Time And Cost
How much time does it take?
- The total time will vary per person. Fortunately, HCA is a Cessna Pilot Center. What does this mean to you? Two things, you are going to become a pilot in less time than with a non-CPC, and you are going to become a better pilot. The facts: the FAA minimum for someone to get a pilot's license is 40 hours. The national average is 68 hours , CPC's average is 55 hours. A CPC trains using a computer based system of 21 CDs. There is no formal ground school, you do a lesson on your computer, at your own pace, then go fly that lesson with your instructor. This allows you to learn faster, and retain-through repetition-more of the material presented.
- A minimum of one flight lesson and one ground study lesson recommended each week.
- You should be able to solo after about 8 weeks, opening the door for opportunities to practice on your own.
- Typically, a 6 to 9 month commitment is necessary
- You set the pace, you schedule the lessons.
How much does it cost ?
Most flight schools have a way to reward their best customers. HCA offers its Aviator Club. Flying 4 to 5 hours a month over time will make this club a worthwhile investment.....all of our student pilots join.
- You will save $20/hour on aircraft rental, and for those who need an instructor, you will save an additional $5/hour.
- A 10% discount is also included on pilot supplies-headsets, books, etc.
- Club cost is $399 one-time, and $39/month as long as you want to remain. So, put pen to paper, do the math and determine if our Aviator Club is right for you.
Below is a chart outlining the approximate costs involved. While these figures will vary between individual students, we feel this is an accurate estimation of the costs involved. The following is based on 40 hours over a 4 month period of time.
Service |
Regular Price |
Aviator Club Price |
Savings/Hour |
Total Savings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Cessna 172SP NavIII |
$129.00/hour* |
$109.00/hour* |
$20.00 |
$400.00 |
Flight Instruction |
$45.00/hour |
$40.00/hour |
$5.00 |
$300.00 |
Pilot Shop Supplies |
Not Applicable |
10% Discount |
Not Applicable |
$45.00 (estimated $450.00) |
* fuel surcharge is in effect
Other expenses include the Cessna Private Pilot or Instrument CBI Kit ($329.00), a headset ( $150-$250), a Medical Certificate ($80), Written Exam ($80) and Checkride ($300).
Am I able to finance my training?
Absolutely. . .and even if you don't necessarily need to, it may still be a good idea.
Many students will finance their lessons. For the homeowner, a home equity loan, or line of credit offers a low interest, usually tax deductible way to learn to fly. We can help locate a lender if necessary.
Another option-actually the most popular-is via Sallie Mae, using their Career Training option. A student can finance their entire private lesson, and spread the payments out over as much as fifteen years. This gets the monthly payment down to the $100-$200 month range. If you are interested in Sallie Mae, contact our office for directions on the application process, it's really quite simple and quick.
