Im just wondering how much about it would cost from biginning to end to get a license. and how old do u have to be to start i thought it was 16 but im not sure.
thanx.
2007-02-25 12:42:14 · 7 answers · asked by Anonymous in Cars & Transportation ➔ Aircraft
In the US, you must be at least 16 to solo an airplane and 18 to get a private pilot's license. However, you can solo a sailplane at 14 and can get a private pilot glider license at 16.
The cost of getting a private pilot's license to fly an airplane is probably in the $6000 range today. Obtaining a glider rating generally costs less than half as much as an airplane rating. The glider rating is a fantastic way to learn the fundamentals of flying and will make you a better airplane pilot should you choose to do both.
You can learn more about soaring as the SSA website: http://www.ssa.org/
You can also find soaring locations in the US on the SSA's website as well:
http://www.ssa.org/sport/wheretofly.asp
2007-02-26 06:48:52 · answer #1 · answered by Andy M 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋
You can start at any age. You have to be 16 to solo and 17 to take the check ride (flight test with the FAA). At minimum, you need 40 hours for a private pilot certificate. If you want to get a sport pilot license, you only need 20 hours for airplanes (see www.sportpilot.org for more info).
In either case, the national average for both is about 1.5 times the minimums.
The average aircraft rental is about $60-$80 at minimum, for a 2 or 4 seat trainer. Add $20-$40 per hour for an instructor. Depending on how serious you are, how quickly you catch on, and how often you fly, you could spend anywhere from $4000+ for private pilot and slightly less for sport pilot.
2007-02-25 20:53:09 · answer #2 · answered by skybound_sport 2 · 3⤊ 0⤋
I'd have to agree with Nancy O below -- the cheapest way IS through the armed forces, but the amount of time you can commit to learning to fly is not always guaranteed. It depends on the branch. I was stationed at Edwards AFB in the late 1990s, and my options were wide open.. less stick time and lower fees for the first step = PPL (aka Private Pilot's License)
Otherwise, you might try a company called ATP (Air Transport Professionals). They have a couple different programs, and more flexible financing than some of the smaller schools, in addition to a fast-track program.
2007-02-26 01:58:39 · answer #3 · answered by MrSkyGuy 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Depends on a lot of factors. On your own or a flight school? What type of A/C, is any of this in a simulator?
But I'm sure someone will have a better answer than mine.
When I started flying the A/C was $4.00 an hour WET and the instructor was $4.00. I was in an Aero-club.
But you can figure 20 dual and 20 solo for your Private license
2007-02-25 20:53:45 · answer #4 · answered by walt554 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It cost me about $3000 to get a private pilot license back in the mid-1980s. I think the $4000 range guess you got already is reasonable.
2007-02-25 22:52:15 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
The cheapest way to pay for flying lessons is to join the armed forces and they will train you. Outside of that it is terribly expensive. And if you are thinking of making a career of flying, the competition is tough. You have to have thousands of hours of flight time to even apply with an airline. My husband started out flying a glider at the age of 11.
2007-02-25 20:48:01 · answer #6 · answered by Nancy O 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
learn to spell first !
2007-02-25 20:45:36 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 3⤋