Private Pilot license?
 

I am looking to obtain my private pilot license. I have already taken a few lessons, but am now looking to "go all the way". I spoke to a few different schools, and they have given me a wide range of prices. Since I live in the NYC area, I feel that they are trying to gouge the price quite a bit. What is the normal rate for obtaining this license?

Also, what are the questions to ask the school before I pick a school? I am going to take another lesson tomorrow and meet with an instructor in that area. I have already logged 10 hours.

Thanks. Any other pointers will be great.

Private Pilot license?
 

Depends where in NYC area you are. I did my private at DXR (Danbury, CT) before doing all of my other stuff through cfii down in Florida at a part 141 academy. Average is around 50 hours depending on how often you do it, your retention and skill, study habits, etc.... Probably $7,000ish?

Isn't 40 hours the minimum? Look for "dual time" on most flight school website then times by 40 to get a rough idea. Of course it will be higher than that with other costs etc, but that should be a general guide.

Always pay as you go, even if they offer a discount for paying upfront, because these businesses are notoriously shaky. Don't hesitate to switch if you're unhappy, most of these instructors are newly minted pilots trying to get flight time, and could be (somewhat) indifferent to your progress.

Thanks for the responses.

These schools (there are several) leave from MacAurther airport in Long Island. Each school charges roughly $10-$15,000, which seems to be the going rate. This seems very high compared to what others have paid. All schools advise flying 60 hours before taking the exam due to air traffic.

I do have 10 hours under my belt, but now want to increase the intensity and work with one school. I am flying tomorrow and going to meet with two schools to see what they say. Can you do Instrument Rating at the same time or only after you pass private pilot?

You can certainly start your instrument training while training for your private pilot certificate, but doing a lot of instrument training will delay getting the PP cert. The skills you learn and practice for IA are very different than those you learn and practice for PP.

Work at a rate that you're comfortable with. Don't rush things, but at the same time don't be hesitant to progress. Most recommend 60 hours, but if you can get it down in a lower time because you pick up skills faster (or spend too much time on MSFS ;)), then by all means.

First of all Nobody gets their lic in 40 hours I dont think.......It took me 65 ,,,,, Its also about you...how much you fly...how much you study etc.......But the cheapest way to get in my opinion is how I got mine.........Join a flying club...that has instructors......It could cut the cost in half...It did for me........because you actually are an owner in the clubs planes ,,so you pay half of what renting a plane costs.....

I would suggest you try and obtain your PP license as quickly as possible to reduce the number of hours required to pass, therefore reducing your costs. This can be achieved by flying just about every day, since you won't be spending time relearning what you learned in previous lessons taken days/weeks before.

I earned my license in 37 hours back in 1971. I didn't attribute this to exceptional skills on my part, but rather training/flying almost every day during a five week period.

Train regularaly. Put it in your calander..."every wednesday afternoon and sunday morning I will be at the airport for four hours, rain or shine."
Nothing will wash away a newly-learned skill faster than two weeks of inactivity.
Become an airport bum. Hang out and talk to other pilots. Offer to help an old-timer pull his plane out of his hanger.
Anytime...ANYtime you're around pilots and airplanes, you're learning.
Make a lifestyle change and become an aviator, not just a guy with a pilot license.
You'll live longer and be a better person for the effort.

How do you go about finding a flying club in your area? I tried doing a quick search online. A license is something I'm interested in getting in a few years when I have 5,000+ available to spend. But anything that could help me cut costs would be great.

Most of your local general aviation airports should have FBO's with flight schools.

Many instructors do side work, many pilots are looking for a ride a long,

Ride along is still bookable on your 40.

Join a club, many old times just like to have a new kid along..

Racked up many hours flying guys who could not pass their medical, and just wanted to spend time in the air...in their own plane.

Take your written, you will meet others,

Not sure...... Dont go to flight schools...TOO MUCH MONEY...

Also instructors will not teach on the side...Insurance reasons.....in my experience..........

A flying club will cut expenses at least 40% in my opinion.......

my club has 6 instructors including a cpl commercial pilots

Absolutely correct.

Yes, my plan is to go almost every day (except for the weekends). Work has been slow lately, so things are pretty flexible. I just need to find a good club and get working on these hours.