|
If you have an interest in learning to fly, sign up for Reach for the Sky - EAA's FREE monthly Learn to Fly e-newsletter.
Sign up !
|
|
|
|
How long it takes you to learn to fly is up to you. Most students need more training time than
the required minimum to be prepared and comfortable enough to pass their final test, the checkride.
Below is a brief overview of the minimum hours of flight time required for a private
and sport pilot certificate and the minimum age for training and certification.
Training hours include dual instruction (instructor and student), cross-country
flying (departing one airport and landing at another), and solo flight.
|
|
Min. Age to Begin Training
|
Min. Age for Certification
|
Min. Training Times
|
|
Sport Pilot
|
|
|
Solo
|
Dual
|
Total
|
|
Airplane
|
16
|
17
|
5
|
15
|
20
|
|
Weight-shift trike
|
16
|
16
|
5
|
15
|
20
|
|
Glider
|
14
|
17
|
2
|
8
|
10
|
|
Powered parachute
|
16
|
17
|
2
|
10
|
12
|
|
Gyro
|
16
|
17
|
5
|
15
|
20
|
|
Balloon
|
14
|
16
|
2
|
5
|
7
|
|
Airship
|
16
|
17
|
5
|
15
|
20
|
|
Private Pilot
|
|
|
Solo
|
Dual
|
Total
|
|
Airplane
|
16
|
17
|
10
|
30
|
40
|
|
Note: This chart demonstrates the minimum hours of flight required
and the minimum age at which you can start your flight training. Most student pilots
require additional flight time to pass the checkride.
|
|
As you can see, the sport pilot certificate requires half the amount of hours than a private pilot certificate.
Therefore, a sport pilot certificate can be obtained in about half the time, and about half the price, of a
private certificate.
Since most can't put forth a full-time effort into their pilot training, it's realistic to assume a sport
pilot certificate will take 1 to 2 months and a private certificate will take 3 to 4 months to obtain.
Ideally, you should try to fly at least once a week to maintain a higher level of proficiency.
If you are training for a sport pilot certificate and ever wish to upgrade to a private pilot, in most
cases, your sport pilot training can be applied toward gaining a private certificate.
|
|
Costs vary nationwide, so it is wise to do some research before you begin training.
Talk to your local flight schools and/or local flight instructors to find a price
and instructor that best fits your means and needs.
The chart below gives an overview of the estimated overall cost to learn to fly
for your private pilot and sport pilot certificate. The costs shown represent
an estimated average for pilot training costs. The cost of your personal pilot
training experience may be more or less than the rates shown below.
| PILOT TRAINING COST ESTIMATOR |
Private |
Sport |
|
Cost |
Hours |
| Training Materials & Supplies* |
$400 |
$300 |
| Tests & Exams* |
$600 |
$300 |
| Student Certificate* |
$40 |
$40 |
| Medical Exam* |
$125 |
n/a |
| Aircraft Rental & Flight Instruction* |
6,500 |
$2,500 |
| Total |
$7,665 |
$3,140 |
| Additional training* (if needed) |
$2,500 |
$2,000 |
| Realistic Budget |
$10,165 |
$5,140 |
| * Prices may vary between flight schools/instructors, training materials, etc. |
|
Don’t let the total amount discourage you. It’s best not to think of it as a
cost but rather as a life’s investment. Remember that it’s a once-in-a-lifetime
chance, and once you learn to fly, you can fly forever.
|
|
|