|
There are many variables, and most people need more than the minimum time before they're ready for their license, but the FAA minimum requirements and approximate costs are shown below as a guideline. Most people require more time, with national averages costing roughly 40% more than the values below.
| MINIMUM costs: |
Private Pilot |
Sport Pilot |
| Dual Instruction |
30 hours |
$4950 |
15 hours |
$2250 |
| Solo Flight |
10 hours |
$1200 |
5 hours |
$525 |
| Night Flight |
3 hours |
included in above |
--- |
included in above |
| Instrument Training |
3 hours |
included in above |
--- |
included in above |
| 'Cross-Country' Flight |
5 hours |
included in above |
3 hours |
included in above |
| Total Requirements |
40 hours |
$6150 |
20 hours |
$2775 |
| Books, Supplies |
|
$350 |
|
$350 |
| Written Test Fee |
|
$90 |
|
$90 |
| Medical Exam Fee |
|
$90 |
|
--- |
| Check Ride Fee |
|
$250 |
|
$250 |
| Total Cost |
|
|
|
$3465 |
Why would you choose sport versus private?
As a sport pilot, you can only fly 2-seat "light sport" airplanes. If most of your flying is just for fun, this might be perfect for you. But if you want to take the family to Bar Harbor for the weekend and need 4 seats, or want to fly in the clouds or at night, you'll want to become a private pilot instead.
Fortunately, all the training you do for the sport pilot license counts if you decide to upgrade your certificate or add ratings later. You don't have to decide right away. Just figure out what airplane you want to learn in, and do it!
The requirements are similar for both. You have to be 17 years old to get your license, pass a written test and a practical test (sort of like a driving test), and satisfy the training requirements listed above. There are no minimum required hours of "ground instruction" but you will need some of that too as part of the learning process. That can be accomplished in many ways, from taking a classroom-type course to reading or watching DVDs at your own pace.
A light sport airplane is a fully tested and certificated airplane. It must weigh less than 1320 lbs, have a max cruise speed in level flight below 120 knots, and can have only 2 seats.
Check out our Prices page for details on rental and instruction costs of our Aircraft Fleet page for more details on the airplanes. Also read this interesting article on the Gobosh!
Here are some additional links with more information on the Sport Pilot License or Light Sport Airplanes:
Sport Pilot Organization of the EAA
FAA information page on Light Sport |
