First time I have seen the "buy and sell your own airplane" to save money pitched and I cant agree more. This is what I did and I saved tens of thousands over the course of my training up to CFI. Bought a scrubby PA-28 140 for $19,000. Earned my Private, instrument, the time for my commercial then sold it once I became CFI for $18,500. Then the guy that bought it from me paid me for private lessons so I made MORE money with it. It was the fastest, least expensive way to do it and OMG is it great to not worry about flight school airplane scheduling, maintenance, inflated costs, etc. The freedom to just jump in MY plane and earn my time was amazing. I am now sitting right seat in a B767. I owe it to that scrubby little Cherokee.
Allen Hartzell Hey Allen, I got my A license for skydiving in January and being around aviation for the first time in my life caught the bug. Started training for my private in January and should test next month for it. Was wondering if you would share your thoughts on someone that is just starting out that is considering this as a career change given current circumstances.
@@flywiththeguys absolutely. It is important to emphasize what you said as well. There is a higher degree of risk involved. I think the big detractor is the fear of taking on the unknown adventure of owning an aircraft. It is much easier to relinquish your training decisions to a flight school. The cost of entry to buying is a little daunting as well. With out taking out a loan, it can cost $20, $30, even $40k to purchase an aircraft in the first place and many people just don't have access to that kind of upfront cash. I wad blessed enough to already be employed in a descent paying career that allowed me to purchase everything without loans, but I know that is rare and not possible for everyone. If anyone has any questions or needs some advice, PM me.
@@jrgfox disclaimer: this is my current opinion and it can change just as fast as the aviation industry is because of the current pandemic.... I could be wrong about everything I say.... I still think now is a good time to get involved in aviation as a career. I know things seem bleak because of COVID but this too shall pass... Just like every downturn before it. As someone that has left the regular work force to become a pilot, I can tell you it is the greatest job in the world and well worth it. That being said, it is one of the most unclear career paths with many twists and turns to get to FL350. No two pilots have the same training journey just like no two flights are ever the same. As for the the current downturn, demand has increased in other sectors. Cargo (what I fly), private charter, and business aviation have all seen an uptick. PAX operations will return and there will probably be another large wave of pilots entering the work force when that happens. Get ahead of the curve. Dont wait. By the time you reach ATP level it will be a whole new field. Adapt, overcome, never stop loving flying. Never stop learning.
Allen Hartzell thanks Allen. I have had many older established pilots tell me to buy a plane when I begin my training. I look at Cessna 150s a lot but the acquisition cost plus unforeseen maintenance costs scare me a little. Like you I don’t want to take out any loans for an airplane. It sure sounds easier to transfer that maintenance risk to the flight school but I LOVE flying so I go back and forth. Lol
I just finished my PPL. I have spent around $5500 total. I had a good instructor at $40 an hour, a basic rental Cessna 150G at $89 an hour, and a minimum of instructor time. I took my check ride at 42 hours. However, I took 18 months while finishing high school, as well as a part time job.
I went to the FBO at KGRD. I used a part-time instructor and the FBO’s rental C-150. If you live in the area I would recommend it. However, most small airports will have a similar program. Look around for a cheaper plane. You can’t beat the 150 for hourly rate. And look for a good cheap instructor. An option is to ask around about retired part-timers, who will usually work for less .
I live in a very inexpensive area of the country. Also, the FBO does their own maintenance on that airplane, as well as others. I know the mechanic and he does not skimp on stuff. The logs are also very thorough.
T Fernandes Safety is an illusion. Don’t buy into the fear mongers mantra. You can very easily keep a C150 flying safely for that rate by doing A&P work yourself at any small rural field in gasoline country. I once built an extension to my house all by myself. A neighbor is a professional house builder/carpenter. I sat him down in a chair with some beers each time I came to tricky parts in the process, and he happily showed me the ropes. In the end I stepped back to adore my own work. I asked him if it was as good as pro construction. He said: “Nope. Absolutely not. Much superior. Pro’s just know how to build quickly, and how to cheat without compromising quality too much, and while making sure no cheat is immediately visible.” Look at the Airlines. Top level professional mechanics with all the tools, parts, and procedures anybody could ever ask for. Mechanical failures still happen all the time because somebody installed a washer the wrong way, failed to tighten something or like a major airline A320 in the 90’s install the side stick connectors the wrong way around so a bank to the left was done by moving the stick to the right. They found out after takeoff and luckily were quick enough to relearn flying the wrong way instead of potentially doing a wing over at 100 feet. The plane flew the normal way on autopilot so a return and landing was completed successfully.
My grandfather stuck my uncle in the front hole of his Great Lakes biplane and climbed in the rear cockpit. They took off and trained all day. My grandfather would kick a rudder pedal hard from the back and let my uncle learn how to correct. He had soloed in just 8 hours. There's a lot to be said for staying at it and having an instructor teaching you stalls, spins, takeoffs and landings in one trip. This was in the 30's and that biplane was still a new airplane.
buying the plane is really the cheapest way to get the license because owning a plane with psychologically promote you to fly more often. Think about this: who here play or learn piano without at least owning a keyboard? It is definitely risky and not cheap to own a plane.... even a lowly 152! but in the long run, this is really the cheapest way! and if you lease it out, you would get paid for the idle hours also!
Good tips. I bought a used airplane and put hours on it for 2 years before selling it at a profit. A tip you didn't mention - It's best to rent and take instruction at a smaller less busy non-tower airport. Billing for rental time is based on tenths of an hour recorded on the aircraft tachometer AKA "tach time" Just dealing with ground control, tower and approach can burn up as much as .4 tenths of tach time. @ $150.00 per hour (lesson) that's an additional $60.00 per flight lesson. Not to mention that most controlled field towers give priority to commercial and corporate jets which means that you will spend your training dollars waiting at the end of the runway for the jets to land or circling in the air waiting for inbound traffic.
Another important point - At airports with one or more very active flight schools like Fort Lauderdale (FLL) you will have to wait on the ground with your tachometer running up the bill while other student pilots practice touch and go landings and practice approaches.
This can happen. Our airport recognized the problem and created a runup area for the students, and put everyone else at intersection departures. I haven't been held up once for take off since then. Granted, if I was attending the flight school.....
*great video!! I agree that it’s definitely possible, I got my PPL in almost exactly $5K, rented a plane at a very low rate from a friend, and my Instructor was so kind he didn’t charge me for ground, plus also I did my written beforehand and studied A LOT on the ground, on my own, before paying per minute in the plane!*
Awesome. I'm glad you shared. There are a lot of people saying it's not possible, but I'm finding the harder you try, the more possible it really is. THANK YOU!
Precisely what I recommend to prospective pilots. I always recommend they sell the plane for MORE than they paid for it. I try to do that every time on cars, planes and boats. All that is required is careful, patient shopping for your purchase. A friend of mine bought a Cherokee 140 - 8 gph -two years ago for $14,000 (with $8,100 of recent avionics). He is now up to 405 hours. I have no doubt he will make money on the resale when he goes next to a Mooney or a twin.
For anyone here from Michigan. I have a brother who is certified with 5+ years of experience as a airplane mechanic currently working in the Saginaw area. All certifications are up to date. Loves his job but wants to do something more than his airline. Looking for a mechanic? He’s your man 🙂
Bought a '76 Cessna 152 for $20k before ever taking controls of a plane; 9 hours later I was flying solo; which then I could fly whenever I liked; after 55 hours I took my Private Pilot check ride after 200 hours and three years later; sold it for what i bought it for. Don't forget you have the annual inspection cost; which for me; was about $1,500 a year. Of coarse it was a cheap way to go; it if you can swing the $20k; which is not possible for everyone.
Thanks for sharing this. I'm finding that for every person that says it wont work, theres someone who says they've done it. Understanding that some of the costs are the costs of ownership and don't really fall under the cost of the certificate of course like you kind of mentioned. But MAN, you saved a ton of money in that deal. Congratulations!
If you don't already have your Private and have a CAP Mission Transport Pilot rating or you're a cadet, you are only eligible to use CAP aircraft to train IF you live further than two hours from a commercial flight school. Per the CAPR 70-1: "6.2.3.2. All other senior members - requires written authorization from the Wing Commander, Region Commander, CAP/DO, and the National Commander or designee. Such authorization can be granted only if the member lives more than 2 hours driving time from a commercial flight training facility." You didn't mention that instructors cannot receive payment, so you have to find one who is willing to volunteer their time to train you.
Sweet video. Good topics and wasn’t so long that I went looking for quality information elsewhere. This will be a huge help to students and anyone who has the aviation “bug”
Something you forgot to mention is most CFI's charge you for the ground instruction as well as the time in the air and usually at the same rate. This can add .5 hours or more to each and every flight. While flying 2 to 3 hours per flight sounds good, in practice it is extremely tiring for most of us and many CFI's will not fly for that long, either. Have the CFI toss in a few power-on stalls or spins and I, for one, am done for the day. As to buying a plane, I did this. It can be a handful, though. On top of the study and the training you are now taking on the responsiblity of plane maintance
Some do, some don't. I left this out because we have a How to Pick a CFI video that goes over that, and where its such a mix I couldn't put that in here. So I linked it in the video and description.
@@flywiththeguys in 30+ years of flying I've rarely found an instructor that didn't charge ground time. And certainly if the ground time went past .5. When I became an instructor, I was admonished not to cheat myself if I gave a good, sold half hour or more of ground instruction. Plus, what about just ground time that is taken in lieu of air time when the WX is bad? There's a fair bit left out in this calculation of yours.
I just finished my PPL, it took me 74 hours including the check ride and cost $12,800.37. I rented a C172P dry at $85/hr, but fuel at KORL is $5.20/gal. I got cheaper gas whenever I could during cross country flights. In today's age with all the extra electronics and complex airspace I don't think 40 hours is enough to make you a good pilot that will truly be comfortable flying and dealing with emergencies. I was into the 60 hours before I finally was comfortable landing the plane with a simulated engine failure. The last 10 hours I mostly practiced landings and rehearsed the maneuvers again.
stupid pay school lot, fly minimum 40 hour and take certificate ppl ok, then you can learn and training own time lot cheapen go good pilot, 74 hour uh,must be super stupid or better not fly newer. if go 74 hour learn fly. ground school teorical learn about 20 hour and then fly training FAA need minimum 40 hour not need more and have ppl. and later can learn own time own money cheapen good pilot all procedure what want. but at school can go to out good pilot if understand anythink how fly.
Buying the plane, using it, and then reselling it reminds me of a friend of mine that was stuck at the airport in AZ trying to get back to TN on 9/11/01....(the planes were grounded). The rental cars went quick so he found three others on the flight back to TN to go buy a cheap used car nearby, all four pitched in, drove it to TN, and then sold it when he got back to TN.
unless that person already has a solid background in general aviation, it isnt wise to suggest someone buy a plane before they go thru flight school. plus, the inspection and mechanic look-over, along with any costs to get the plane up to snuff can add up and you may or may not get that back right after sale
Thats why I say its really under a different set of finances, but the guys I've talked to have been able to sell their plane for a little more and walk away net zero on the plane. It's possible.....
@@byronrogers4489 cars dont come with a massive federal rulebook on operating standards and your drivers ed hooptie isn't going to be subject to an AD that was never fixed.
what was that saying? "the rich will always get richer"....lol..... not to be cynical, but again, that is true here. If you are at least somewhat well off and can afford to absorb the initial cost to buy your training plane, in the long run, you save more or even make money from your plane.... vs a poorer person who can't buy one
Looks like my long lost childhood dream may not be that far out of reach! I plan to embark on this journey once I get my career established as I would want to continue to fly regularly and not have financial constraints be a barrier.
The hours do count towards total time, but I'm not sure on what the requirements would look like after that, as in how many hours in a SEL you would need to complete the PPL. You happen to know what those look like?
Thanks for this. Im very studious anyway and have been learning everything I can before I start. This has been my general plan from the start so it's good to know Im on the right track. I look forward to meeting up with you at KDVT sometime.
The idea really revolves around your total out of pocket purchase and carrying costs VS what you can sell it for. We made a video on Renting VS Buying that has a great spreadsheet for figuring some of this out. th-cam.com/video/M7yiFPI0INE/w-d-xo.html But, if you're following the model and moving through things quickly you wouldn't need a hanger necessarily. A covered or non covered tie down for a few months isn't going to break the bank like a hanger would.
Why hangar it? He means you just keep it parked high up in the air, where there are also no countries to pay tax and insurances for. What's else the idea of an air plane? Doh
Learning to fly is a bucket list item and I decided to look into it this year. What I've learned from videos like this is aircraft cost, whether renting or owning, is prohibitive. And I don't want to fly 40+ year old planes with steam gauges and carburated engines. LSA's aren't an option in my area. So I'll continue armchair flying.
Old airplanes are great in my opinion. Well maintained ones fly the same as new ones, just generally have newer avionics. Which you can upgrade in any old airplane. =) The airplane cost is the most expensive part for sure, but people still find a way. I budgeted my learning, and now my flying.
2:42 things to get out of the way before 2:42 get medical certificate 2:52 Written exam 3:03 Student pilot certificate before can solo 3:33 instructor costs 4:08 always do homework, chair fly from muscle memory, use PC simulator to learn procedures. 4:33 air craft costs: 4:45 less expensive airplane or buying bulk hours to recieve discount 5:30 6:15 buying and selling airplane
If you live in CA you need to pay "use" tax. Basically sales tax. So if you buy a 30k plane you'll pay about $2500 in "use" tax.Then there is the "property" tax. About 1% or another $300.. Insurance. Don't know what it would be for a Student Pilot but I estimate about $2,000. Also, hangar or tie down fees at least $50/month figure at least. Unless you are planning on keeping the airplane to go for your commercial and instrument rating it is not going to be cheaper than renting. Also, didn't figure in pre-buy inspection of the airplane $500 - $1000 or other mx items that might come up and of course add in the Fuel.
I’m surprised you never mentioned getting with your friend that is a CFI and owns a plane. I have two friends that way that have offered to help me as long as I would pay for fuel only. One of them actually ran a school for colleges with multiple planes and instructors. But he was still willing to help me out, in his own personal time and plane.
Looking into a license myself. I already had the idea of buying an older plane since I'd be using it to fly around with afterwards anyways. Seems like a win win.
Don't let moving through things quickly or being frugal with your money as a"good enough" way of doing things. Take my local prestigious flight school for instance, they charge over $17K for a private when you can easily get it privately for $13.5K. In the end, All pilots have to pass the same tests to the same standards provided by the FAA.
As others have commented, this video can be somewhat misleading as most CFI's charge for ground instruction too. Here are other things which will increase the time to solo, much less PPL: 1. Flying out of a towered control airport 2. Every time you switch a CFI 3. Every time you switch planes (e.g. going from a old school 172 to one with a glass cockpit and fuel injection, then back, depending on aircraft availability) 4. You are over 40 years old 5. You are over 50 years old 6. Having to switch to a flight school mid-way through because your CFI will no longer go up due to COVID concerns 7. Taking a 3 week break while your CFI is busy with their day job 8. Taking a 2 week break due to forest fires in 2020 9. You don't live in the middle of nowhere (e.g. you live in a higher cost area) 10. Your wife will divorce you if you try to buy a plane before getting your PPL I knew one guy who got is PPL for like $1000, but his CFI was dating his sister so he only paid for fuel. Just because "someone" can do it doesn't mean *you* can. Look, his tips are pretty good and shows what is possible, but you should also be prepared that it can cost up to $15k or more depending on many factors.
This video was more or less to show people how they can reduce the cost, and our supporting videos are just to help people find a rough idea of how much they're going to spend. I like your points though and there are all kinds of factors that can draw out training. #10 though.... YIKES. Thanks for watching and for your comment!
@@flywiththeguys 100% agreed. I think the tips are great and wished I had known some of these before starting my PPL process, however looking at the comments it seemed that some were taking this as meaning that if for some reason they are paying more than $5000 they are missing out, or that $5000 is normal. Sorry if it came across any other way. Also, I think having a section like "here are things that can increase your cost" in a separate video may be helpful, e.g. here are surprises you may not be able to control. My #10 is a bit much - she won't divorced me I don't think at least - it's more that we just don't have the spare $$ to buy a used C152/C172 in the current market. That, and I had started off with a reasonable budget using a flying club, however once COVID was in force #6 is what did me in. Sorry if this is TMI...
@@hefeibao Oh there was a lot of hate in the comments for the 5K thing, which is why it was the quickest section of the video. More of of an intentional thing to draw attention, and it is completely possible, but like I said risky. I do like the idea of things that could increase your PPL cost. I heard a story from a guy recently. His buddy was in a club and spent 28K on his PPL. I don't know the details, could have been that he was training in a Cirrus, but still. YIKES!
@@flywiththeguys Could very well be wrt to the Cirrus. My own experience going through the club was that it was very cheap: a nice C172 was $105/hour wet + $50/hour for the CFI. CFI only charged by flight hour, not anything on the ground, and I did ground school via Sporty's. However they are not full time CFIs, and so you are dealing with vagaries of scheduling, etc. Plus the other factors I noted (over 50, landings take some time to master), or switching CFIs when someone is out and they each have their own areas of focus, so there are hours lost in that process. Still, it wasn't too bad until COVID really got stuck and then I had to move to a flight school. Sure, I can fly 3/week now but the planes are much more expensive, all glass cockpit, plus it may take a few flights to find a CFI you like. Costs are way higher in $$/hour both for the plane and that the CFI charges you for *all* their time, even just doing pre-brief/post-brief. Another difference is that in a club, these our *our* aircraft and they are pretty picky. Any bounce on the landing is a big deal, even braking hard (hey, those brakes are expensive). The goal then is not to get you to solo as fast as you can, or to get your PPL as fast as you can, the goal is to ensure that once you get your PPL you won't damage the planes, as you are a part owner too, right? Also, I'm going through a bigger flight school now with a dozen planes and even more CFIs, so each time I get in the cockpit the things may be different, or due to weather/how busy our home airport is we may be practicing landings at any of the 4 or 5 airports near us, some controlled, some not. So each approach can be very different. Also, it's not just your CFI who is involved, there is a stage check CFI who has to sign off first before your CFI signs off (and I had to do that at both the club and the flight school). Etc, etc. This is very different from being at a smaller field with a private CFI where your time to solo is focused on getting you up and down safely. It's also a good reason *why your video is valuable even if a person's situation is different*, as it shows what is possible to achieve if you have the right information up front, which many of us do not. I wish I had watched this video before joining the club as doing the math it may well have worked out to be cheaper getting my own plane and hiring a CFI.
I just randomly decided I wanted to get my pilots license, after doing some research I decided it's to much money for something that I would do for fun every once in a while
Don’t know anything about buying an airplane.... are there not insurance costs associated with the plane? What about a place to store it? Would there not be fees associated with that? You wouldn’t likely recoup those costs if so.
Yes - exactly. I bought a Cessna Hawk XP (loved it), and did a lot of my training in that. I live in the Seattle area, and tied the plane down at RNT. I did a cost analysis based on accumulated costs over a three or four year period. I used several years because some years the annual will do fine, and in other years, the costs will be higher. A single AD can make a big cost impact, and it's never something you anticipated. Even after I paid the plane off, my monthly costs for parking, insurance and maintenance (including annuals, air worthiness directives, etc) ran about $600/month whether the airplane flew or not. Of course flight time increases those costs. So, unless you fly a lot and can spread those costs over a lot of hours, the cost per hour can be prohibitive, and make renting a better choice. I was part of a team that did search and rescue, taught mountain flying, etc, so there were lots of hours. Now, if you buy a plane, bang out your training in the shortest time possible, and then sell the plane, you'll have a minimum of recurring costs like storage and probably won't have to do an annual inspection, etc. But if you can't complete your training as quickly as your best-case plan assumed, you may find the costs of ownership quickly mount. There are always potential "gotachas" in ownership. For example, I had a brake cylinder failure. Simple enough to correct, right? But the cylinders were out of production, so I was forced to change out the entire system to a different brand. I also had to rebuild the elevator trim. $1,200. On one annual, we found a crack in a motor mount. So, rent a hangar for the airplane, pull the engine, clad, weld and powder coat the mount, reinstall the engine... Thousands of bucks for a single repair. I guess my point is that folks sometimes oversimplify the concept of owning an airplane as a means of reducing costs. Generally, older airplanes cost less up front, but will exact their pound of flesh in other ways, like repairs and replacement of timed-life components.
Thats what I was kind of getting at. An airplane is an asset and goes under a completely different set of finances. If you buy one it shouldn't be coupled with the cost of getting the certificate. But I have talked to people who have purchased a plane, got their certificate, and then sold the plane and came out on top. Most of them proceeded to buy another plane that better suited their needs afterwords.
@@flywiththeguys I disagree. If you buy one, with the intention of using it to obtain the certificate and then reselling it, it's another way of handling the expenses of getting the certificate. You can't say "I spent $50,000 on an airplane, but that means my certificate cost $7,000 less because I didn't have rental fees." That artificially reduces the cost of the certificate UNTIL the plane is resold. The buy, fly, sell plan doesn't always work out, and when it doesn't the costs of getting the certificate can be significantly increased. That's the point I was trying to make. It's something of a gamble. If the difference between the purchase and selling prices of the aircraft are net positive or at least less than rental costs, you're a winner.
What about obtaining a sport license first, so that practical control skills can be built up taking the additional hours of instruction to upgrade to full private pilot license? Wouldn't that be likely to reduce the total instruction hours toward the minimum required?
If your end goal is to have a private pilot license, go for that one. Yes, your flight time counts and will help, but you'll spend less money just tackling it directly instead of progressively.
Geography is another MAJOR factor…I live in Massachusetts where everything is expensive. However…about 30 minutes north (in New Hampshire) is a great little GA field with a solid FBO and great instructors for *far less* than anything near me. Pay attention to what’s in your area…an extra 20 minute drive is worth its weight in gold if it can ultimately save you $1000 getting you your PPC
Hello I'm 17 and I see myself flying airplanes but I have no clue where to start. Would really appreciate any video you guys recommend to watch. Thank you!
less expensive is good but, fast/cheap is not necessarily the SAFEST approach. I have a lot more than the minimum. I'm older and learn slower... Looking at all the accidents in aviation I can only come to the conclusion that they missed something in their training. Consequently, I was not in a rush to get licensed when I started flying lessons...
I hear you on this one. Aviation should always be safe. My instructor told me all the time that if I crashed, the first person they would point the finger at was him, so he made sure I was doing things properly and safely. I would hope that if an instructor sees unsafe tenancies or presenting hazardous attitudes, they wouldn't sign them off for solo flights or the checkride.
If you look closely at most GA accidents, it is not lack of skills, but judgement and risk management. That cannot be changed with more hours of plane rental and normal instructor time. Once you have the certificate, it is up to you to continue to learn and keep proficient. FAA WINGS program is free and the best safety resource for the private pilot.
In 1986 I bought a c152 and put it on lease back at the fbo. I didn’t haggle the price but traded 25 hours of instructor time for the full price. 11 months later, I sold the plane for $300 more than I paid for it. After ALL my expenses, I made $34 to get my PPL. It is so possible today to do the exact same thing.
What is your opinion on sport pilot certificates? It seems to me that unless you can't pass a medical, there is literally no reason to get it at this point. The regs for UL's and sport pilots seems ridiculously outdated. They should at least throw the 150 and 172 in the LSA category for the sake of training..... And the weight restrictions on UL's just makes these things almost unsafe for the average low-hour pilot to fly, though I'd love a Merlin Lite.
I'm going to be doing a video on the sport pilot license soon. It's a great topic and opens the skys up to a lot of people who otherwise couldn't. I used to think it was useless, but it actually makes a a lot of sense for some pilots and I'm glad the FAA offers it and provides a specific category and class for it. Thanks for the comment.
Thanks! I've actually looked at renting out a plane. My airport makes that really prohibitive. =( Plus the cost of insurance can kind of get out of control. The Partnership thing works great though to save some money on a plane purchase. =)
i want to become a pilot but my fam cant afford it , so i was thinking that i can work with a private pilot license till i save the money and then continue studying , is this a good idea ? or do you recommend another affordable license ?
Someone whos looking to do that would want to get a plane that they can turn when they're done. Good prospects are 172s, 150/152s, and many of the PA-28 platform planes with a 180HP engine. The 172 is probably the best for it, but the most expensive on the list.
MatthewOfGilead Silver spoon birth always makes things easier. If you’re born with no utensils whatsoever but you want it, find a way to get it. My buddy lived on a cot in the hangar. Showered at the other end of the field. Cleaned the hangar floors for food & free lessons, and bought a Harley in pieces on “eBay” for nearly nothing. He used the hangar tools to rebuild it and sell for a profit to pay for aircraft use. He’s now a senior A330/340 FO for a major airline.
As an instructor I hate this question, you did a very good job showing the many variables. There are other costs not included like $150 for the written test, $600-1000 for the practical test, $100-$200 for the medical. Headsets, study materials, charts/aviation apps you can spend as much as you want and then some. I encourage people to make a monthly aviation budget and taylor their training to that budget. There is nothing worse than planning on paying for a license $5000 or $150,000 dollars, to get it and not have any money to continue flying. If this is just a bucket list item to check off, fine, otherwise, make it a lifestyle. Get involved in aviation join clubs, attend safety seminars, volunteer to clean airplanes for guys you meet in the hangar, do a tower tour, but most important; fly regularly!
Those are included in the video here, but we made a stand alone video a while ago really breaking down the cost of a PPL. Granted, pricing has changed just a bit. th-cam.com/video/jPCQdF1IBfE/w-d-xo.html
Totally true! But at the same time we have to connect with those who don't know that. Ask anyone who isn't in aviation what they need to fly and they'll probably say a pilot license. I'm reaching out to them to help them gain interest in aviation, not to people who already know. Once they start flying and learning, they'll pick it up.
@@davidjd123 What he means, is it's called a "pilot certificate". There are CERTIFICATES (Private, Commercial, Airline Transport) and then there are RATINGS you can earn, like the Instrument Rating, Multi-Engine Land, Single Engine Sea etc. :-)
Great video, thanks! One question though, for the very last recommendation on actually Buying-Sellling an inexpensive plane, you'd still have to add the cost of paying the Hangar, right? do you have a video on approx yearly, monthly costs of having airplane ( outside of the cost of the plane itself) ? Thanks
Depends. The idea of buying, plowing through, and selling doesn't really incorporate a hanger. Regular tie downs would work just fine. My airport has non covered tie downs for $25 a month so it's not a large overall cost. BUT, we do have this video for the rest of your question - th-cam.com/video/M7yiFPI0INE/w-d-xo.html
Wow, this makes me feel very lucky. At rocky mountain flight school, I pay $75 an hour wet for a 152 and $45 an hour for an instructor. Edit/update: The school got another 152 renting for $60 wet!!!
@@jakeschainost4325 I can say much because I'm only 10 hrs in, but so far its going well. Just find the right instructor and you will always have an abundance of planes to rent.
If you purchase an aircraft, don't forget fixed costs. Insurance and hanger/storage costs won't be recouped upon resale. Still a great idea, if you're in a position to do so.
Once you get comfortable with the preflight, show up to lessons 15 minutes early and get the plane ready to go without the instructor watching. Most instructors charge for ground and flight time. You still get your scheduled block but now it has 15 minutes more that you can be productively learning new information instead of paying them to watch you preflight again.
Couldn’t agree more. Different instructors charge different ways. Mine added .3 for pre and post flight briefing. Another charges just per the Hobbs. I never worked with one that was on the clock the moment they stepped out of their car but I’ve heard of a few.
Thanks for the content. Pilot Kaitly has a similar business model as you explained. Her strategy was to use light sport aircraft to fly often and build up hours. LSA are less expensive to operate and maintain? But flying in them counts the same. In 2024 some other posted new rules were expanded things around LSA. Do you know how? I assume owning a light sport would help with building up hours also.
LSA is absolutely qualified for hours. In fact, my buddy just purchased a LSA twin engine tail wheel that he's using to build multiengine time, and subsequently tail wheel time. There are a lot great smaller planes you can use that are fairly economical. BUT like the video said, if you treat the plane like an asset instead of part of the cost because you're going to sell it in the end, you can absolutely get certificates and ratings for A LOT cheaper. Even with regular maintenance.
@@flywiththeguys Thanks for reply. How do you see new rules for LSA affecting aviation and the aircraft covered under them? Also can you please tell us what make and model LSA twin with a tail wheel model your peer bought so I can look up the specs?
Make sure they quote you per their student averages and not at the FAA minimums. Lots of schools do that to get people in the door and make the price sound better. At 5 - 6 months I would bet you’ll be closer to the average hours. Most people hitting the minimums are prepared and commit to 3 x lessons a week, two ish flight hours each. I could be wrong though.
Flight schools can be expensive, as you’re not only paying for the instructor, but you’re also paying for the school’s overhead costs. You’d be further ahead of you found a local instructor who would work with you one-on-one, and on your schedule.
@@mattivirta 40 hours is the MINIMUM number of hours needed to take your check ride. The fact is, most people need more time than that. You must be able to demonstrate your knowledge and competence when flying an airplane. You can't just go take your test at 40 hours, your instructor must sign you off to go. If an instructor sends a student to his check ride before he is ready, the instructor could put his certificate in jeopardy. If he continues to send unprepared students to their check ride, he could lose his certificate to instruct. The minimum number of hours is 40, but most people need more time than that.
@@RandyBroderick hmm,my country ALL studen has fly only minum hours and no need totally more or have brains broken. after you have ppl licence you can learn own plane what you want and fly how lot you want ewery day. but only if want make licence no need more than minimum and ready this is my country do ALL pilots and have all good pilots FAA see its ok. no propblem
Buying our own plane is SLICK! However, I enjoy flight simulator apps on iPad haha - Aerofly FS 2 Infinite Flight F-Sim Shuttle QuadCopterFX drone Etc.
I took a little different route. I found a CFI with 30 years experience, thousands of flight hours, and an incredibly fun and serious instructor, but trains in a light sport aircraft (Aerotrek A240). He charged $35 an hour, and plane rental at $65 an hour, all in. I received my Sport Pilot Certificate in 23 hours ($2300). My ground school and check ride was an additional $980, so I’m flying for under $3500. I completed my training in 3 weeks, flying 4 times a week, and this included my check ride. I’ve purchased 1/3 of a beautiful 2018 Aero Bristell, and my monthly payments for the plane and hangar costs are just over $400 per month (less than my car payment), and the main owner and my CFI helped with my transition training at no cost. The Bristell is equipped with a full glass panel, and very inexpensive to fly (around 4.5 gallons per hour), and I get to fly it plenty, as the other 2 owners are not as active. My CFI is continuing my training this summer in the Bristell for my Private Certificate, which should go rather smoothly, and the additional 20 hours will only cost me $35 an hour ($700 total) and the cost of another check ride. We will then move to Instrument rating, probably in the fall, which the Bristell is fully equipped for. This route has provided me with a very economical plan to get flying, and keep flying and learning. My CFI has become a great friend, and advocate. Once I have my private certificate, then I will be looking to purchase my own plane, and it could be GA or LSA, and I’m also considering building a Sling or an Arion Lightning XS aircraft . They build assist center for Slings is close to where I live, and they will also assist with the Lightning should that be my final choice. Great video gents...thanks for helping to build interest in aviation.
@@flywiththeguys I started in local flying club on glider, literally at no cost and then via UL/LSA for very low (the safety can be questionable). So when you jump in Cessna, you know already how to fly even some tiny acrobatics from glider and most important, you know how to work with energy because every landing is landing w/o engine 😁. Takes longer, but you know already different plane classes. With engine is nice, but glider is emotional and very close to nature, challenging your skills.
$2,600 for PPL at Red Stewart Field in Waynesville, Ohio near King's Island amusement park outside of Cincinnati. The Waynesville intersection of Ohio Rt. 42 and Rt. 63 has motels, McDonalds, Subway, Domino's, BP gas and a very pharmacy. They will start to you in your choice of Piper Cub or Aeronca Champ then you have options of Cessna 150 or Piper Cherokee. Dewey Davenport got his license there. Check out his videos, one of which talks about Red Stewart Field. [I learned to fly in Miami University Flying Club not far away in Oxford.]
Are you sure that's for PPL? I checked out what you were talking about and using the minimum hours, their J3 Cub, and their instructors I'm getting $3980. Add materials, ground school, checkride, and checkride rental costs to that and your around that 5K mark. Pricing for other aircraft go up from there. It's all incredibly reasonable though.
@@flywiththeguys I was there on Sunday for an EAA meeting and read their paper price sheets. Hmm...I will ask Paul Tripplett from way up/over in Youngstown, Ohio who got his license at Red Stewart on Saturday.
did mine for about 1800. of course that was in 1978 and i washed planes at the field. but the best way is to dedicate 2 weeks and get it done. eat live and breath the airport. there is one in n carolina who has cabin right on airfield. for those complaining about 'you need to be rich' if you want it just do it.
Not exactly... Buying your plane over the course of Zero to 250 for a commercial, you will come out way ahead. But, for just 40 hours for PPL you did not take into account the fees to purchase like tax, registration, ect. It varied state to state but Florida taxes an airplane purchase like a luxury item. Why not find a local flying club and you may find an instructor and plane much cheaper. Many won't make you pay to join until your ready to solo. I have seen C150 and CFI for $120 (wet) which is $4,800 USD. Just gotta look and don't always run to the shiny sign at your local airport.
That's what I was trying to say. Buying an Airplane goes under a different set of finances. But I've talked to guys who have done, sold the plane, recouped all their aircraft cost in the sale. Like I said, it's possible, but risky.
In 1970 a 152 rented for $35 wet and the instructor was $10. Because my work place moved around the state everything changed depending to the location. Went from a 75 x 1200 grass strip in the woods to a 150 x 7000 concrete. Ultimately I flew nearly two years on a student license, solo, during which I learned the physical skills needed but lacked the technical skills. Oddly enough, I worked in the comm/nav shop for 6 years in the 60s, but never became comfortable with ATC communications, etc..Managed to get 400 hours before the millennials turned everything into the golden goose and I couldn't afford it. I miss it. As they say "It's the most fun you can have with your clothes on"! "Live long and prosper"
Are they no flying clubs? I joined a non-profit club that was set up at a grass strip to keep the costs low. There was a monthly fee but I don't remember a joining fee and of course a per hour wet cost of the plane and the instructor. Of course this was fifty years ago. The instructors were retired pilots who were just doing it as a side gig to pay for their own flying. As I remember the basic VFR cost about $1000 which would translate to about the $5000 figure today. We trained in a Cessna 152 and a 172 that was IFR equipped. Life happened and I ran out of money before I got that far.
Flying clubs can help reduce the costs, but not all of them do after adding up all the fees, rates, and instruction costs. There are a lot of insurance restrictions and maintenance costs these days that are really driving the cost of flying through the roof as well. Even my club needed to increase rates because of it.
@@flywiththeguys Thanks. Way back then I was really just a kid and didn't keep up with all that. All I was interested in was that the cost was half of what the guys at the regional airport charged. I was thinking after I commented that they may have owned or leased the air field as well because most of the planes there were either owned by the club or it's members.
normal licence school cost million different school about 7000$ - 11000$ no more need pay. my country north europe school cost PPL licence ,55000$ but newer not go learn at homecountry. lot cheapen have hire translator and learn thailand 5000-8000$ ewery school have PPL licence, or usa same. europe cost world expensive.
Anybody who is talented enough to make it to the airlines if they so desire can get a license at FAA minimum 40hrs + flight check. The national average is a meaningless statistic because older people with busy lives & start/stop training spread over 30 years & 90 hours in the logbook also count in the average. I was a Gold Seal CFIIME & 100% of my students who committed to 3-4 60-90min flying lessons per week had their license on first attempt at max 45 hrs incl. check. Students ranged from 17-50 in age & all walks of life, incl. airline career pilots. 70% had 40.0 hours on day of FAA check. One big expense you should mention is venue. My flight line was literally a flight control check & magneto check from takeoff position and 2000ft from the fuel pumps on an uncontrolled field. This makes an enormous difference in efficiency and learning curve because no time is wasted in initial discomfort and confusion dealing with ATC and actual time reaching practice areas or distance spent flying a single traffic pattern. If there’s a choice, select the smallest airport you can find.
If you buy a plane and work for an instructor doing odds and ends like washing planes or help with their business or who knows what. You can get things cheaper that way. Work at a school, cut their grass and all kinds of way to make it cheaper if you really want to. Anything is possible with the will to succeed
I am seriously considering it, incl. the ‘buy and sell an airplane’ step. I live literally across the street from an airport, a flight school, and an FBO at a national guard subsidized regional airport with low traffic.
This video helps, but some of the links may be out of date. Plus a good ground school. Recommending Gold Seal right now. th-cam.com/video/ZyvIGAjF2w8/w-d-xo.html
Can't forget the cost of keeping the plane someplace and where I live is a hangar must environment. But you leave out having the freedom of flying whenever the weather allows.
We have some info on that in the description. Everyones airport is different, as well as the weather. The option isn't for everyone, but it's possible.
I remember when you could get your license for $2,500. But then the FAA Changed the rules and costs and overnight it was $4,000. That's what happened to me and I had to stop.
Booo.... I know what you mean though. this continues to happen. the mechanics on our field all raised prices by 20% overnight. Like the did it all together.
I only have an hour on the book so not really a great person to give advice on this but I can say where you get trained makes a big difference on cost, as an example my first hour I went to it was an hour of flight but they build it like two and a half hours of instructor time because it included some ground training as well so it was like $450 for 1 hour on the books which is a lot of money compared to the new CFI I plan on working with which is something around $150 an hour for one hour of flight time with ground School more of a self-study separate thing but reinforced during the flight
YES. Where you goes makes a huge difference. I personally like private training over schools, but that doesn't work for everyone. We actually just made a guide to picking a flight school that talks about some of the things your saying.
The flight school in my area averages $10,000 for everything including ground school. I think if I do my groundschool online independently while practicing on a simulator, I should be able to finish the flight school in less than average time. Thats the plan anyway. You can buy blocks of time cheaper than by the hour. So basically buy ten hour blocks every week or so.
@@flywiththeguys yeah that's their claim total investment 10k. I tell you what it could not possibly be in a more convenient location, it's right across the street from my work. If i do my ground school independently then I'll just go with a private instructor anyway.
Right , Buying an Airplane and learn to fly in is a Win win combination,plus if you fell in love with your aircraft you just keep it,Nothing beats Flying
There are other factors too-- If you buy a plane, where do you keep it? I predict I will be in close to 13k by the time I get my ticket. We can discuss at the next taping of ITH. (If you can make it)
I'll come if they invite me! But yes. Thats why I was saying its an asset and it really goes under a different set of finances and shouldn't technically be included in your PPL. Because even if you stop perusing it, you still have have it until you sell it. I made a video on renting VS buying that has a spreadsheet that goes into ownership details that covers it a bit better.
I was at a doctor's office and he saw my suburban... He asked me how did it do on gas... My reply was if you worried about gas this vehicle may not be for you... If you can start your training in the Late Spring or early summer... The weather is a little bit calmer doing that time of the year... Try to get your training at a towered Airport if you Can.. That way you won't be nervous talking to the ATC... Talk to a CFI Find out how many hours it usually Takes to solo.. Plan to have at least that amount of money saved before you get started... But before all of that ask yourself what am I gonna do with that license... If it's just to say I'm a pilot... It will cost you between $8000-$10000 to say that...
You can buy the plane and negotiate a deal with the flight school to use the plane you bought to train other students and get money back in hourly rentals which if you do correctly could mean you make money instead of spend it to get a pilots license.
Great video and advice! Love your channel, you must be an accountant by profession lol Ex North valley Phoenician here and miss watching the planes fly in and out of Deer Valley airport
I just talked to a local flight club and their price was $8470 for trialing plus $3500 to join the flight club. So all in $11970. And once I'm done I'm apart of the club and have access to their planes. Instructor time is $50/hr and plane is $120/hr I believe. I don't think this sounds bad?
Sounds too good to be true honestly. Almost like they're quoting you FAA minimum 40 hours, which is really hard to do. If I took your numbers and multiplied them by the average hours (65) that's 7800 on its own, plus the instructor 2500, plus the checkride, materials, ground school, and the 3500 to join the club. Make sure to check this video out - th-cam.com/video/OruIC_mHXrc/w-d-xo.html
I was kind of thinking if you took a few charter flights you’d pay for your license. If your instructor is there, initially doesn’t that count as legal? If not why not simply take a few charters after you get it to pay for the license before you sell the aircraft. Still keeping it under 100 hours while you own it, you’d be fine as long as it had a recent maintenance.
You wouldn’t be able to long the hours is my understanding. Your instructor could because they are a commercial pilot, which is the requirement to carry passengers or cargo for hire. Also, charter flights fall under Part 135 flight regulations. AKA, the FAA has seen this stuff before and has made it prohibitive for safety reasons.
Hello, I just want to say thanks. My dad got his private pilot's license for almost $12,000, and I also wanted a private pilot's license. I decided to follow the same strategy shown in the video, even tho my dad was not confident, i managed to save over $5,000. I sold the plane for $1,000 less than the original cost, but I still saved a lot of money. I appreciate the knowledge.
NICE! Well done. Like I said, it can be risky but with the right plane it can really work out. Plane values are going down right now too so it's not as easy to pull this off as it was a few years ago. Back then you could have enough appreciation in 3 months to have it pay for your certificate!
I spent around 9K 120 an hour wet for 172M or N Part 61 which is typically cheaper but a mess really all over the place also 20 an hour for CFI which was really cheap average rate in my area is 35-60 and got it at the bare minimum 45 hours
Great stuff mate. I like the idea of getting the written test and student certificate out-of-the-way. Can that be done online? Is there an authoritative source for these written exams?
Maintenance is the gamble, but if you're turning and burning just to learn how to fly, no need for a hanger. Non covered tiedowns work great. My airport charges $25/mo for that. Get it done quick and that's only a few months rent. Unless you decide to keep it, then yea... Not part of the equation.
Did mine in less than 6k, went thru a local flying club at my airport. They flew with dry rate and the fbo i work at fuels the planes so i get a fat fuel discount 😁
First time I have seen the "buy and sell your own airplane" to save money pitched and I cant agree more. This is what I did and I saved tens of thousands over the course of my training up to CFI.
Bought a scrubby PA-28 140 for $19,000. Earned my Private, instrument, the time for my commercial then sold it once I became CFI for $18,500. Then the guy that bought it from me paid me for private lessons so I made MORE money with it.
It was the fastest, least expensive way to do it and OMG is it great to not worry about flight school airplane scheduling, maintenance, inflated costs, etc. The freedom to just jump in MY plane and earn my time was amazing.
I am now sitting right seat in a B767. I owe it to that scrubby little Cherokee.
Thanks for that story. I really appreciate it. Like I said, I've heard of people doing it. It's not for everyone, but it is possible.
Allen Hartzell Hey Allen, I got my A license for skydiving in January and being around aviation for the first time in my life caught the bug. Started training for my private in January and should test next month for it. Was wondering if you would share your thoughts on someone that is just starting out that is considering this as a career change given current circumstances.
@@flywiththeguys absolutely. It is important to emphasize what you said as well. There is a higher degree of risk involved.
I think the big detractor is the fear of taking on the unknown adventure of owning an aircraft. It is much easier to relinquish your training decisions to a flight school.
The cost of entry to buying is a little daunting as well. With out taking out a loan, it can cost $20, $30, even $40k to purchase an aircraft in the first place and many people just don't have access to that kind of upfront cash.
I wad blessed enough to already be employed in a descent paying career that allowed me to purchase everything without loans, but I know that is rare and not possible for everyone.
If anyone has any questions or needs some advice, PM me.
@@jrgfox disclaimer: this is my current opinion and it can change just as fast as the aviation industry is because of the current pandemic.... I could be wrong about everything I say....
I still think now is a good time to get involved in aviation as a career. I know things seem bleak because of COVID but this too shall pass... Just like every downturn before it.
As someone that has left the regular work force to become a pilot, I can tell you it is the greatest job in the world and well worth it. That being said, it is one of the most unclear career paths with many twists and turns to get to FL350. No two pilots have the same training journey just like no two flights are ever the same.
As for the the current downturn, demand has increased in other sectors. Cargo (what I fly), private charter, and business aviation have all seen an uptick. PAX operations will return and there will probably be another large wave of pilots entering the work force when that happens. Get ahead of the curve. Dont wait. By the time you reach ATP level it will be a whole new field. Adapt, overcome, never stop loving flying. Never stop learning.
Allen Hartzell thanks Allen. I have had many older established pilots tell me to buy a plane when I begin my training. I look at Cessna 150s a lot but the acquisition cost plus unforeseen maintenance costs scare me a little. Like you I don’t want to take out any loans for an airplane. It sure sounds easier to transfer that maintenance risk to the flight school but I LOVE flying so I go back and forth. Lol
I just finished my PPL. I have spent around $5500 total. I had a good instructor at $40 an hour, a basic rental Cessna 150G at $89 an hour, and a minimum of instructor time. I took my check ride at 42 hours. However, I took 18 months while finishing high school, as well as a part time job.
Awesome! you saved a lot of money over the average person!
can u share the flight school details you went to?
I went to the FBO at KGRD. I used a part-time instructor and the FBO’s rental C-150. If you live in the area I would recommend it. However, most small airports will have a similar program. Look around for a cheaper plane. You can’t beat the 150 for hourly rate. And look for a good cheap instructor. An option is to ask around about retired part-timers, who will usually work for less .
I live in a very inexpensive area of the country. Also, the FBO does their own maintenance on that airplane, as well as others. I know the mechanic and he does not skimp on stuff. The logs are also very thorough.
T Fernandes Safety is an illusion. Don’t buy into the fear mongers mantra. You can very easily keep a C150 flying safely for that rate by doing A&P work yourself at any small rural field in gasoline country. I once built an extension to my house all by myself. A neighbor is a professional house builder/carpenter. I sat him down in a chair with some beers each time I came to tricky parts in the process, and he happily showed me the ropes. In the end I stepped back to adore my own work. I asked him if it was as good as pro construction. He said: “Nope. Absolutely not. Much superior. Pro’s just know how to build quickly, and how to cheat without compromising quality too much, and while making sure no cheat is immediately visible.” Look at the Airlines. Top level professional mechanics with all the tools, parts, and procedures anybody could ever ask for. Mechanical failures still happen all the time because somebody installed a washer the wrong way, failed to tighten something or like a major airline A320 in the 90’s install the side stick connectors the wrong way around so a bank to the left was done by moving the stick to the right. They found out after takeoff and luckily were quick enough to relearn flying the wrong way instead of potentially doing a wing over at 100 feet. The plane flew the normal way on autopilot so a return and landing was completed successfully.
Bought my license for $250 in India including shipping!
Cool! I'm not flying with you as pilot in command..... Maybe in a flight simulator.
@@flywiththeguys Hey I wouldn't even fly with myself in flight simulator ;)
Lmaooooo
Broooo
Yeah???....well have fun in your homemade flight simulator:).....
My grandfather stuck my uncle in the front hole of his Great Lakes biplane and climbed in the rear cockpit. They took off and trained all day. My grandfather would kick a rudder pedal hard from the back and let my uncle learn how to correct. He had soloed in just 8 hours. There's a lot to be said for staying at it and having an instructor teaching you stalls, spins, takeoffs and landings in one trip. This was in the 30's and that biplane was still a new airplane.
Good instructors will do that stuff. Mine failed my engine ALL THE TIME.
buying the plane is really the cheapest way to get the license because owning a plane with psychologically promote you to fly more often. Think about this: who here play or learn piano without at least owning a keyboard?
It is definitely risky and not cheap to own a plane.... even a lowly 152! but in the long run, this is really the cheapest way! and if you lease it out, you would get paid for the idle hours also!
I took your advice and went broke. Bought a Lear 75 and my payments are killing me.
Don't know why anyone would buy a Lear 75 for pilot training. Also don't know anyone who would train you to fly in one. 😂
This video was posted less than 2 weeks. You made the decision on your own buddy.
+jÜRGEN Z'PPdN MrK'ez I believe he was just kidding
@@flywiththeguys Dude --- I want to take you fishing so you can teach the fish how to bite. He was TOTALLY joking...
@@evanwindom3265 I know. =) Thats why I was laughing.
Good tips. I bought a used airplane and put hours on it for 2 years before selling it at a profit. A tip you didn't mention - It's best to rent and take instruction at a smaller less busy non-tower airport. Billing for rental time is based on tenths of an hour recorded on the aircraft tachometer AKA "tach time" Just dealing with ground control, tower and approach can burn up as much as .4 tenths of tach time. @ $150.00 per hour (lesson) that's an additional $60.00 per flight lesson. Not to mention that most controlled field towers give priority to commercial and corporate jets which means that you will spend your training dollars waiting at the end of the runway for the jets to land or circling in the air waiting for inbound traffic.
Thanks for sharing that. =)
Can you help me about this training?
Another important point - At airports with one or more very active flight schools like Fort Lauderdale (FLL) you will have to wait on the ground with your tachometer running up the bill while other student pilots practice touch and go landings and practice approaches.
This can happen. Our airport recognized the problem and created a runup area for the students, and put everyone else at intersection departures. I haven't been held up once for take off since then. Granted, if I was attending the flight school.....
*great video!! I agree that it’s definitely possible, I got my PPL in almost exactly $5K, rented a plane at a very low rate from a friend, and my Instructor was so kind he didn’t charge me for ground, plus also I did my written beforehand and studied A LOT on the ground, on my own, before paying per minute in the plane!*
Awesome. I'm glad you shared. There are a lot of people saying it's not possible, but I'm finding the harder you try, the more possible it really is. THANK YOU!
@@flywiththeguys so true!! :)
Can you please tell me how to apply for FAA exams.... I'm from India
@@chandanj2760 chandan bhai Kaha hooo
@@hiteshbhatia3152 right now I'm in Florida, it's been a year since I asked that question 😁
"No matter how you look at it, getting your private pie license is going to cost a good chunk of change" :)
TRUTH!
A good chunk of change is relative.
Mmm... pie 🥧
Yes .... Umm PIE
Yup
Precisely what I recommend to prospective pilots. I always recommend they sell the plane for MORE than they paid for it. I try to do that every time on cars, planes and boats. All that is required is careful, patient shopping for your purchase. A friend of mine bought a Cherokee 140 - 8 gph -two years ago for $14,000 (with $8,100 of recent avionics). He is now up to 405 hours. I have no doubt he will make money on the resale when he goes next to a Mooney or a twin.
I didn't say it, but you typically can sell it for more then you got it for. Aircraft values are on the rise.
One in 1 million
For anyone here from Michigan. I have a brother who is certified with 5+ years of experience as a airplane mechanic currently working in the Saginaw area. All certifications are up to date. Loves his job but wants to do something more than his airline. Looking for a mechanic? He’s your man 🙂
Very informative. I realize I'm not the type to get it done in the minimum hours, but all the other stuff you talked about is very helpful. THANK YOU!
Glad it was helpful! Thanks for watching.
Bought a '76 Cessna 152 for $20k before ever taking controls of a plane; 9 hours later I was flying solo; which then I could fly whenever I liked; after 55 hours I took my Private Pilot check ride after 200 hours and three years later; sold it for what i bought it for. Don't forget you have the annual inspection cost; which for me; was about $1,500 a year. Of coarse it was a cheap way to go; it if you can swing the $20k; which is not possible for everyone.
Thanks for sharing this. I'm finding that for every person that says it wont work, theres someone who says they've done it. Understanding that some of the costs are the costs of ownership and don't really fall under the cost of the certificate of course like you kind of mentioned. But MAN, you saved a ton of money in that deal. Congratulations!
Please, where did you get the Cessna 152 for $20k? Thanks
The best way is Civil Air Patrol, they have brand new cessnas and it’s $70 an hour wet, and that includes an Instructor
Depends on where your at. Not all CAP Squadron offers primary training.
When I was in CAP we also had to meet military uniform standards. I'm a guy with long hair. I'm not cutting off my hair just to get in a plane.
Sure if you have 30 years available to jump through their hoops
If you don't already have your Private and have a CAP Mission Transport Pilot rating or you're a cadet, you are only eligible to use CAP aircraft to train IF you live further than two hours from a commercial flight school. Per the CAPR 70-1:
"6.2.3.2. All other senior members - requires written authorization from the Wing
Commander, Region Commander, CAP/DO, and the National Commander or designee. Such
authorization can be granted only if the member lives more than 2 hours driving time from a
commercial flight training facility."
You didn't mention that instructors cannot receive payment, so you have to find one who is willing to volunteer their time to train you.
thailand i can rent plane whit teacher or no teacher, 50$/hour include ALL sometime cheapen about has 30$ / hour.
Sweet video. Good topics and wasn’t so long that I went looking for quality information elsewhere.
This will be a huge help to students and anyone who has the aviation “bug”
Thanks John. I appreciate the kind words.
Something you forgot to mention is most CFI's charge you for the ground instruction as well as the time in the air and usually at the same rate. This can add .5 hours or more to each and every flight. While flying 2 to 3 hours per flight sounds good, in practice it is extremely tiring for most of us and many CFI's will not fly for that long, either. Have the CFI toss in a few power-on stalls or spins and I, for one, am done for the day. As to buying a plane, I did this. It can be a handful, though. On top of the study and the training you are now taking on the responsiblity of plane maintance
Some do, some don't. I left this out because we have a How to Pick a CFI video that goes over that, and where its such a mix I couldn't put that in here. So I linked it in the video and description.
@@flywiththeguys in 30+ years of flying I've rarely found an instructor that didn't charge ground time. And certainly if the ground time went past .5. When I became an instructor, I was admonished not to cheat myself if I gave a good, sold half hour or more of ground instruction. Plus, what about just ground time that is taken in lieu of air time when the WX is bad? There's a fair bit left out in this calculation of yours.
I got my ticket two years ago using the exact model you described. Overall, it cost me $4,500.00 it can be done!
Thanks for sharing this. I know it's possible, but its not for everyone.
Man can you share details, will really help us guys not in loop with the industry
Can you share your experience please?
Exact model wat was it I got confused...
I just finished my PPL, it took me 74 hours including the check ride and cost $12,800.37. I rented a C172P dry at $85/hr, but fuel at KORL is $5.20/gal. I got cheaper gas whenever I could during cross country flights. In today's age with all the extra electronics and complex airspace I don't think 40 hours is enough to make you a good pilot that will truly be comfortable flying and dealing with emergencies. I was into the 60 hours before I finally was comfortable landing the plane with a simulated engine failure. The last 10 hours I mostly practiced landings and rehearsed the maneuvers again.
Thanks for the information! It's interesting to see what people pay these days.
stupid pay school lot, fly minimum 40 hour and take certificate ppl ok, then you can learn and training own time lot cheapen go good pilot, 74 hour uh,must be super stupid or better not fly newer. if go 74 hour learn fly. ground school teorical learn about 20 hour and then fly training FAA need minimum 40 hour not need more and have ppl. and later can learn own time own money cheapen good pilot all procedure what want. but at school can go to out good pilot if understand anythink how fly.
@@mattivirta “super stupid,” - I hope your English is better over the radio than it is commenting absolute drivel on TH-cam.
"The way to reduce costs is to minimize the time spent in an airplane during your pilots' training"
My girlfriend's eyes go wide
I mean... you can do 2 hours in an approved simulator, does that help?
Buying the plane, using it, and then reselling it reminds me of a friend of mine that was stuck at the airport in AZ trying to get back to TN on 9/11/01....(the planes were grounded). The rental cars went quick so he found three others on the flight back to TN to go buy a cheap used car nearby, all four pitched in, drove it to TN, and then sold it when he got back to TN.
I like that story. SMART!
This video revived my inner desire...(to fly beyond the horizon)..nice video bro..all the way from Tanzania in East Africa..😊😊
Glad you liked it and thanks! HELLO from the States!
unless that person already has a solid background in general aviation, it isnt wise to suggest someone buy a plane before they go thru flight school. plus, the inspection and mechanic look-over, along with any costs to get the plane up to snuff can add up and you may or may not get that back right after sale
Thats why I say its really under a different set of finances, but the guys I've talked to have been able to sell their plane for a little more and walk away net zero on the plane. It's possible.....
Yep....
So true. I mean you would never buy a car without having a solid background in how the automobile works right?
@@byronrogers4489 cars dont come with a massive federal rulebook on operating standards and your drivers ed hooptie isn't going to be subject to an AD that was never fixed.
what was that saying? "the rich will always get richer"....lol..... not to be cynical, but again, that is true here. If you are at least somewhat well off and can afford to absorb the initial cost to buy your training plane, in the long run, you save more or even make money from your plane.... vs a poorer person who can't buy one
Looks like my long lost childhood dream may not be that far out of reach! I plan to embark on this journey once I get my career established as I would want to continue to fly regularly and not have financial constraints be a barrier.
That was one of my goals too. I made it work and now I have this youtube channel to pay for my expensive hobby. =)
"What you get is what you paid for. Not always" Yes I agree with this. Most of the time you pay for the wrapping paper.-)
Yep!
The University of TH-cam comes through again. The video and some the comments below are a master class on the approach to flight school. Thanks!
=) Thanks for watching. Funny enough, there are a couple of Universities that link to a bunch of our content.
I recommend learning to fly gliders first, the hours flown will count towards your PPL and CPL
The hours do count towards total time, but I'm not sure on what the requirements would look like after that, as in how many hours in a SEL you would need to complete the PPL. You happen to know what those look like?
Thanks for this. Im very studious anyway and have been learning everything I can before I start. This has been my general plan from the start so it's good to know Im on the right track. I look forward to meeting up with you at KDVT sometime.
That’s the way to do it Johnathan. Too bad we could make last week work out!
Does buying your own plane take into account the costs for hangar space and other related expenses? Does this eat into the savings?
The idea really revolves around your total out of pocket purchase and carrying costs VS what you can sell it for. We made a video on Renting VS Buying that has a great spreadsheet for figuring some of this out. th-cam.com/video/M7yiFPI0INE/w-d-xo.html But, if you're following the model and moving through things quickly you wouldn't need a hanger necessarily. A covered or non covered tie down for a few months isn't going to break the bank like a hanger would.
@@flywiththeguys awesome. Thanks for the response!
Why hangar it? He means you just keep it parked high up in the air, where there are also no countries to pay tax and insurances for. What's else the idea of an air plane? Doh
Learning to fly is a bucket list item and I decided to look into it this year. What I've learned from videos like this is aircraft cost, whether renting or owning, is prohibitive. And I don't want to fly 40+ year old planes with steam gauges and carburated engines. LSA's aren't an option in my area. So I'll continue armchair flying.
Old airplanes are great in my opinion. Well maintained ones fly the same as new ones, just generally have newer avionics. Which you can upgrade in any old airplane. =) The airplane cost is the most expensive part for sure, but people still find a way. I budgeted my learning, and now my flying.
2:42 things to get out of the way before
2:42 get medical certificate
2:52 Written exam
3:03 Student pilot certificate before can solo
3:33 instructor costs
4:08 always do homework, chair fly from muscle memory, use PC simulator to learn procedures.
4:33 air craft costs:
4:45 less expensive airplane or buying bulk hours to recieve discount
5:30
6:15 buying and selling airplane
Thanks for that. I need to add them into my description for people.
If you live in CA you need to pay "use" tax. Basically sales tax. So if you buy a 30k plane you'll pay about $2500 in "use" tax.Then there is the "property" tax. About 1% or another $300.. Insurance. Don't know what it would be for a Student Pilot but I estimate about $2,000. Also, hangar or tie down fees at least $50/month figure at least. Unless you are planning on keeping the airplane to go for your commercial and instrument rating it is not going to be cheaper than renting. Also, didn't figure in pre-buy inspection of the airplane $500 - $1000 or other mx items that might come up and of course add in the Fuel.
Jon Funanich damn, I live in CA and been thinking about getting my pilot license.
you need go out CA if want fly, isdiot pay use tax if not true need pay.
I’m surprised you never mentioned getting with your friend that is a CFI and owns a plane. I have two friends that way that have offered to help me as long as I would pay for fuel only. One of them actually ran a school for colleges with multiple planes and instructors. But he was still willing to help me out, in his own personal time and plane.
Thats one way of working it! This was just to showcase how working different angles to reduce costs can add up!
Great opportunity
Not everyone has friends that are CFIs
Looking into a license myself. I already had the idea of buying an older plane since I'd be using it to fly around with afterwards anyways. Seems like a win win.
It really can be! Just watch out for those repairs!
Hmm... I don't mind "Good Enough" when I'm building my foam board back yard flyer... to get my pilot's license... I think I'll fully invest.
Don't let moving through things quickly or being frugal with your money as a"good enough" way of doing things. Take my local prestigious flight school for instance, they charge over $17K for a private when you can easily get it privately for $13.5K. In the end, All pilots have to pass the same tests to the same standards provided by the FAA.
As others have commented, this video can be somewhat misleading as most CFI's charge for ground instruction too. Here are other things which will increase the time to solo, much less PPL:
1. Flying out of a towered control airport
2. Every time you switch a CFI
3. Every time you switch planes (e.g. going from a old school 172 to one with a glass cockpit and fuel injection, then back, depending on aircraft availability)
4. You are over 40 years old
5. You are over 50 years old
6. Having to switch to a flight school mid-way through because your CFI will no longer go up due to COVID concerns
7. Taking a 3 week break while your CFI is busy with their day job
8. Taking a 2 week break due to forest fires in 2020
9. You don't live in the middle of nowhere (e.g. you live in a higher cost area)
10. Your wife will divorce you if you try to buy a plane before getting your PPL
I knew one guy who got is PPL for like $1000, but his CFI was dating his sister so he only paid for fuel. Just because "someone" can do it doesn't mean *you* can.
Look, his tips are pretty good and shows what is possible, but you should also be prepared that it can cost up to $15k or more depending on many factors.
This video was more or less to show people how they can reduce the cost, and our supporting videos are just to help people find a rough idea of how much they're going to spend. I like your points though and there are all kinds of factors that can draw out training. #10 though.... YIKES. Thanks for watching and for your comment!
@@flywiththeguys 100% agreed. I think the tips are great and wished I had known some of these before starting my PPL process, however looking at the comments it seemed that some were taking this as meaning that if for some reason they are paying more than $5000 they are missing out, or that $5000 is normal. Sorry if it came across any other way. Also, I think having a section like "here are things that can increase your cost" in a separate video may be helpful, e.g. here are surprises you may not be able to control. My #10 is a bit much - she won't divorced me I don't think at least - it's more that we just don't have the spare $$ to buy a used C152/C172 in the current market. That, and I had started off with a reasonable budget using a flying club, however once COVID was in force #6 is what did me in. Sorry if this is TMI...
@@hefeibao Oh there was a lot of hate in the comments for the 5K thing, which is why it was the quickest section of the video. More of of an intentional thing to draw attention, and it is completely possible, but like I said risky. I do like the idea of things that could increase your PPL cost. I heard a story from a guy recently. His buddy was in a club and spent 28K on his PPL. I don't know the details, could have been that he was training in a Cirrus, but still. YIKES!
@@flywiththeguys Could very well be wrt to the Cirrus. My own experience going through the club was that it was very cheap: a nice C172 was $105/hour wet + $50/hour for the CFI. CFI only charged by flight hour, not anything on the ground, and I did ground school via Sporty's. However they are not full time CFIs, and so you are dealing with vagaries of scheduling, etc. Plus the other factors I noted (over 50, landings take some time to master), or switching CFIs when someone is out and they each have their own areas of focus, so there are hours lost in that process. Still, it wasn't too bad until COVID really got stuck and then I had to move to a flight school. Sure, I can fly 3/week now but the planes are much more expensive, all glass cockpit, plus it may take a few flights to find a CFI you like. Costs are way higher in $$/hour both for the plane and that the CFI charges you for *all* their time, even just doing pre-brief/post-brief. Another difference is that in a club, these our *our* aircraft and they are pretty picky. Any bounce on the landing is a big deal, even braking hard (hey, those brakes are expensive). The goal then is not to get you to solo as fast as you can, or to get your PPL as fast as you can, the goal is to ensure that once you get your PPL you won't damage the planes, as you are a part owner too, right? Also, I'm going through a bigger flight school now with a dozen planes and even more CFIs, so each time I get in the cockpit the things may be different, or due to weather/how busy our home airport is we may be practicing landings at any of the 4 or 5 airports near us, some controlled, some not. So each approach can be very different. Also, it's not just your CFI who is involved, there is a stage check CFI who has to sign off first before your CFI signs off (and I had to do that at both the club and the flight school). Etc, etc. This is very different from being at a smaller field with a private CFI where your time to solo is focused on getting you up and down safely.
It's also a good reason *why your video is valuable even if a person's situation is different*, as it shows what is possible to achieve if you have the right information up front, which many of us do not. I wish I had watched this video before joining the club as doing the math it may well have worked out to be cheaper getting my own plane and hiring a CFI.
I just randomly decided I wanted to get my pilots license, after doing some research I decided it's to much money for something that I would do for fun every once in a while
I was the same way. So I started a side hustle so I could afford it. Welcome to my TH-cam Channel. =)
@@flywiththeguys I might do it eventually, like 10 years from now when I get the money
@@tardis4125 you can usually find somebody to take you up for free. Or a cheap “discovery” flight. At least get a taste :)
Don’t know anything about buying an airplane.... are there not insurance costs associated with the plane? What about a place to store it? Would there not be fees associated with that? You wouldn’t likely recoup those costs if so.
Yes - exactly. I bought a Cessna Hawk XP (loved it), and did a lot of my training in that. I live in the Seattle area, and tied the plane down at RNT. I did a cost analysis based on accumulated costs over a three or four year period. I used several years because some years the annual will do fine, and in other years, the costs will be higher. A single AD can make a big cost impact, and it's never something you anticipated. Even after I paid the plane off, my monthly costs for parking, insurance and maintenance (including annuals, air worthiness directives, etc) ran about $600/month whether the airplane flew or not. Of course flight time increases those costs. So, unless you fly a lot and can spread those costs over a lot of hours, the cost per hour can be prohibitive, and make renting a better choice. I was part of a team that did search and rescue, taught mountain flying, etc, so there were lots of hours.
Now, if you buy a plane, bang out your training in the shortest time possible, and then sell the plane, you'll have a minimum of recurring costs like storage and probably won't have to do an annual inspection, etc. But if you can't complete your training as quickly as your best-case plan assumed, you may find the costs of ownership quickly mount.
There are always potential "gotachas" in ownership. For example, I had a brake cylinder failure. Simple enough to correct, right? But the cylinders were out of production, so I was forced to change out the entire system to a different brand. I also had to rebuild the elevator trim. $1,200. On one annual, we found a crack in a motor mount. So, rent a hangar for the airplane, pull the engine, clad, weld and powder coat the mount, reinstall the engine... Thousands of bucks for a single repair.
I guess my point is that folks sometimes oversimplify the concept of owning an airplane as a means of reducing costs. Generally, older airplanes cost less up front, but will exact their pound of flesh in other ways, like repairs and replacement of timed-life components.
Thats what I was kind of getting at. An airplane is an asset and goes under a completely different set of finances. If you buy one it shouldn't be coupled with the cost of getting the certificate. But I have talked to people who have purchased a plane, got their certificate, and then sold the plane and came out on top. Most of them proceeded to buy another plane that better suited their needs afterwords.
@@flywiththeguys I disagree. If you buy one, with the intention of using it to obtain the certificate and then reselling it, it's another way of handling the expenses of getting the certificate. You can't say "I spent $50,000 on an airplane, but that means my certificate cost $7,000 less because I didn't have rental fees." That artificially reduces the cost of the certificate UNTIL the plane is resold. The buy, fly, sell plan doesn't always work out, and when it doesn't the costs of getting the certificate can be significantly increased. That's the point I was trying to make. It's something of a gamble. If the difference between the purchase and selling prices of the aircraft are net positive or at least less than rental costs, you're a winner.
What about obtaining a sport license first, so that practical control skills can be built up taking the additional hours of instruction to upgrade to full private pilot license? Wouldn't that be likely to reduce the total instruction hours toward the minimum required?
If your end goal is to have a private pilot license, go for that one. Yes, your flight time counts and will help, but you'll spend less money just tackling it directly instead of progressively.
Geography is another MAJOR factor…I live in Massachusetts where everything is expensive. However…about 30 minutes north (in New Hampshire) is a great little GA field with a solid FBO and great instructors for *far less* than anything near me. Pay attention to what’s in your area…an extra 20 minute drive is worth its weight in gold if it can ultimately save you $1000 getting you your PPC
Yep! We actually talk a bit about that in this video - Picking A Flight School | The ULTIMATE GUIDE
th-cam.com/video/OruIC_mHXrc/w-d-xo.html
Hello I'm 17 and I see myself flying airplanes but I have no clue where to start. Would really appreciate any video you guys recommend to watch. Thank you!
Same here bud. I'm 14.
Go to the local airport and ask about a discovery flight. They are usually around $100-200 and they let you fly the airplane. With an instructor.
Send a dm in Instagram flywithdady i will explain
Swear I posted this.... But start here - th-cam.com/video/tICwgbVT_ic/w-d-xo.html
less expensive is good but, fast/cheap is not necessarily the SAFEST approach. I have a lot more than the minimum. I'm older and learn slower... Looking at all the accidents in aviation I can only come to the conclusion that they missed something in their training. Consequently, I was not in a rush to get licensed when I started flying lessons...
I hear you on this one. Aviation should always be safe. My instructor told me all the time that if I crashed, the first person they would point the finger at was him, so he made sure I was doing things properly and safely. I would hope that if an instructor sees unsafe tenancies or presenting hazardous attitudes, they wouldn't sign them off for solo flights or the checkride.
If you look closely at most GA accidents, it is not lack of skills, but judgement and risk management. That cannot be changed with more hours of plane rental and normal instructor time. Once you have the certificate, it is up to you to continue to learn and keep proficient. FAA WINGS program is free and the best safety resource for the private pilot.
You had me at "Cheap" :)
LOL. I wanted to use less expensive but....
@@flywiththeguys smart men make cheap than waste lot money stupid. idiot waste lot money.
In 1986 I bought a c152 and put it on lease back at the fbo. I didn’t haggle the price but traded 25 hours of instructor time for the full price. 11 months later, I sold the plane for $300 more than I paid for it. After ALL my expenses, I made $34 to get my PPL. It is so possible today to do the exact same thing.
It’s totally possible if you do it right. Thanks for sharing your experience!
What is your advice to anyone who wants to study aviation after the age of 30 as a hobby ??may you make a video about that please .. thanks
Well... I did it. Started flying when I was 35. For recreation, its great. And you can probably turn it into a career if you wanted.
@@flywiththeguys Really? Wow..
What is your opinion on sport pilot certificates? It seems to me that unless you can't pass a medical, there is literally no reason to get it at this point. The regs for UL's and sport pilots seems ridiculously outdated. They should at least throw the 150 and 172 in the LSA category for the sake of training..... And the weight restrictions on UL's just makes these things almost unsafe for the average low-hour pilot to fly, though I'd love a Merlin Lite.
I'm going to be doing a video on the sport pilot license soon. It's a great topic and opens the skys up to a lot of people who otherwise couldn't. I used to think it was useless, but it actually makes a a lot of sense for some pilots and I'm glad the FAA offers it and provides a specific category and class for it. Thanks for the comment.
You guys are soft. I'm going straight for the F-18. Go big, go home
Update: My credit score just went up -6540 points
=)
😳👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼😁
For added savings, rent out your plane for other students or buy the plane in co-ownership. Great tips
Thanks! I've actually looked at renting out a plane. My airport makes that really prohibitive. =( Plus the cost of insurance can kind of get out of control. The Partnership thing works great though to save some money on a plane purchase. =)
i want to become a pilot but my fam cant afford it , so i was thinking that i can work with a private pilot license till i save the money and then continue studying , is this a good idea ? or do you recommend another affordable license ?
Maybe a silly question. . . but what plane would you recommend someone look for (to buy) when training/as a beginner?
Someone whos looking to do that would want to get a plane that they can turn when they're done. Good prospects are 172s, 150/152s, and many of the PA-28 platform planes with a 180HP engine. The 172 is probably the best for it, but the most expensive on the list.
So basically, be rich so you can save money. Good plan. Great guide for the everyman wanting to know how to save money.
There's a lot in there for the everyman. All the tips to help reduce the cost really do help.
You've got to have a different mindset if you're planning to make it through training, man.
MatthewOfGilead Silver spoon birth always makes things easier. If you’re born with no utensils whatsoever but you want it, find a way to get it. My buddy lived on a cot in the hangar. Showered at the other end of the field. Cleaned the hangar floors for food & free lessons, and bought a Harley in pieces on “eBay” for nearly nothing. He used the hangar tools to rebuild it and sell for a profit to pay for aircraft use. He’s now a senior A330/340 FO for a major airline.
Lol
You will always be poor with that mindset.
As an instructor I hate this question, you did a very good job showing the many variables. There are other costs not included like $150 for the written test, $600-1000 for the practical test, $100-$200 for the medical. Headsets, study materials, charts/aviation apps you can spend as much as you want and then some.
I encourage people to make a monthly aviation budget and taylor their training to that budget. There is nothing worse than planning on paying for a license $5000 or $150,000 dollars, to get it and not have any money to continue flying. If this is just a bucket list item to check off, fine, otherwise, make it a lifestyle. Get involved in aviation join clubs, attend safety seminars, volunteer to clean airplanes for guys you meet in the hangar, do a tower tour, but most important; fly regularly!
Those are included in the video here, but we made a stand alone video a while ago really breaking down the cost of a PPL. Granted, pricing has changed just a bit. th-cam.com/video/jPCQdF1IBfE/w-d-xo.html
I cringe every time I hear "pilot license." There is no pilot license in the US. Spread the truth!
Totally true! But at the same time we have to connect with those who don't know that. Ask anyone who isn't in aviation what they need to fly and they'll probably say a pilot license. I'm reaching out to them to help them gain interest in aviation, not to people who already know. Once they start flying and learning, they'll pick it up.
Wait ... what? What do you mean?
@@davidjd123 What he means, is it's called a "pilot certificate". There are CERTIFICATES (Private, Commercial, Airline Transport) and then there are RATINGS you can earn, like the Instrument Rating, Multi-Engine Land, Single Engine Sea etc. :-)
PPL have full pilto licence, no need more, if want pro and make money have lot different way to licence and cost lot more, about 50-150K$
People: "you get what you pay for"
CFIs: "Now hold on there... We are all certified... enough."
Certified doesn't mean you're. a good teacher. A lot of bad CFIs out there instructing to build time.
@@flywiththeguys edited comment
@@TimeYT LOL. Feels better.
0:02
pay some one to forge a pilots license and hope that time on micro soft flight simulator works.
Well...... Yea.... Thats a thing believe it or not. - www.cnn.com/2020/06/25/business/pakistan-fake-pilot-intl-hnk/index.html
@@flywiththeguys *I WAS JOKING, MOTHER OF LORD*
Great video, thanks! One question though, for the very last recommendation on actually Buying-Sellling an inexpensive plane, you'd still have to add the cost of paying the Hangar, right? do you have a video on approx yearly, monthly costs of having airplane ( outside of the cost of the plane itself) ? Thanks
Depends. The idea of buying, plowing through, and selling doesn't really incorporate a hanger. Regular tie downs would work just fine. My airport has non covered tie downs for $25 a month so it's not a large overall cost. BUT, we do have this video for the rest of your question - th-cam.com/video/M7yiFPI0INE/w-d-xo.html
Wow, this makes me feel very lucky. At rocky mountain flight school, I pay $75 an hour wet for a 152 and $45 an hour for an instructor.
Edit/update: The school got another 152 renting for $60 wet!!!
That is amazing! Even if you hit the averages, you'll still save a TON of money.
I'm looking into rocky mountain flight school, how do you like it?
wow super cheap
@@jakeschainost4325 I can say much because I'm only 10 hrs in, but so far its going well. Just find the right instructor and you will always have an abundance of planes to rent.
Mine has me paying 260-280 for him n 40-50 plane fuel so that’s a blessing
If you purchase an aircraft, don't forget fixed costs. Insurance and hanger/storage costs won't be recouped upon resale. Still a great idea, if you're in a position to do so.
Absolutely! But that's what I was referring to when I said those go under a different set of finances. It really shouldn't be coupled together.
How about this: My cousin, a cfi, only charging me fuel. So after the written and everything I guess I'll be paying like $2200.
Thats a great price if you can make it work! =)
Once you get comfortable with the preflight, show up to lessons 15 minutes early and get the plane ready to go without the instructor watching. Most instructors charge for ground and flight time. You still get your scheduled block but now it has 15 minutes more that you can be productively learning new information instead of paying them to watch you preflight again.
Couldn’t agree more. Different instructors charge different ways. Mine added .3 for pre and post flight briefing. Another charges just per the Hobbs. I never worked with one that was on the clock the moment they stepped out of their car but I’ve heard of a few.
Theoretically this works. In real life though, this is hardly an option.
The last one yes, but the idea was to help people realize that the little things can add up to big savings.
Thanks for the content. Pilot Kaitly has a similar business model as you explained. Her strategy was to use light sport aircraft to fly often and build up hours. LSA are less expensive to operate and maintain? But flying in them counts the same. In 2024 some other posted new rules were expanded things around LSA. Do you know how?
I assume owning a light sport would help with building up hours also.
LSA is absolutely qualified for hours. In fact, my buddy just purchased a LSA twin engine tail wheel that he's using to build multiengine time, and subsequently tail wheel time. There are a lot great smaller planes you can use that are fairly economical. BUT like the video said, if you treat the plane like an asset instead of part of the cost because you're going to sell it in the end, you can absolutely get certificates and ratings for A LOT cheaper. Even with regular maintenance.
@@flywiththeguys Thanks for reply. How do you see new rules for LSA affecting aviation and the aircraft covered under them? Also can you please tell us what make and model LSA twin with a tail wheel model your peer bought so I can look up the specs?
Damn must be nice Living in the US
Yea... in some places in the world it kind of gets out of control.
I just called the local flight school. They said 9k all in. That includes 55 hours in a plane. He said most people get it done in 5-6 months.
Make sure they quote you per their student averages and not at the FAA minimums. Lots of schools do that to get people in the door and make the price sound better. At 5 - 6 months I would bet you’ll be closer to the average hours. Most people hitting the minimums are prepared and commit to 3 x lessons a week, two ish flight hours each. I could be wrong though.
Flight schools can be expensive, as you’re not only paying for the instructor, but you’re also paying for the school’s overhead costs. You’d be further ahead of you found a local instructor who would work with you one-on-one, and on your schedule.
why lot hours ? FAA ppl licence need minmum only 40 hoyr lot cheapen than 55 hour.
@@mattivirta 40 hours is the MINIMUM number of hours needed to take your check ride. The fact is, most people need more time than that. You must be able to demonstrate your knowledge and competence when flying an airplane. You can't just go take your test at 40 hours, your instructor must sign you off to go. If an instructor sends a student to his check ride before he is ready, the instructor could put his certificate in jeopardy. If he continues to send unprepared students to their check ride, he could lose his certificate to instruct. The minimum number of hours is 40, but most people need more time than that.
@@RandyBroderick hmm,my country ALL studen has fly only minum hours and no need totally more or have brains broken. after you have ppl licence you can learn own plane what you want and fly how lot you want ewery day. but only if want make licence no need more than minimum and ready this is my country do ALL pilots and have all good pilots FAA see its ok. no propblem
Buying our own plane is SLICK!
However, I enjoy flight simulator apps on iPad haha -
Aerofly FS 2
Infinite Flight
F-Sim Shuttle
QuadCopterFX drone
Etc.
Get a hotas and a good pc, you'll never need a PPL :)
Something about the real thing just keeps bringing me back!
I took a little different route. I found a CFI with 30 years experience, thousands of flight hours, and an incredibly fun and serious instructor, but trains in a light sport aircraft (Aerotrek A240). He charged $35 an hour, and plane rental at $65 an hour, all in. I received my Sport Pilot Certificate in 23 hours ($2300). My ground school and check ride was an additional $980, so I’m flying for under $3500. I completed my training in 3 weeks, flying 4 times a week, and this included my check ride. I’ve purchased 1/3 of a beautiful 2018 Aero Bristell, and my monthly payments for the plane and hangar costs are just over $400 per month (less than my car payment), and the main owner and my CFI helped with my transition training at no cost. The Bristell is equipped with a full glass panel, and very inexpensive to fly (around 4.5 gallons per hour), and I get to fly it plenty, as the other 2 owners are not as active. My CFI is continuing my training this summer in the Bristell for my Private Certificate, which should go rather smoothly, and the additional 20 hours will only cost me $35 an hour ($700 total) and the cost of another check ride. We will then move to Instrument rating, probably in the fall, which the Bristell is fully equipped for. This route has provided me with a very economical plan to get flying, and keep flying and learning. My CFI has become a great friend, and advocate. Once I have my private certificate, then I will be looking to purchase my own plane, and it could be GA or LSA, and I’m also considering building a Sling or an Arion Lightning XS aircraft . They build assist center for Slings is close to where I live, and they will also assist with the Lightning should that be my final choice.
Great video gents...thanks for helping to build interest in aviation.
LSA aircraft are great for training. They are less expensive and usually better equipped! Sounds like a fun route. =)
@@flywiththeguys I started in local flying club on glider, literally at no cost and then via UL/LSA for very low (the safety can be questionable). So when you jump in Cessna, you know already how to fly even some tiny acrobatics from glider and most important, you know how to work with energy because every landing is landing w/o engine 😁. Takes longer, but you know already different plane classes. With engine is nice, but glider is emotional and very close to nature, challenging your skills.
which flight school did you attend?
$2,600 for PPL at Red Stewart Field in Waynesville, Ohio near King's Island amusement park outside of Cincinnati. The Waynesville intersection of Ohio Rt. 42 and Rt. 63 has motels, McDonalds, Subway, Domino's, BP gas and a very pharmacy. They will start to you in your choice of Piper Cub or Aeronca Champ then you have options of Cessna 150 or Piper Cherokee. Dewey Davenport got his license there. Check out his videos, one of which talks about Red Stewart Field. [I learned to fly in Miami University Flying Club not far away in Oxford.]
Are you sure that's for PPL? I checked out what you were talking about and using the minimum hours, their J3 Cub, and their instructors I'm getting $3980. Add materials, ground school, checkride, and checkride rental costs to that and your around that 5K mark. Pricing for other aircraft go up from there. It's all incredibly reasonable though.
@@flywiththeguys I was there on Sunday for an EAA meeting and read their paper price sheets. Hmm...I will ask Paul Tripplett from way up/over in Youngstown, Ohio who got his license at Red Stewart on Saturday.
That was some mighty large fine print...lol None the less, solid information. Thanks!
TRUTH! But it is possible. The rest of the information is what people really need to hear.
Thank you! I need this!
Great video!
You're so welcome! Thanks for watching.
did mine for about 1800. of course that was in 1978 and i washed planes at the field. but the best way is to dedicate 2 weeks and get it done. eat live and breath the airport. there is one in n carolina who has cabin right on airfield.
for those complaining about 'you need to be rich' if you want it just do it.
Couldn't agree more. It's possible if you want it and plan for it.
Thank u. 10K USD is 1 year of work for me. This is very valuable to me
Glad it helped!
Not exactly... Buying your plane over the course of Zero to 250 for a commercial, you will come out way ahead. But, for just 40 hours for PPL you did not take into account the fees to purchase like tax, registration, ect. It varied state to state but Florida taxes an airplane purchase like a luxury item. Why not find a local flying club and you may find an instructor and plane much cheaper. Many won't make you pay to join until your ready to solo. I have seen C150 and CFI for $120 (wet) which is $4,800 USD. Just gotta look and don't always run to the shiny sign at your local airport.
That's what I was trying to say. Buying an Airplane goes under a different set of finances. But I've talked to guys who have done, sold the plane, recouped all their aircraft cost in the sale. Like I said, it's possible, but risky.
In 1970 a 152 rented for $35 wet and the instructor was $10. Because my work place moved around the state everything changed depending to the location. Went from a 75 x 1200 grass strip in the woods to a 150 x 7000 concrete. Ultimately I flew nearly two years on a student license, solo, during which I learned the physical skills needed but lacked the technical skills. Oddly enough, I worked in the comm/nav shop for 6 years in the 60s, but never became comfortable with ATC communications, etc..Managed to get 400 hours before the millennials turned everything into the golden goose and I couldn't afford it. I miss it. As they say "It's the most fun you can have with your clothes on"! "Live long and prosper"
You sure it was 35$ I feel like it was probably less. =)
Are they no flying clubs? I joined a non-profit club that was set up at a grass strip to keep the costs low. There was a monthly fee but I don't remember a joining fee and of course a per hour wet cost of the plane and the instructor. Of course this was fifty years ago. The instructors were retired pilots who were just doing it as a side gig to pay for their own flying. As I remember the basic VFR cost about $1000 which would translate to about the $5000 figure today. We trained in a Cessna 152 and a 172 that was IFR equipped. Life happened and I ran out of money before I got that far.
Flying clubs can help reduce the costs, but not all of them do after adding up all the fees, rates, and instruction costs. There are a lot of insurance restrictions and maintenance costs these days that are really driving the cost of flying through the roof as well. Even my club needed to increase rates because of it.
@@flywiththeguys Thanks. Way back then I was really just a kid and didn't keep up with all that. All I was interested in was that the cost was half of what the guys at the regional airport charged. I was thinking after I commented that they may have owned or leased the air field as well because most of the planes there were either owned by the club or it's members.
Australia here. I just can not believe how cheap it is in America to rent aircraft. Starting price in Australia is about $230 an hour
That is pricey. What aircraft would that be? I can rent a 182 for that much.
Doing groundschool online instead of in person at the flying school can also save money
Absolutely! It's what I would recommend. Do your learning online, ask your CFI questions for clarification when needed.
How impossible ?? Most standard cost is $12k to $16k depend on skills for pass exam
It's possible to save money and get it for way less then the average. =)
normal licence school cost million different school about 7000$ - 11000$ no more need pay. my country north europe school cost PPL licence ,55000$ but newer not go learn at homecountry. lot cheapen have hire translator and learn thailand 5000-8000$ ewery school have PPL licence, or usa same. europe cost world expensive.
Anybody who is talented enough to make it to the airlines if they so desire can get a license at FAA minimum 40hrs + flight check. The national average is a meaningless statistic because older people with busy lives & start/stop training spread over 30 years & 90 hours in the logbook also count in the average. I was a Gold Seal CFIIME & 100% of my students who committed to 3-4 60-90min flying lessons per week had their license on first attempt at max 45 hrs incl. check. Students ranged from 17-50 in age & all walks of life, incl. airline career pilots. 70% had 40.0 hours on day of FAA check. One big expense you should mention is venue. My flight line was literally a flight control check & magneto check from takeoff position and 2000ft from the fuel pumps on an uncontrolled field. This makes an enormous difference in efficiency and learning curve because no time is wasted in initial discomfort and confusion dealing with ATC and actual time reaching practice areas or distance spent flying a single traffic pattern. If there’s a choice, select the smallest airport you can find.
Some good points! Thanks for sharing.
If you buy a plane and work for an instructor doing odds and ends like washing planes or help with their business or who knows what. You can get things cheaper that way. Work at a school, cut their grass and all kinds of way to make it cheaper if you really want to. Anything is possible with the will to succeed
If there's a will there's a way.
I am seriously considering it, incl. the ‘buy and sell an airplane’ step. I live literally across the street from an airport, a flight school, and an FBO at a national guard subsidized regional airport with low traffic.
It's possible. Just get a good plane with a solid prebuy if you go that route.
Thank you for your informative video. What materials would you recommend to study for the written exam?
This video helps, but some of the links may be out of date. Plus a good ground school. Recommending Gold Seal right now. th-cam.com/video/ZyvIGAjF2w8/w-d-xo.html
Can't forget the cost of keeping the plane someplace and where I live is a hangar must environment. But you leave out having the freedom of flying whenever the weather allows.
We have some info on that in the description. Everyones airport is different, as well as the weather. The option isn't for everyone, but it's possible.
I remember when you could get your license for $2,500. But then the FAA Changed the rules and costs and overnight it was $4,000. That's what happened to me and I had to stop.
Booo.... I know what you mean though. this continues to happen. the mechanics on our field all raised prices by 20% overnight. Like the did it all together.
I only have an hour on the book so not really a great person to give advice on this but I can say where you get trained makes a big difference on cost, as an example my first hour I went to it was an hour of flight but they build it like two and a half hours of instructor time because it included some ground training as well so it was like $450 for 1 hour on the books which is a lot of money compared to the new CFI I plan on working with which is something around $150 an hour for one hour of flight time with ground School more of a self-study separate thing but reinforced during the flight
YES. Where you goes makes a huge difference. I personally like private training over schools, but that doesn't work for everyone. We actually just made a guide to picking a flight school that talks about some of the things your saying.
The flight school in my area averages $10,000 for everything including ground school. I think if I do my groundschool online independently while practicing on a simulator, I should be able to finish the flight school in less than average time. Thats the plan anyway. You can buy blocks of time cheaper than by the hour. So basically buy ten hour blocks every week or so.
I'm going to be honest, that still sounds fishy. Possible, but fishy. Make sure to check out this video - th-cam.com/video/OruIC_mHXrc/w-d-xo.html
@@flywiththeguys yeah that's their claim total investment 10k. I tell you what it could not possibly be in a more convenient location, it's right across the street from my work. If i do my ground school independently then I'll just go with a private instructor anyway.
Right , Buying an Airplane and learn to fly in is a Win win combination,plus if you fell in love with your aircraft you just keep it,Nothing beats Flying
LOL. That happens too!
There are other factors too-- If you buy a plane, where do you keep it? I predict I will be in close to 13k by the time I get my ticket. We can discuss at the next taping of ITH. (If you can make it)
I'll come if they invite me! But yes. Thats why I was saying its an asset and it really goes under a different set of finances and shouldn't technically be included in your PPL. Because even if you stop perusing it, you still have have it until you sell it. I made a video on renting VS buying that has a spreadsheet that goes into ownership details that covers it a bit better.
I was at a doctor's office and he saw my suburban... He asked me how did it do on gas... My reply was if you worried about gas this vehicle may not be for you... If you can start your training in the Late Spring or early summer... The weather is a little bit calmer doing that time of the year... Try to get your training at a towered Airport if you Can.. That way you won't be nervous talking to the ATC... Talk to a CFI Find out how many hours it usually Takes to solo.. Plan to have at least that amount of money saved before you get started... But before all of that ask yourself what am I gonna do with that license... If it's just to say I'm a pilot... It will cost you between $8000-$10000 to say that...
LOL. I just purchased a suburban so.... I know the feeling.
You can buy the plane and negotiate a deal with the flight school to use the plane you bought to train other students and get money back in hourly rentals which if you do correctly could mean you make money instead of spend it to get a pilots license.
Are you talking about a leaseback? They can work, provided the school wants to use your plane.
Great video and advice!
Love your channel, you must be an accountant by profession lol
Ex North valley Phoenician here and miss watching the planes fly in and out of Deer Valley airport
Thanks! I'm not an accountant. I did IT work for 21 years and gave it up to do this. =) I love where I live. I'm actually in the Deer Valley Pattern.
Outstanding video...this is so helpful for the aspiring PP.
Glad it was helpful!
I just talked to a local flight club and their price was $8470 for trialing plus $3500 to join the flight club. So all in $11970. And once I'm done I'm apart of the club and have access to their planes. Instructor time is $50/hr and plane is $120/hr I believe. I don't think this sounds bad?
Sounds too good to be true honestly. Almost like they're quoting you FAA minimum 40 hours, which is really hard to do. If I took your numbers and multiplied them by the average hours (65) that's 7800 on its own, plus the instructor 2500, plus the checkride, materials, ground school, and the 3500 to join the club. Make sure to check this video out - th-cam.com/video/OruIC_mHXrc/w-d-xo.html
I was kind of thinking if you took a few charter flights you’d pay for your license. If your instructor is there, initially doesn’t that count as legal? If not why not simply take a few charters after you get it to pay for the license before you sell the aircraft. Still keeping it under 100 hours while you own it, you’d be fine as long as it had a recent maintenance.
You wouldn’t be able to long the hours is my understanding. Your instructor could because they are a commercial pilot, which is the requirement to carry passengers or cargo for hire. Also, charter flights fall under Part 135 flight regulations. AKA, the FAA has seen this stuff before and has made it prohibitive for safety reasons.
Hello, I just want to say thanks. My dad got his private pilot's license for almost $12,000, and I also wanted a private pilot's license. I decided to follow the same strategy shown in the video, even tho my dad was not confident, i managed to save over $5,000.
I sold the plane for $1,000 less than the original cost, but I still saved a lot of money. I appreciate the knowledge.
NICE! Well done. Like I said, it can be risky but with the right plane it can really work out. Plane values are going down right now too so it's not as easy to pull this off as it was a few years ago. Back then you could have enough appreciation in 3 months to have it pay for your certificate!
How much the the plane cost?
I spent around 9K 120 an hour wet for 172M or N Part 61 which is typically cheaper but a mess really all over the place also 20 an hour for CFI which was really cheap average rate in my area is 35-60 and got it at the bare minimum 45 hours
Great instructor rate! I've heard of guys doing that to build quick hours.
Great stuff mate. I like the idea of getting the written test and student certificate out-of-the-way. Can that be done online? Is there an authoritative source for these written exams?
You can do it with Gold Seal or any other online ground school. flywiththeguys.groundschool.com
What about parking the plane if you buy one rather than rent. Hangars are like $7000 a month. Also maintenance.
Maintenance is the gamble, but if you're turning and burning just to learn how to fly, no need for a hanger. Non covered tiedowns work great. My airport charges $25/mo for that. Get it done quick and that's only a few months rent. Unless you decide to keep it, then yea... Not part of the equation.
If could get a hold of that electric Pipistrel or buy it then you could save even more on fuel.
The fuels not bad. Maybe a 3rd or less of the cost of a wet rental.
Did mine in less than 6k, went thru a local flying club at my airport. They flew with dry rate and the fbo i work at fuels the planes so i get a fat fuel discount 😁
I got mine by basically paying for an instructor and fuel. I worked my tail off and made deals where I could.
I have a learning disability and number dyslexia. Had flying dreams all my childhood. Sucks my disabilities have kept me from achieving my dream