I want to earn my Private Pilot’s License, possibly with an Instrument Rating. Is the best (cheapest) option for me to get my training on my own or through a college program. If anyone knows the pricing for both on my own and a college/university program flight training, that would also be very helpful. (Please include the cost of an instrument rating) Thanks.
Where do you live? Price in MS will be exponentially cheaper then lets say in New York.
For me, I went to a flight school at my airport.
Round figures, 10K 9 years ago for my VFR and 6K for my IFR (I did my IA training in my own plane and used my airport school instructors) in MS.
It depends on where you live. This particular place, Eagles View Aviation, says it costs about $6500. http://www.eaglesviewaviation.com/cost.htm
Welcome to FA and let me say best of luck on your upcoming adventure!
You might also want to consider your time-frame in which you wish to obtain your tickets. The structure of a college based course will help you acclerate the learning process considerably if you can afford to fly as often as they would like. If time is not you biggest concern taking lessons at a local FBO isnt a bad way to go as it allows you to fly at the rate your pocket book is comfortable.
When people ask me how much it will cost for a PPL i tell them its really hard to say because it largely depends on your pace of learning. But 10k +/- 2k is a pretty decent estimate.
Thanks everyone…based off this info and the other fragments of info I’ve found online, I assume that there is no major price difference between an FBO and a college (other than the possibility that a college would have requirements for how much I fly) Therefore, I think I’ll probably begin looking at the local FBOs at KFCM (Eden Prairie, MN), along with colleges that I’m considering and make some requests for PPL and IR training costs. Thanks again.
This reminds me, and could come in handy for the OP.
Did the FAA give the thumbs up or thumbs down on being able to get your private and instrument ratings concurrently?
Was that a thought from the fine folks in Ok city? The total time requirements are so different I don’t think it would be very feasible anyway.
I remember reading it last August-ish (if not earlier. I have slept since then) and called a couple local flight schools and they were 100% for it. I never heard anything beyond that though.
I am trying to dig up what I printed off from the FAA when I first read about it.
I tihnk its rediculous to be able to get a instrument ticket with the private. flying ifr isnt a game and too much to learn before flying in imc. not sure if it went through but i hope not.
flying IMC is a piece of cake. As long as you’ve done it enough and remain current.
Not getting an “instrument ticket” is ridiculous. Too many venture into IMC without the proper knowledge and training and pay the ultimate price. JFK Jr. is a classic example. At least with an instrument license a private pilot is better equipped to safely navigate an inadvertant IMC encounter. If proficiency is maintained and good judgement is exercised, one flying in a well equipped aircraft can confidently and safely get from point A to point B in most adverse weather conditions.
Totally agree…couldnt have said it better.
your axactly right when you say good judgement and if a private pilot exercises good judgement then they wouldnt get themsleves into imc conditions unless they are capable. you get the private pilot license to learn how to fly, once you get a good confident attitude and enough experience then you move on to instruments. i dont know one person who can get a ppl and instrument ticket in the same day then fly home in actual conditions. by licensing somebody to do just that is just asking for trouble.
What AZ said (I was just too lazy to type that much)
I myself wouldn’t want to do both training simultaneously but as others already indicated, I do feel it can be done.
I doubt any instructor worth their salt will sign off on a student that couldn’t meet the minimums of the PTS for both IA and VFR.
Assuming the instructor is a reputable one that takes pride on what type of pilot they mold, I would get in a plane with a newly minted VFR and IA rated pilot as most probably that pilot probably more current then me.
I read somewhere the average non IFR pilot that inadvertantly travels into IMC makes it less than two minutes before loss of control.
An instrument ticket is a must!
[quote=“ejericson”]
That’s kinda funny…
But it really happens.
I dont find it funny at all. Its unfortunate that people get themselves into situations they are not qualified. But not funny. I had never seen that video before and i think it should be shown to all PPL students.
It is much smarter, cheaper and faster if you find a school you like that has a guaranteed fixed price, pre pay course. Unfortunetly some smaller schools tend to hold you back with or without an instructor for $ reasons. So search for a school with this option, you will save quite a lot. Good luck…