Is it expensive to become a pilot?

Question

Zippia Team · Accepted Answer

Yes, it is expensive to become a pilot. Flight training varies significantly based on whether you fly small, single-engine airplanes or commercial jets. Overall, ground and flight training make up the biggest chunk of the total. There are also additional fees such as medical exams and other test fees.

Example of the cost of license based type of pilot:

Student Pilot: $75 - $200 (for medical certificate)
Sport Pilot: $4,400
Recreational Pilot: $6,500
Private Pilot: $10,000
Commercial Pilot: $30,000
Flight Instructor: $5,000
Airline Transport Pilot: $5,000
Drone Pilot: $0 - $450

You'll also need to get a medical certificate to become a pilot. An Aviation Medical Examiner (AME) issues the certificate after conducting a medical exam. Medical exams cost anywhere between $75 to $200, depending on the class, doctor, location, and whether you need additional tests.

In most cases, you must first pass an aeronautical knowledge test to obtain your pilot license. The test fees range from $140 to $165, depending on the location. There is also a practical test fee, which varies based on the license, location, and type of aircraft used to conduct the check-ride. Most practical tests cost between $350 and $550. However, flight instructors pay a higher price that goes from $500 to more than a thousand bucks in a few places.