-in-command time
  • 50 hours of cross-country time (including one 300 nm flight with three legs  with a single leg of at least 250 miles)
  • 10 hours of instrument training
  • 10 hours in a complex aircraft
Cost Estimate (Assuming Student Meets Minimum Hour Requirements)
10 Hours of Aircraft Time (Cessna 210) - $2,940
15 Hours of Flight Instruction: $1,125
Books and Supplies - $100
FAA Written Exam - $150
FAA Flight Exam - $450
Total - $4,630

Multi Engine Certification

It's a great idea to combine the commercial and multi engine rating.
There is are no hours requirements for the multi engine rating. You only need an instructor's endorsement and ground training prior to taking the checkride. The student needs to pass an oral and practical checkride (there is no written exam). Students typically are ready for the checkride in around 10 hours of flight time.
Cost Estimate (assuming Instrument/Commercial Rated Student)
10 Hours of Aircraft Time (Cessna 340) - $7,750
15 Hours of Flight/Ground Instruction - $1,125
Books and Supplies - $100
FAA Flight Exam - $450
Total - $9,425