Private Pilot's License Cost in the US – Top 10 Flight Schools Compared

What is one of the number one reasons student pilots stop flying? Cost! On average, students spend $12,000 to $14,700 to receive the private pilot’s certificate (some say license but that's not right). Students spend an average of 60-70 instruction hours earning their license, er, I mean certificate, through flight and ground school, at an average of $200-$210 per hour. These costs cover the instructor's flight and ground instruction time, aircraft rental, aircraft maintenance (fuel and oil), and sometimes more.

You can save money by spending fewer hours in instruction. How quickly you complete the training depends on how quickly you learn, how much you study at home, instructor and aircraft availability (weather and maintenance issues are a big factor), and whether you pay-as-you-go or pay all at once. You can end up spreading your training time across months to even years.

There are a lot of factors that can vary the cost for your specific training experience such as location, aircraft type, and individual needs. Be sure to read our article on how to save money in training for tips that could save you money.

There are many different costs that go into flight training. Everything from standard expenses such as instructor fees per hour to aircraft rental insurance. Read through our cost of pilot training article to understand what costs you need to plan for in your training budget.

Top Flight School Costs

Here are the latest approximate costs at some of the top flight schools in the US:

1. ATP Flight School: $10,000 - $12,000 (aircraft rental, instructor fees, and ground school)
2. Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University: $15,000 - $20,000 (tuition, aircraft rental, and course materials)
3. FlightSafety Academy:     $12,000 - $15,000 (aircraft rental, instructor fees, and ground school)
4. L3Harris Flight Academy: $12,000 - $15,000 (aircraft rental, instructor fees, and ground
       school)
5. CAE Oxford Aviation Academy: Private pilot training not available; primary focus is on
       professional and commercial pilot training.
6. American Flyers: Approximately $10,000 - $12,000 (aircraft rental, instructor fees, and ground school)
7. Florida Institute of Technology: $12,000 - $15,000 (aircraft rental, instructor fees, and ground school)
8. Spartan College of Aeronautics and Technology: $12,000 - $15,000 (aircraft rental, instructor fees, and ground school)
9. Phoenix East Aviation: $10,500 (aircraft rental, instructor fees, ground school, and supplies)
10. Hillsboro Aero Academy: $16,000 - $18,000 (aircraft rental, instructor fees, and ground
        school)

Please note that these costs are approximate and may be subject to additional fees or changes. It is important to contact each flight school directly for the most up-to-date and accurate cost.

How to Pay for Flight Training

When it comes to paying for flight training, you've got a few options. Some student pilots prefer to cover the cost out of pocket, whether through savings or help from family. This method is great for avoiding debt, but let’s be real—flight training isn’t cheap, and not everyone has the ability to drop that kind of cash upfront. If that’s you, many flight schools offer pay-as-you-go plans, where you pay for lessons as you take them, making it easier to manage the cost along the way.

Another route is financing. Personal loans, credit cards, or aviation-specific loans can help spread out the expense over time. Some banks and credit unions even have loan programs tailored for flight training, offering more favorable terms than a standard loan. Plus, don’t overlook scholarships and grants—there’s a lot of money out there if you take the time to apply. Many aviation foundations and local organizations offer financial aid that can significantly lighten the load. Bottom line: with some research and planning, you can find the right way to fund your journey to becoming a pilot without breaking the bank.

Now that you know the costs, how are you going to pay for flight training? Read our article on how to afford flight training.

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