Private Pilot
General Information about getting your Private Pilot Certificate

Learn to FLY!

Private Pilot Aeronautical Experience Requirements

Thinking of training for a Private Pilot’s license?

No doubt you have many questions that need to be answered. For
most potential students it’s hard to even know what questions to ask.

Here are some common questions; you’ll need answers to these
questions before starting any training.

How much will it cost?

This can vary quite a bit depending on where you do your training.
The national average flight time for individuals seeking a Private Pilots
license is about 65 to 70 hours. The number of hours depends on the
student. Some students are ready for the flight test in 50 hours and
others 70 hours, everyone is different.

Doing some math based on 60 hours of flight experience here are the
numbers for two typical training aircraft, if you don’t have access to
your own.

Your CFI has Cessna 152 and Piper Cherokee 160 aircraft
available for Private Pilot training. Please contact us for
additional information including current pricing.

Cessna 150 or 152:
(Older but reliable and affordable training aircraft)

Based on 35 hours of dual instruction (you flying with your
instructor), and 25 hours solo flight.

Most Cessna 150 and 152 training aircraft in the Tampa bay area rent
for about $85 dollars an hour wet (with fuel and any applicable fuel
charges).

60 hours aircraft rental @ $85.00 hr = $5100.00
35 hours flight instruction @ $40.00 hr = $1400.00
Written and practical tests = $ 400.00
Medical Exam = $100.00
Pilot supplies (Gleim FAA test prep) = $ 120.00

Total investment for a Private Pilot license based on 60 hours flight
experience in a Cessna 150 / 152 = $7120.00

Cessna 172SP: (Newer personal and training aircraft)

Based on 35 hours of dual instruction (you flying with your
instructor), and 25 hours solo flight.

Most Cessna 172SP training aircraft in the Tampa bay area rent for
about $129.00 dollars an hour wet (with fuel and any applicable fuel
charges).

60 hours aircraft rental @ $129.00 hr = $7740.00
35 hours flight instruction @ $40.00 hr = $1400.00
Written and practical tests = $ 400.00
Medical Exam = $100.00
Pilot supplies (Gleim FAA test prep) = $ 120.00

Total investment for a Private Pilot license based on 60 hours flight
experience in a Cessna 172SP = $9760.00

Do your research … there are many instructors and many
options to meet your training needs.

The National Association of Flight Instructors (NAFI) is a good place to
start when you’re thinking of flight training. NAFI instructors are
dedicated to teaching and are true flight training professionals.


Last updated February 2nd 2009
Copyright © 2009 Your CFI LLC. All rights reserved.
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