Is this a fair price for a PPL?

[keaja]

$7900 Bucks!
I just got back from my local flight school, very nice place. I havent signed up for lessons yet, just an introduction flight.
I plan to make this my career, so the CFI recommended I just go for a First Class Medical.
They talked me to into a 172, cause I sat in the 152 and I couldnt believe how small it was. I'm 6 foot, and about 230 pounds, very large frame, so I gues it is too small. And they said since the 152 is a bit slower, then the cost difference wouldnt me that much in the end since the 152 would take longer to get to and from KSAC.
And I will be doing ground school on my own, for about $215.
I was surprised how much this will cost, I figured it would be about $5,000.
$7900 is an estimate basically, it could be more or less.
But do you guys think its a fair price for this:
60 Hours aircraft rental $88.00/Hour=$5280
50 Hours Flight Instruction $32/hour=$1600
20 Hours Pre-Post Briefing $32/hour=$640
$80 1st Class Medical=$80
$215 Jeppesen Ground School=$215
$75 Introductary Flight=$75

For some reason this just seems sorta high to me.

Also, could someone tell me what a 1st class medical will consist of compared to say a 2nd or 3rd class?

Thanks!

[Jeff_DCA]

Not 100% what a good price for a PPL is over there, but RE the class 1 medical question, lets just say, i hope you're not shy :-lol!!! (That is assuming they do the same as they do in a JAA class 1)

Regards,

[DougKYIP]

1st off NO introductory flight -$75.
Study Gleim private pilot written exam book $20.-$195.
no ground school needed.
go with the first class medical
no way around the pre and post flight brief
20 hours dual, NOT 50 -$960.
40 hours aircraft rental, NOT 60. $88. an hour is a ripoff for a 172, should be not more than $70-$75.

Tell them to go to hell, that cfi must of been an idiot if the times he gave you are what it took him to learn to fly.

[ladamson]

He doesn't say the age of the 172. I know of a school that has new or nearly new Katana's & 172R & SP's. I just figure it's going to cost more.

Ladamson

[DougKYIP]

I got my private in 1993 in a 1961 C-172 with manual flaps, I liked that big flap lever between the seats and that 1961 172 flew just as nice as a new 172 for $40. bucks an hour.

[Jeff S KDTW]

>>>Tell them to go to hell, that cfi must of been an idiot if the times he gave you are what it took him to learn to fly.

Doug -

With those creditials at the end of your signature, how in the world can you say that the CFI must be "an idiot". The national average for total time to get the PPL is 60-70 hours. As YOU should know, 40 hours is only the FAA minimum under Part 61.

Additionally, your estimate of 20 hours dual is far too short. Most students don't even solo until they are at about 15 hours dual--what about dual XC requirements, or dual night XC requirements, or the 3 hours of preparation for the checkride, which are all required by the FARs?

I think Doug, you need to also at least ask what model 172 we are talking about. I challenge you to find a 172R for 70-75/hour in "our" area. At least in our area, the only 172R's I know of go for $99/hour wet.

Anyway, to the original poster, I'd say that what you have quoted is actually a realistic out-the-door cost of getting a PPL. I would ask what kind of 172 would you be flying?

Good luck. If you have any specific questions that don't get answered here, feel free to PM me.

[DougKYIP]

Jeff, I guess I forgot to mention that I learned at an uncontrolled field, that will take a considerable amout of time off the hobbs, you can start the engine and be in the air in 3 minutes.

[Jeff S KDTW]

Doug -

A part of me is playing devil's advocate in the above response because I personally finished my PPL in 40.0 hours. However, in today's age, I am well aware that the vast majority of pilots do not get their license in that short of time. In fact, the FAA Designated Examiner (DE) was telling me as she was going over my paperwork before the oral exam portion of my checkride that she "rarely" sees anyone finish in 40 hours.

BTW, I trained just up the road from you at KPTK (busy Class D--towered).

One thing that a lot of schools try to do is quote prices based on the FAA minimum. However, most students go grossly over that minimum. I think, if anything, the quotes above are a fair representation of what many student will pay to get their PPL in a newer 172.

Anyway, thanks for the clarification.

[keaja]

Thanks so much for the help so far guys!
It has reassured me that my cost is realistic. Luckily I pay as I go so I could go under, who knows!
Here are the 172's:
http://www.skywalkinc.com/SingleEngine.html

So could anyone answer that question about the 1st class medical, I take it my clothes will be on the floor =/ =(

[RyanbATC]

Well, here at UND, I'm paying about 8k-9k for my PPL, at least by the time I'm finished. I've spent about 5k so far, and about 3/4 done. So, go figure...

Well, I'd only get a first class medical, if you plan on becoming a commercial pilot. A 3rd class is ALL that is neccessary for me and you. (PPL rated). A 2nd class will get you a CPL (commercial rating, not to be confused with my term - "commercial pilot - I mean like an airline pilot:). A first class is ONLY needed for an ATP, these are discused in the FAR, which I need to study more, because I'm only a student pilot. As far as obtaining a medical goes, there are a few health differences that you need to get a 1st, 2nd, 3rd class med.

If you get a FAR/AIM, check out part 67, it talks about the medical standards that you will need to be eligible for a medical certificate. I dont know this section toooooo well, so it might be better to check out a FAR/AIM at the library and look at Part 67 - it will tell you everything you need to know.

All in all, the difference between a 3rd and 2nd class medical, is very minimal, shouldnt be a problem to get a 2nd or third. For instance, once I got my glasses, I was applying for a 3rd, but they said I could have a 2nd instead.

Hope this is somewhat helpful to you!!!