How much does it cost to become a pilot?
How much does it cost to become a pilot?
$9,000 – $15,000 cost to get a private pilot license (PPL)
$7,500 – $22,000 cost to get a commercial pilot license (CPL)
Pilot license cost
Getting a private pilot license (PPL) costs $10,000 to $18,000 on average, depending on the flight school, location, aircraft rental fees, and number of hours spent in flight training. A commercial pilot license costs $8,000 to $25,000 and requires a PPL. A recreational pilot certificate costs $7,000 to $11,000.
| Key Takeaway | Details |
|---|---|
| Most popular license (PPL) | $10,000 – $18,000 |
| Least expensive option (Sport pilot) | $5,000 – $8,000 |
| Most expensive option (ATP) | $60,000 – $120,000+ |
| Typical flight hours needed (PPL) | 35 – 70 hours |
| Primary cost drivers | Aircraft rental, instructor fees, total flight hours, location |
| Pilot license type | Average cost | Prerequisite license or rating |
|---|---|---|
| Private pilot license (PPL) | $10,000 – $18,000 | Student pilot certificate |
| Instrument rating (IR / IFR) | $9,000 – $16,000 | PPL |
| Commercial pilot license (CPL) | $8,000 – $25,000 | PPL and IR |
| Multi-engine rating (MEL) | $4,000 – $8,000 | PPL or CPL |
| Certified flight instructor license (CFI) | $5,500 – $12,000 | CPL or ATP |
| Airline transport pilot license (ATP) | $60,000 – $120,000+ | CPL and IR |
| Recreational pilot license | $7,000 – $11,000 | Student pilot certificate |
| Sport pilot license | $5,000 – $8,000 | Student pilot certificate |
| Helicopter pilot license | $12,000 – $20,000 | Student pilot certificate |
| Glider pilot license | $5,000 – $10,000 | Student pilot certificate or PPL |
| Seaplane rating (SES / MES) | $3,000 – $6,000 | PPL or Sport |
| Remote pilot certificate / Drone pilot | $350 – $500 | None |
| Student pilot certificate | $100 – $250* | None |
*For medical certificate.
The official FAA term is "certificate". However, the terms certificate and license are used interchangeably in aviation.
Ratings are additional qualifications placed on a certificate that authorize flying different types of aircraft or in different weather or visibility conditions.
Endorsements from a flight instructor add privileges or lift specific restrictions, allowing pilots to fly at higher altitudes or fly high-performance aircraft, complex planes with retractable landing gear, or tailwheel planes.
Cost to become a pilot by license type
| License / Rating | 2026 Average Cost | Min. Flight Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Private pilot (PPL) | $10,000 – $18,000 | 35 – 40 |
| Instrument rating (IR) | $9,000 – $16,000 | 40 (instrument time) |
| Commercial pilot (CPL) | $8,000 – $25,000 | 250 total |
| Sport pilot | $5,000 – $8,000 | 20 |
| Helicopter (private) | $12,000 – $20,000 | 40 |
| ATP | $60,000 – $120,000+ | 1,500 total |
Private pilot license cost
A private pilot license costs $10,000 to $18,000, depending on the flight school, location, aircraft rental fees, and flight hours spent preparing for the checkride test. A private pilot license (PPL) requires 35 to 70 flight hours and lets you fly recreationally alone or with passengers, though you cannot fly for hire.
| Private pilot requirements | Minimum cost (35-40 flight hours) | Average cost (50-70 flight hours) |
|---|---|---|
| Pilot ground school | $275 – $400 | $350 – $600 |
| FAA written test | $175 – $200 | $175 – $200 |
| FAA medical certificate | $100 – $250 | $100 – $250 |
| Flight training hours* | $6,500 – $11,000 | $9,500 – $16,000 |
| Checkride / practical test | $500 – $1,000 | $500 – $1,000 |
| Total cost | $7,500 – $13,000 | $10,000 – $18,000 |
*Includes aircraft rental and flight instructor fees.
Getting your private pilot license requires a minimum of 35 to 40 hours of total flight time, depending on if you enroll in a Part 61 or Part 141 flight school. Flight time must include:
20 hours of flight training from an authorized instructor
10 hours of solo flight, including:
5 hours of solo cross-country time
3 takeoffs and landings in the traffic pattern at an airport with a control tower
One solo cross-country flight of 150 nautical miles with full-stop landings at three points and at least one segment of the flight consisting of a straight-line distance of more than 50 nautical miles between takeoff and landing locations
3 hours of cross-country flight training
3 hours of night flight training, including one cross-country flight over 100 nautical miles and 10 takeoffs and landings in the traffic pattern at an airport
3 hours of flight training on maneuvering and control solely by instrument reference
3 hours of flight training with an authorized instructor in preparation for the checkride within 2 months preceding the test
With careful planning, many flights can perform double-duty by meeting more than one PPL requirement at the same time. Often, a flight taken for your PPL hours can also meet requirements for your IR, CPL, or both.
Instrument rating cost
An instrument rating costs $9,000 to $16,000 and allows pilots to fly solely using the aircraft instruments for navigation and maneuvering when clouds or other weather reduce visibility. Pilots must have a private pilot license before training for an instrument rating (IR).
| Instrument rating requirements | Average cost |
|---|---|
| IR ground school | $275 – $550 |
| FAA written test | $175 – $200 |
| Flight training hours* | $8,050 – $14,250 |
| Checkride / practical test | $500 – $1,000 |
| Total cost | $9,000 – $16,000 |
*Includes aircraft rental and flight instructor fees.
Getting your instrument rating requires:
50 hours or more of cross-country flight time as pilot-in-command, of which at least 10 hours must be in an aircraft for an instrument-airplane rating
40 hours of actual or simulated instrument time
15 hours or more of instrument flight training from an authorized instructor
A cross-country flight of at least 250 nautical miles with an instrument approach at each airport and three different instrument approaches using navigation systems
Without an instrument rating, pilots must fly under Visual Flight Rules (VFR), following a "see and avoid" principle that requires clear weather and visual references. Under VFR, a pilot can't fly through clouds and instead must go under, around, or divert the flight path if clouds form along the way.
Commercial pilot license cost
A commercial pilot license costs $8,000 to $25,000 and requires 250 total flight hours. To be eligible for a commercial pilot license (CPL), students must already have a private pilot license and instrument rating.
A commercial license allows you to fly for hire, though many pilot jobs require an airline transport pilot license instead. However, commercial pilots can fly privately-owned jets, air charter, aerial tours and sightseeing flights, agricultural flights, and environmental or traffic monitoring flights.
| Commercial pilot requirements | Average cost |
|---|---|
| Commercial pilot ground school | $275 – $550 |
| FAA written test | $175 – $200 |
| Flight training hours* | $7,050 – $23,250 |
| Checkride / practical test | $500 – $1,000 |
| Total cost | $8,000 – $25,000 |
*Includes aircraft rental and flight instructor fees.
A commercial pilot license (CPL) requires 250 total flight hours, including:
3 hours of flight training with an instructor within 2 calendar months of the checkride
50 hours of cross-country flight
10 hours of instrument rating flight
10 hours of complex, turbine, or Technical Advanced Airplane (TAA) flight
Cross-country flights of more than 100 nautical miles (nm), including at least one 2-hour daytime flight and one 2-hour nighttime flight
At least one cross-country flight of at least 300 nm, with landings at a minimum of three points, one of which must be a straight-line distance of at least 250 nm from the original departure point.
5 hours of night flying in VFR conditions with 10 takeoffs and 10 landings in the traffic pattern at an airport with an operating control tower
100 hours must be as pilot-in-command (PIC)
With careful planning, many flights can perform double-duty by meeting more than one CPL requirement at the same time. Flight hours accrued for your private pilot license and instrument rating apply toward the 250-hour requirement for a commercial pilot license.
Certified Flight Instructor certificate cost
Certified Flight Instructor training costs $5,500 to $12,000 and typically takes 1 to 2 months after earning your commercial pilot license. Working as a Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) allows you to gain experience and accrue flight hours toward the airline transport pilot certification requirement.
| CFI training requirements | Average cost |
|---|---|
| CFI ground school | $275 – $550 |
| FAA written tests | $350 – $400 |
| Flight training* | $4,275 – $9,550 |
| FAA checkride | $600 – $1,500 |
| Total cost | $5,500 – $12,000 |
*Includes aircraft rental and flight instructor fees.
The CFI certificate requires two written exams:
Fundamentals of Instruction (FOI) Exam
FAA Certified Flight Instructor Knowledge Exam
When training to become a Certified Flight Instructor, consider including these add-ons to expand the type of instruction you're allowed to offer:
The Certified Flight Instructor, Instrument (CFII) add-on costs $5,000 to $14,000 and allows you to teach instrument flying.
The Multi-Engine Instructor (MEI) add-on costs $6,000 to $11,000 and allows you to teach multi-engine aircraft flying.
Multi-engine rating cost
A multi-engine rating costs $4,000 to $8,000 and typically takes only 1 to 2 weeks for pilots who already have their private or commercial license. A multi-engine rating allows you to fly as pilot-in-command (PIC) of an aircraft with more than one engine.
Airline transport pilot (ATP) certificate cost
An airline transport pilot flies passenger flights, typically for a regional airline or a large airline like Delta or United. Transport pilots also fly cargo flights for major shipping carriers like FedEx and UPS.
The airline transport pilot (ATP) certificate requires 1,500 total hours of flight time. Most pilots accrue their 1,500 flight hours while working as commercial pilots or flight instructors to gain experience before taking the written exam and checkride.
Retired military pilots may qualify for a restricted ATP certificate that allows them to fly for an airline as second-in-command with fewer flight training hours.
Sport pilot license cost
A sport pilot license costs $5,000 to $8,000 on average. A sport pilot license does not require an FAA medical certificate and requires fewer flight training hours than a private pilot license, but sport pilots are subject to more restrictions:
Limited to flying light sport aircraft (LSA) with no more than two seats and a 1,320 lb. maximum certified gross weight
Limited to a maximum aircraft speed of 138 mph (120 knots)
Can fly with a maximum of one passenger
Can only fly in Class E or G airspace
Can't fly at night
Can't fly in the clouds or when visibility is low
Limited to a maximum altitude of 10,000 feet Mean Sea Level (MSL) or 2,000 feet above ground level (AGL), whichever is higher
Can't fly for compensation or hire
| Sport pilot training requirements | Average cost |
|---|---|
| Sport pilot ground school | $275 – $450 |
| FAA written test | $175 – $200 |
| Flight training* | $4,050 – $6,350 |
| Checkride / practical test | $500 – $1,000 |
| Total cost | $5,000 – $8,000 |
*Includes aircraft rental and flight instructor fees.
To qualify for a sport pilot license, a pilot must complete these training requirements:
Minimum of 20 hours total flight time
At least 15 hours of flight training from a certified instructor
At least 5 hours of solo flight time
At least 2 hours of cross-country flight training
At least 10 takeoffs and landings to a full stop
One solo cross-country flight of at least 75 nautical miles total distance, with one leg of more than 25 nautical miles
Pass the FAA written knowledge test
Pass a checkride with a Designated Pilot Examiner
Recreational pilot license cost
A recreational pilot license costs $7,000 to $11,000. A recreational pilot certificate requires a minimum of 30 flight training hours and an FAA medical certificate. Although recreational pilots can fly faster and more powerful aircraft than sport pilots, they are subject to all other sport pilot restrictions.
Student pilot license cost
A student pilot license costs $100 to $250 for the medical exam certificate. There is no charge for the student pilot certificate itself.
To obtain a student pilot certificate from the FAA, submit an Integrated Airman Certification and Rating Application (IACRA) online or fill out FAA form 8710-1 and submit a printed copy to a Flight Standards District Office (FSDO), an FAA Designated Pilot Examiner, or a Certified Flight Instructor.
Helicopter license cost
A helicopter license costs $12,000 to $20,000 for a private pilot certificate and an additional $20,000 to $25,000 for a commercial pilot license. The average cost of helicopter flying lessons is $200 to $300 per hour, including helicopter rental and instructor fees.
Glider pilot license cost
A glider pilot license costs $5,000 to $10,000 on its own or $3,000 to $6,000 as a rating added to a private pilot license. Glider pilot students must pay tow rates and launch fees of $30 to $85 for each training flight, depending on the release altitude.
Drone pilot certification cost
Drone pilot certification costs $350 to $500, including an online test preparation course and the FAA Part 107 exam fee. A drone pilot license is officially called an FAA Remote Pilot Certificate and is required for any non-recreational drone use.
For recreational drone use (such as flying a drone in your backyard) you must pass the FAA's free online Recreational Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Safety Test, also known as the TRUST test.
Pilot school & training cost breakdown
The following factors impact the cost of pilot training:
| Cost Factor | 2026 Price Range |
|---|---|
| Airplane rental (wet rate) | $130 – $200 per hour |
| Flight instructor | $55 – $85 per hour |
| Simulator time | $65 – $85 per hour |
| FAA written test | $175 – $200 |
| Ground school | $275 – $600 |
| Checkride fees | $500 – $1,000 (PPL/CPL); $600 – $1,500 (CFI/ATP) |
| Personal gear & supplies | $600 – $1,200+ |
Airplane rental – Aircraft rental costs $130 to $200 per hour on average. Wet rates include the cost of fuel while dry rates do not.
Flight instructor – Certified Flight Instructors charge $55 to $85 per hour for ground and flight training, depending on their experience and location. Flight instructors also charge for pre-flight briefings and post-flight debriefings.
Simulator time – Flight simulator time costs $65 to $85 per hour. The FAA allows a maximum number of hours of simulator time toward each certificate or rating. Reduce your total training costs by maximizing your simulator hours.
FAA Knowledge Test – The FAA knowledge test costs $175 to $200, not including study books or other test prep materials.
Ground school – Online or in-person ground school costs $275 to $600. Ground school prepares students for the FAA knowledge test with training in aviation-related topics such as how airplanes fly and how weather affects flight.
Checkride fees – Designated Pilot Examiners (DPE) charge $500 to $1,000 on average for a checkride for a private, sport, or commercial pilot license, instrument rating, or multi-engine rating. Checkride fees for Certified Flight Instructor or Airline Transport Pilot certificates are $600 to $1,500+.
Landing fees – Some airports charge a landing fee. Student pilots perform 150+ landings over the course of training for a private pilot license.
Student pilot insurance – Aircraft Renters Insurance costs $200 to $2,500+ per year. Most flight schools require student pilots to carry a liability policy for bodily injury and third-party property damage and a hull coverage policy for aircraft damage.
Student pilot insurance costs Insurance Type Annual Cost Liability policies $80 – $300 per year Hull coverage policies $120 – $2,200+ per year Insurance deductibles (if accident occurs) $5,000 – $10,000 Some flying club memberships include insurance.
Personal gear and supplies – Gear and supplies cost $600 to $1,200+. Budget for the following supplies:
FAA textbooks and manuals
Personal flight logbook
Active noise reduction (ANR) aviation headset
LED flashlight with red light functionality to preserve night vision
Knee board with pen and paper for writing during flight
E6B calculator / manual flight computer
Maps and VFR sectional charts
Cross-country software – Apps like ForeFlight or Garmin Pilot cost $100 to $300 per year and require an iPad or Android tablet. Aviation apps offer advanced flight planning features like up-to-date 3D maps, approach charts, fuel burn calculations, a digital logbook, flight playback, aircraft profiles, and more.
Flight school cost
Flying lessons cost $185 to $285 per hour, including aircraft rental, fuel, and the flight instructor's time. Flight school costs $10,000 to $18,000 total on average to get a private pilot license and requires at least 20 hours of flying lessons with a certified instructor.
Flight schools offer Part 61 or Part 141 training programs based on Federal Aviation Regulations (FARs). A Part 141 flight school requires fewer flight training hours than a Part 61 program but has a more rigid schedule and is typically targeted toward full-time students pursuing an aviation career.
| Part 61 flight school | Part 141 flight school |
|---|---|
|
|
FAA tests and exam prices
FAA written tests cost $175 to $200 each, depending on if the flight school charges an added test fee. Getting a pilot license also requires passing a medical exam and a practical test (known as a checkride) with a Designated Pilot Examiner (DPE).
| Pilot license tests | Average cost | Required for |
|---|---|---|
| Medical exam | $100 – $250 | Student pilot, Recreational pilot, PPL, CPL, and ATP |
| FAA written test | $175 – $200 each | All licenses and ratings except CFI |
| FAA written tests for CFI certificate | $350 – $400 | CFI |
| Checkride / practical test | $500 – $1,000 each* | All licenses and ratings except CFI and ATP |
| Checkride for CFI or ATP certificate | $600 – $1,500* | CFI or ATP |
*Not including aircraft rental fee or fuel surcharge.
Pilot license FAQs
| Question | Short Answer |
|---|---|
| Is getting a PPL worth the cost? | Yes, if you love flying as a hobby or plan to pursue an aviation career |
| How much do pilots earn? | $30,000 – $120,000+ per year (commercial pilots for hire) |
| Cheapest path to a license? | Sport pilot license at $5,000 – $8,000 |
| How long to get a PPL? | 2 – 6 months |
Is becoming a pilot worth the cost?
Getting a private pilot license (PPL) is only worth the cost if you love flying as a hobby. A private pilot license provides no income potential as you cannot fly for hire. Flying is an expensive hobby, requiring either an aircraft purchase or rental with high fuel and maintenance costs.
However, getting a private pilot license offers several benefits:
Travel with family and friends on your own schedule without having to book a commercial flight.
Fly to client meetings and conferences.
Experiment with aerial photography.
Volunteer as a pilot for nonprofit organizations like Angel Flight or Pilots N Paws to transport medical patients or pets in need.
Join the Civil Air Patrol to perform missions in service to your local community, such as search and rescue or disaster relief flights.
Visit local airports, talk with local pilots, try a simulator, and take an introductory flight lesson before investing in flight school.
How much do private pilots make?
Private pilots make $30,000 to $120,000+ per year, depending on if they work for an individual private jet owner, a charter flight company, or in another capacity. Other pilot career opportunities include crop-dusting, pipeline patrol, banner towing, sightseeing flights, aerial photography, or traffic watch.
To work as a private pilot for hire, you must have a commercial pilot license.
What is the cheapest way to become a pilot?
The cheapest way to become a pilot is to get a Sport Pilot license, which costs less than other certificates but comes with limitations.
Follow these tips to save money on flight school:
Apply for scholarships.
Buy used books and materials.
Buy flight hours in bulk at a discounted rate.
Train in a more affordable plane, such as one with a steam gauge panel instead of a glass panel.
Look for local flying clubs that offer discounted airplane rentals.
Train as many hours in a flight simulator as allowed by the FAA.
Use virtual flight training software to learn the basics at home first.
Train at an airport that isn't busy to avoid paying fees for time spent waiting in line to take off.
Get flight training in a rural area where fees are lower. The downside is that you don't learn how to fly in busy airspace with air traffic control.
Borrow gear like headsets.
How long does it take to become a pilot?
Becoming a private pilot takes 2 to 6 months on average, and getting a commercial pilot license takes 2 to 10 months. The time depends on if you study part-time or participate in a full-time accelerated flight training program. Additional ratings and certificates increase the total training time.
| Pilot license or rating type | Average time to complete |
|---|---|
| Private pilot license | 2 – 6 months |
| Instrument rating | 7 – 10 weeks |
| Commercial pilot license | 2 – 10 months |
| Multi-engine rating | 1 – 2 weeks |
| Certified Flight Instructor | 1 – 2 months |
| Airline transport pilot license | 2 – 4 years |
Can I get financial aid for pilot training?
There are several financial aid options for pilot training:
| Aid Type | Details |
|---|---|
| Federal student loans & Pell grants | Available for accredited Part 141 flight school programs via FAFSA |
| Aviation scholarships | Offered by AOPA, EAA, Women in Aviation, and many other organizations |
| AOPA financing | Flight training finance programs through AOPA partners |
| Private flight training loans | Available from Sallie Mae, Meritize, College Ave, and others |
| Flight school financing | Payment plans offered directly by some flight schools |
Federal student loans and Pell grants for accredited flight school programs
Flight training scholarships from aviation-related organizations
Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) financing
Flight training loans from private financial institutions
Private pilot financing directly through a flight school
Some schools offer discounts to members of specific aviation organizations, like the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA).
Pilot training loans
The federal government and many financial institutions offer student loans for flight school. Look for an accredited flight school to ensure the program is eligible for financial aid. Fill out the online FAFSA form to apply for federal student aid before applying for loans with other organizations.
Popular pilot training loan options include:
Federal Direct Loan Program, via the FAFSA application
Federal Direct PLUS Loan for parents, via the FAFSA application
Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) flight training financing
Some flight schools partner with specific loan agencies and do not accept federal student aid.
Pilot training scholarships
Many private organizations offer pilot training scholarships and grants to cover the cost of flight school. The FAA publishes a regularly updated list of aviation-related scholarships and grants. Students at FAA-approved flight schools can also apply for a Federal Pell Grant, which does not require repayment.
Check out the Aviation Scholarship Calendar for upcoming scholarship deadlines.
Finding and joining a pilot school
Before hiring a flight instructor, be sure to:
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1. Research | Visit local airports and search the FAA pilot school database |
| 2. Get recommendations | Ask local pilots and read online reviews |
| 3. Compare pricing | Confirm aircraft rental rates, fuel inclusion, and instructor fees |
| 4. Try a lesson | Take an introductory flight to evaluate teaching style |
| 5. Get a contract | Request a written agreement detailing all costs and included services |
Visit small airports in your area to find out which training programs they offer.
Search the FAA pilot school database for nearby flight schools.
Ask local pilots for flight instructor recommendations.
Browse instructor reviews on Lessons.com and Google.
Find out which aircraft models and simulators the instructor has access to.
Confirm whether aircraft rental fees include fuel.
Confirm whether the hourly rate for aircraft rental and instructor fees is combined.
Take an introductory flight lesson to gauge their teaching style.
Get a written contract detailing everything included in the flight training program.
Questions to ask
What certifications does your flight school have?
Are you a Part 61 or Part 141 flight school?
What kind of medical certificate do I need?
How long does a typical flying lesson last?
What should I bring to my lessons? Which gear and supplies do you recommend?
Can I take the written knowledge test before my first lesson?
How long will the total training take?
Can I train at my own pace or does your program follow a fixed schedule?
Which aircraft model will I train in?
What is the aircraft rental fee? Is it a wet rate or dry rate?
Do you have a flight simulator? If so, how much do simulator training hours cost?
Do you offer any scholarships, student loans, or other financing options?
What types of aircraft will my license permit me to fly?
How many passengers will I be allowed to carry?
Will I be allowed to fly at night?