For those Minnesotans who have always wanted to become a pilot, soaring through the clouds, high above the landscape below, the first step is to find a flight school in Minneapolis that offers high-quality services at a great rate. The price for a pilot license can vary wildly, so a solid budget plan will help you keep expenses in check and prevent unwanted charges down the road. With that said, let’s explore how much flight school in Minneapolis costs so you can start getting your finances in order.
How Much Does Flight School In Minneapolis Cost?
Like any other higher educational pursuit or specialized training, learning to fly costs money. If you’re a beginner, you’ll likely start by going through a private pilot certification program. In the United States, the average cost of a private pilot license (PPL) is approximately $15,000. In more expensive states like New York or California, don’t be surprised to see PPL training prices topping $20,000 or more. Minneapolis, however, is an affordable midwestern state with some of the best flight schools in the country. From accredited universities to local training centers and everything in between, you’re sure to find a specific certification type at below-average prices.
Cost of a private pilot license in Minneapolis
With a national average between $12,000 and $18,000, you’ll be glad to know you can obtain your private pilot license in Minneapolis for under $10,000. At Inflight Pilot Training, for example, you can undergo training for your PPL with our basic package starting at $8,250, going up to $11,750.
Cost of a commercial pilot license in Minneapolis
If you someday dream of getting paid as a professional pilot, then you first need to acquire a commercial pilot license (CPL). With this, you’ve advanced along in your education to the point where you’ve completed 250 flying hours and are now a highly skilled aviator. The national average cost of a CPL may come with a bit of sticker shock at $40,000 to $50,000. However, you’ll be glad to find out that the cost of a CPL in Minneapolis is available for as low as $8,075 at Inflight Pilot Training. See a sample breakdown of costs below:
- 15 hours in a Cessna 172: $2,025
- 10 hours in a Piper Arrow: $1,550
- 25 hours of flight instruction: $2,250
- 25 hours of ground instruction: $2,250
How To Find Affordable, Quality Flight Training In Minneapolis
With an extensive flight school community in the Twin Cities, it may be hard to narrow down your list with so many great options to choose from. To find quality flight training near you that’s affordable, make sure to follow some of these key tips:
Tour the facilities
Before signing up for a flight school, take a tour of their facilities. Some things to look for include cleanliness and organization that shows pride in their business, up-to-date educational technologies like simulators or specific software, and the quality of their aircraft fleet. In addition, interview potential instructors, managers, chiefs, and other students to get a better feel for their approach to the training process. This will directly impact the level of value you receive from the school.
Ask about timeline
In normal circumstances, the more hours you have to train, the more expensive your certificate will end up costing. So, make sure to ask about timing up front and how the flight school plans on sticking to your schedule. Additionally, you may be able to use your dollars more effectively by spreading your training out over the course of several months and setting up a payment plan.
Local flight school affordability
A Part 61 local flight school will almost always be more affordable than a Part 141 program or multi-year university. This is because Part 141 schools must follow strict guidelines laid out by the FAA, so costs are more concrete. With a Part 61 school like Inflight Pilot Training, the CFIs work with you to develop a personalized plan that will help keep your budget in check.
Are you interested in effective, affordable flight training in MN?
Get in touch with the team at Inflight Pilot Training today to learn how we work with students to develop a personalized plan to pay for and succeed at flight school. We offer affordable rates, a variety of financing options and transparent packages that are designed to make paying for training more manageable. On top of that, our reputable programs and deep roster of qualified flight instructors contribute to your success as an aspiring pilot.
Ready to get started? To learn more about Inflight Pilot Training, contact us today or call (952) 698-3000.