Become A Pilot
Flight school in Greenville South Carolina
The training programs extend from the initial Private Pilot Certificate and Instrument Rating, through Commercial Single and Multi-Engine aircraft ratings.
Instruction is on a one-to-one basis to ensure that you receive the full benefit of the instructors expertise, whatever your level of experience.
How long does it take to get your Private Pilot’s license?
This depends on many factors. The more you fly and study the quicker you will finish. The FAA requires you to have a minimum 40 hours of flight instruction to take your practical exam. Most students need around 65 hours of training according to the FAA’s statistics. If you fly 3-4 times a week you could finish in 1-3 months. If you fly 2 times a week you could finish in 6-9 months. If you fly once a week it will probably take more than 12 months. Lots of factors go into this equation; such as how quickly you pick up flying skills, how well you process the technical information, weather delays, and your own availability.
How much does it cost to get your Private Pilot’s license?
Again, this depends on many factors. We tell students to expect to pay around $15,020 to get your Private Pilot’s License based on the FAA’s average time to train. There are some costs all students must pay for such as a medical exam, study materials, test fees, renters insurance and a headset. Together these cost on average $1,670. That means renting the airplane and paying the instructor costs about $13,350.
Each student is unique and has different needs and wants. Based on your unique and personal situation we can guide you through the process and recommend the best course of action.
How many hours does it take and how much does it cost to get your Instrument Rating?
There are no additional flight hour requirements per se, only that 40 of your total flight hours are under real or simulated instrument conditions and you have 50 total Cross Country flying hours when you take your practical check ride with an examiner. So obviously you will need some additional flying hours past your Private license to meet the minimums. An approved FAA simulator may be used for 20 hours of the instrument conditions requirement. It will cost around $11,050 to get this license.
How many hours does it take and how much does it cost to get your Commercial Pilots License?
The FAA requires you to accumulate a minimum of 250 total flight hours to take your Commercial Pilots License practical exam with an examiner. The costs for this can vary widely. For a typical student who rents an airplane for 150 hours at an average cost of $160 per hour and 20 hours of flight instruction at $55 per hour you can expect to pay around $25,100 assuming you had 100 hours total when beginning training for this certificate. How do we come to this figure? 60 hours for your private and 40 hours for your instrument for a total of 100 hours leaves you needing 150 additional hours. 250-100=150. Please remember each student is different and the equation can change significantly based on many factors.
How long until I can get paid to fly?
Once you obtain your Commercial Pilot License you can start being paid to fly. The next steps you take are critical when deciding on a paid aviation career. Give us a call and we can discuss the various routes you can take to achieve your dreams.