inFrequently Asked Questions about Flight Training

Things You Might Wonder About Learning to Fly

4. How can I reduce the cost of flight training?

• Join a flying club. Clubs typically rent planes for 20-30% less than other flight schools. Make sure their planes are available for primary instruction.
  
  
• Buy block time. Some schools will give a discount if you pay in advance for a block of 10 hours or so, but they may not advertise this.
  
  
• Shop around for the best rates, which can vary widely, even in the same metro area. Don't judge flight instructors by the rates they charge.
  
  
• Consider an independent (self-employed) flight instructor- rates can be much less than those of a flight school. (Would you rather pay $15 or $40/hr?) Make sure the CFI has access to airplanes for primary instruction; not all independents do.
  
  
• Train in a two-seater, even if you plan to fly four-seaters later, unless height or weight requires you to use a larger plane. Once you learn the basics, transitioning to a larger plane is not difficult.
  
  
• If you're using a four-seater, ride along on another student's lesson. A lot can be learned by watching. (You can only do this when the instructor is present, of course.)
  
  
• Prepare for your lessons and read ahead. If you understand some of the concepts in advance, your flight instructor will need less time to explain them. Read as much about flying as you can.
  
  
• Fly often, if you can afford to. A student flying several times a week will usually need fewer total hours than one flying once a week. If you can't afford one lesson a week, I suggest saving up until you can.
  
  
• Look for ways to meet multiple training requirements with one flight. (For example, instrument and night training can be done on cross-country flights.)
  
  
• If you have a flight simulator, use it. It may save you some flight time.
  
  
• Get your medical exam early in your training, in case there's a problem which may prevent you from getting a license.
  
  
• Borrow or buy used books, but be sure they're current (in terms of regulations and procedures).
  
  
• Invest in a good headset. The higher-priced ones are often the cheapest in the long run, because they last longer. Some schools will let you borrow headsets to try different models.
  
  
• Start your training at the time of year when the good weather begins in your area (i.e. fall in the South, spring in the North).