Red Wing Soaring Association

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Learn to fly! Cost Estimates

Many prospective pilots want to know how much will it cost to be signed off to solo and also achieve their private pilot rating. Exact figures cannot be provided as they are based on the number of flights and the amount of time it takes to achieve the required proficiencies. We are providing some flight and subsequent cost ranges for reference. Remember, these are only estimates. Your experience and ability to master new skills will influence these costs.

Note: These costs do not include member costs to join the club. Click here for those options

 

Student With No Previous Flight Experience or Ratings

Training Phase

Minimum Flights (per CFRs)

Estimated Average Flights

Estimated Maximum Flights

Pre-solo

20 ($1,020)

25 ($1,275)

40 ($2,040)

*Solo

10 ($410)

20  ($820)

40 ($1,640)

PTS (check ride)

3 ($123)

3 ($123)

6 ($246)

Total

33 (1,553)

48 ($2,218)

86 ($3,926)

* No instruction fees, although the student may request instruction for some of these flights.

 

 

Student seeking add-on rating (current airplane rating)

Training Phase

Minimum Flights (per CFRs)

Estimated Average Flights

Estimated Maximum Flights

Pre-solo

3 ($153)

15 ($765)

20 ($1020)

*Solo

10 ($410)

15  ($615)

20 ($820)

PTS (check ride)

3 ($123)

3 ($123)

6 ($246)

Total

16 ($686)

33 ($1,503)

46 ($2,086)

* No instruction fees, although the student may request instruction for some of these flights.

Assumptions

An average flight includes:

A tow to 3,000' above ground level (AGL) = $35

Aircraft rental for 30 minutes = $6

Instructor fee (pre-solo and additional dual flights) = $10

Total average cost per flight with instructor = $46