FLIGHT TRAINING PROGRAMS / COSTS

The costs listed below are based on the average experiences of our students. Since learning to fly is a skill that varies depending on each individual's pace and aptitude, your training time may differ. We offer flexible financing options for all of the programs listed, so please don't hesitate to reach out to us for more information on both your training and financing needs. We're here to help you take the next step in your aviation journey!
For a detailed breakdown of our programs, email us at ddavis@sandiegoflightcenter.com

PRIVATE PILOT

When it comes to training for the Private Pilot everyone starts in the same place, whether you're heading to the airlines, the captain's seat in a corporate jet or just ticking off a bucket list item. It's Aviation 101 where you'll learn the basics of how to fly a plane and all of the prerequisites required to keep you safe, out of trouble and in the air.

TRAINING COSTS - $18,400

  • Aircraft Rental - Cessna 172 - $10,400
  • Flight Instruction - $5,500
  • Ground Instruction - $2,500

NON-TRAINING RELATED COSTS - $3,848

  • Foreflight Subscription - $250
  • Club Subscription  / Dues - $594
  • Headset - $425
  • Textbooks, Charts, Misc - $175
  • Sporty's Online Ground School -$299
  • FAA Medical Exam - $150
  • FAA Written Test - $175
  • FAA DPE Examiner - $1500
  • Aircraft Rental Checkride - $280

INSTRUMENT RATING

An instrument-rated pilot can legally fly in clouds, rain, and fog, which broadens their abilities and keeps them in the air instead of being stuck on the ground during inclement weather. Pilots who want to fly in the clouds need to get an instrument rating added on to their private or commercial pilot certificate.

TRAINING COSTS - $12,275

  • Aircraft Rental - Cessna 172 - $5,425
  • Flight Instruction - $3,500
  • Ground Instruction - $2,000
  • Simulator Rental - $350
  • Simulator Instruction - $1,000

NON-TRAINING RELATED COSTS - $2,838

  • Club Subscription / Dues - $369
  • Textbooks, Charts, Misc - $175
  • Sporty's Online Ground School - $299
  • FAA Written Test - $175
  • FAA DPE Examiner - $1500
  • Aircraft Rental Checkride - $320

COMMERCIAL PILOT

Once you've passed your Commercial Pilot Checkride, you're now on your way to becoming a professional pilot. It's your first step in actually being able to get paid to fly. Jobs at this level are typically entry-level, banner towing, aerial survey, and if inclined flight instructing. (You'll need additional training)

TRAINING COSTS - $4,900

  • Aircraft Rental - Cessna 172 - $2,400
  • Flight Instruction - $1,500
  • Ground Instruction - $1,000

NON-TRAINING RELATED COSTS - $2,676

  • Textbooks, Charts, Misc - $125
  • Club Subscription / Dues - $257
  • Sporty's Online Ground School - $299
  • FAA Written Test - $175
  • FAA DPE Examiner - $1500
  • Aircraft Rental Checkride - $320

MULTI-ENGINE

The multi-engine rating is an additional rating that can be added to an existing Private, Commercial, or ATP certificate. There are no specific time requirements for obtaining the multi-engine rating, so training to proficiency is key. There is no written test, only an oral exam and a practical test.

TRAINING COSTS - $7,878

  • Aircraft Rental - Beechcraft BE76 - $5,593
  • Flight Instruction - $1,785
  • Ground Instruction - $500

NON-TRAINING RELATED COSTS - $2,515

  • Club Subscription / Dues - $257
  • Textbooks, Charts, Misc - $100
  • FAA DPE Examiner - $1500
  • Aircraft Rental Checkride - $658

Request information on any of our Flight Training Programs.

FLIGHT INSTRUCTOR

A Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) certificate is necessary to teach other pilot certificate candidates, conduct flight reviews, perform aircraft proficiency checks, or complete insurance checkouts. This is often one of the first steps in building time toward a career as an airline or corporate pilot.

TRAINING COSTS - $6,360

  • Aircraft Rental - Cessna 172 - $3,200
  • Flight Instruction - $2,100
  • Ground Instruction - $1,050

NON-TRAINING RELATED COSTS - $3,744

  • Club Subscription / Dues - $257
  • Textbooks, Charts, Misc - $150
  • FAA Written Test - $175
  • FAA DPE Examiner - $3,000
  • Aircraft Rental Checkride - $320

PROFESSIONAL PILOT - $81,705

San Diego Flight Center's Professional Pilot Program was developed to provide motivated students with the structure and personalized support needed to complete their training from Private Pilot through Flight Instructor. It's focus is toward students that are looking to fly in the corporate environment or for an airline. When you complete the program you'll have the following certificates and ratings.

  • Private Pilot
  • Instrument Rating
  • Commercial Pilot
  • Flight Instructor (CFI)
  • Multi-Engine Rating
  • 250 hours total flight time

TIME BUILDING

  • Aircraft Rental - Cessna 172 - 50 hours - $8,000
  • Aircraft Rental - Cessna 172 - 75 hours - $12,000
  • Aircraft Rental - Cessna 172 - 100 hours - $16,000

ADDITIONAL TRAINING AVAILABLE

  • Flight Instructor Instrument (CFII)
  • Multi-Engine Instructor (MEI)
  • Agricultricultral Drone (DJI Agras T40 / T50)
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