When you’re trying to find the best flight school Minnesota has to offer, pricing is always a big sticking point. Depending on the type of program you enroll in, you could pay anywhere from a few thousand dollars up to tens of thousands of dollars. Like other higher educational pursuits, learning a specialized skill can break your bank – but it doesn’t have to. With the right flight training program, you can lower costs while still receiving a high level of service. If you’re trying to develop a budget for flight school, here’s how much you can expect to pay to become a licensed pilot in Minnesota.
Cost of Flight School In Minnesota
The cost of flight school will ultimately depend on the type of program you sign up for. A private pilot certificate at a Part 61 school is going to be the most affordable and effective approach for the vast majority of beginners. As a gauge, Inflight Pilot Training’s programs start at a little over $8,250 and go up to $11,750 – well below the national average of $15,000. Part 141, the more formal version of Part 61, can cost a lot more depending on the school you choose. A local school may offer a more competitive price compared to a university, the best of which can cost up to 4x as much per year. Ultimately, it comes down to what you derive value from. There are also collegiate aviation programs in Minnesota in two forms – there are programs at colleges like Minnesota State-Mankato and Rochester Community College, for example, that offer the most formal approach to becoming a pilot. This may be appropriate for those who want to pursue a career with the airlines, but not required for those who want to work as a commercial pilot or enjoy flying as a hobby.
Many universities also partner with private flight schools to diversify their collegiate programs at a better price. Notably, Inflight Pilot Training partnered with Purdue University Global in order to address the persistent demand for professional pilots.
Choose A Minnesota Flight School That Works With You
A flight school worth your money should work with you to meet your goals. That means helping with financing options, monthly installments, and providing a transparent cost structure. Schools like Inflight Pilot Training put together a personalized plan to help you pay for a license in a reasonable timeframe, through reputable organizations like AOPA Flight Training Finance, Pilot Finance Inc., and Sallie Mae Private Loans. These payments can range anywhere from $150 to $400 per month.
Costs Of Flight School In Minnesota
Tuition pays for several things, including instructor time and aircraft rental. Beyond that, however, are other specific items you’ll need to pay for. Below is a quick breakdown of where some of your dollars will go when attending a flight school in Minnesota.
- A medical examination from an FAA-approved Aviation Medical Examiner (AME): Approximately $150
- Knowledge examinations at an approved FAA testing center: $130 per test
- Examiner’s fee for licensing: $600-$800
- Aviation supplies such as charts, plotters, and textbooks: up to $150 per rating
- Headset: $150 for an entry option
Flight School Is An Investment In Yourself
Like any other type of level of higher education, flight school is an investment in yourself. Whether you want to get paid to fly or just do it for fun, there are plenty of reasons why it’s worth it to pay for a flight school in Minnesota. With a simple private pilot license, you gain the freedom to travel the country on your own terms, amplifying the adventure in your life. For those who want to make flying a career, it can take as little as three months to obtain a commercial pilot and instrument rating. With this, you open yourself up to a variety of new commercial aviation job opportunities, from airline pilot to corporate pilot to flight instructor to emergency rescue and much more.
Average Salary Of A Pilot
There are a ton of jobs in the aviation industry – depending on what you want to do for work, you can get a high-paying, rewarding career that can justify the expense of flight school. The following are some of the most common jobs and their related average salaries in the U.S.
- Commercial airline pilot: $93,000
- Air ambulance pilots: $85,000
- Flight instructor: $53,000
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 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.