How long will it take?

The best answer I can give you is "it depends."

There are a number of variables which affect the time line. There are ways to minimize how long it will take you, but the commitment you have to studying and practicing can greatly affect the length of time it takes.

There are aspects we cannot control which include things such as the weather, a mechanical issue which needs to get fixed, illness and the like.  No matter what you do, sometimes these uncontrollable aspects delay training.

There are also aspects you can control.

Flying on a regular basis improves skill and knowledge retention. Believe it or not, you don't have to be flying in the air to work on your airplane flying skills.

Many people call it chair flying; others call it visualization...the gymnast thinking through the routine, the basketball player imagining a foul shot thrown and touching nothing but net, the the cyclist studying the course and where to accelerate ahead of the pack.

The same concept applies to flying. You can visualize a flight and what is going to happen inside and outside the cockpit without leaving your living room. All it takes is a little free time and imagination. I can usually tell which students have done this before a flight because of the ability they demonstrate from one flight to the next.

The second part, studying, also helps move things along. You don't need to know everything right away, but it is better than knowing nothing for lack of trying.

Either way, the more time and energy you put forth the more you can expect to reap from your training.

Most students can expect to train for anywhere between 6 and 12 months to obtain a Private Pilot Certificate.

How much will this cost?

Specifing a fixed cost can be as difficult as answering how long it will take.  Again, the factors involved change the overall cost; but, a few items are helpful in targeting a range.

The type of aircraft you fly (Cessna 172, Cessna 152, Diamond Eclipse, etc.) as well as the equpiment installed affect what the operator is able to charge and still remain in business.  On average, flying the aircraft can have an operating cost anywhere between $80 per hour and $130.  This may or may not include fuel (which costs about $4.00 per gallon now). 

Let's start with the minimum of 40 hours flight time at $100 per hour, including fuel.  An instructor needs to fly with you for some, but not all of your training.  Instructors cost about $45 per hour, and in this example I'm targeting 20 hours.  That is including both ground and flight time of the instructor, and again is minimal.  Most people need a bit more.  Then there are charts, supplies, tests, and the FAA checkride (about $350). 

$4000 + $900 + $500 +$350 = $5750

Unfortunately most of this information is based on the MINIMUM requirements of flight time (Part 61) with an instructor and my estimate of costs.  This would be a ball park price most operators will quote you.

The reality of flying is that few students accomplish the certification in the minimum about of required training.  But, in order to advertize competitive prices, operators base the advertized cost on the minimum requirements.  So, what is the REAL cost of obtaining your certificate?

Based on the national student average of flight time, and time spent with an instructor you are actually looking at a cost estimate of $9600!

I figure that based on 65 hours flying time, 50 hours of time spent with an instructor (ground and flight) and the other supplies and checkride costs. 

Let's think about that for a moment.  Someone is trying to sell you a service and telling you it will cost almost half of what it actually will.  It's not that they are intentionally being dishonest, but how long would you consider which school to use when one tells you it will cost $5800 and the other $9600? 

I only bring this to light so that you don't get half way through your training and then run out of money.  Know your options and do your research first.