How much does it cost at minimum to become a pilot and get a plane?

If I wanted to get a pilot's license and buy a small, cheap plane, like a Cessna, about how much am I looking at, and how would I get started?



Thanks.How much does it cost at minimum to become a pilot and get a plane?It depends a lot...



What kind of licence you are aiming to get for a start?



Licences are generally divided into restricted (student), private and commercial. Obviously, commercial costs the most while restricted (which lets you fly solo around a smaller area) the least.



Private is a good start - if you are buying a plane, you will want to travel - and restricted will stop you doing so as you are not navigation trained. Private licences vary from school to school. I'm also not sure what country you are in - but here in Australia, a private licence is around the $20,000 mark.



As a general hint, you are better off going to a smaller school away from major airports. It will be cheaper, due to a lack of airport charges to the company and you will tend to have the same instructor who will develop a good feel for your style of learning - and your strengths and weaknesses, and work on those, so you pass your licence with minimum cost.



The big schools are fine, but they charge more - as their resident airports charge a small fortune just for tarmac space. Not to mention regularly rotating instructors can frustrate some students.



As for aircraft cost...I really could not tell you, I'm sorry. I am a commercial pilot and know of a number of people who have bought light planes, such as Cessnas and Pipers.



But the costs vary so, so, so much - depending on age, number of airframe and engine hours, size, features, electronics, seats, everything.



At the very least, again, you'd be looking at $20,000.How much does it cost at minimum to become a pilot and get a plane?Ben,

I agree with Bert - go for a private pilot license. However, if you are real sharp and can study on your own, you could earn a private pilot certificate for as little as $5,000. Figure $4000 for instructor and plane rental, $500 for education materials, and $500 for your check ride.

Report Abuse

How much does it cost at minimum to become a pilot and get a plane?Just seconding Craig here--if you're American (judging by your spelling of license), a private license can be had for $5000-7000 depending on what part of the country you're in. Do it now before avgas gets even more expensive :)

Report Abuse