Q. How much does pilot school cost?
A. That’s a tough question to answer because it varies so widely. A rough estimate is anywhere between $20,000 and $50,000. There are several factors that will cause the price to fluctuate. Where you go to flight school and the type of program you choose will raise or lower the cost dramatically. Accelerated flight schools which are full time and intense will usually save a bit of cash. The type of license you’re going for will change the price tag. It is important to talk to several people (administrators, instructors, financial advisors, graduates) at several institutions to get an idea of how much flight school will cost you. It’s an enormous, life-changing investment, shop around.
Q. What’s the difference between a private pilot and a commercial pilot, and how much more training does it take to become a commercial pilot?
A. Private pilots are not allowed to fly “for hire”, that is, they should not be paid for their services. Besides flying for an airline, a commercial pilot may be paid to operate corporate planes, drop sky divers or transport aerial photographers. Initial schooling and training is practically the same for both types of pilot but once someone decides to go commercial it becomes more intense. Commercial pilot training requires a more thorough education and a lot more time in the air. Most airline pilots will need to have logged more than 1,000 hours in the air before they even applied for the job.
Q. I have no interest in flying commercially but I want to become a pilot. I’m saving up for flight school, what other requirements are there?
A. It’s a good thing you’re saving money now because flight school is not cheap. First of all, you’ll have to get a student pilot certificate which requires you to be at least 16 years old. You’ll need to be at least 17 before you can score a private pilot license. Once you have completed all the requisite classes and training you’ll have to pass a pilot knowledge test with a score of at least 70%. Private pilots must also read, write and speak English fluently. Finally, you’ll be examined by an FAA approved doctor and you’ll need to receive at least a third-class medical certificate.