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FLIGHT TRAINING & COST ESTIMATES
Looking to train for a Private, Instrument, Commercial or Flight Instructor license (actually called a"Certificate")?

We invite you to compare our training cost estimates to those given by other schools. We strive to give you a realistic estimate of what you can expect to pay for any pilot certificate or rating.

Some schools, in order to make themselves look more attractive, quote prices based on FAA-mandated minimum training times (or some other unrealistic low number of hours), and do not mention other costs not associated with their school, such as written tests or examiner's fees. Their quotes (or estimates) are often underestimated.

Here is what they do not tell you:
Very few people get a Private Pilot Certificate in the FAA minimum of 40 hours. Most pilots in metropolitan markets typically take 60-80 hours. Unless you have a high degree of natural ability and are able to train daily, you can expect to become a Private Pilot in this range of hours.

All of our estimates are based on realistic numbers, include all fees (even those not associated with our school). The time length required to accomplish the different courses depends on the student's availability and schedule.

Since we do not offer "guaranteed packages", you will train on your time schedule with your instructor, based on your commitment to the training. Your instructor will then be able to give you a realistic time estimate for the course.


- Here are some things that can be done to reduce the training time and expense.

- Our Recommended Materials list below

- Additional Flight Training & Endorsements Available
1) Instrument Rating (IR)
2) Commercial Pilot Certificate (CPL)
3) Certified Flight Instructor Certificate (CFI)
4) Certified Instrument Instructor (CFII)
5) Flight Reviews (BFR)
6) Instrument Proficiency Checks (IPC)
7) Complex & High Performance Endorsements
8) Tailwheel Endorsements
9) Spin Training
10) Upset, Unusual Attitude, and Aerobatics Training


ESTIMATED PRIVATE PILOT CERTIFICATION COSTS
* (as of November 2023)

Most flight schools advertise or provide rates based on an unrealistic under-estimate of the flight time and costs, and, do not include all of the other costs not associated with their school (Section 2). This is a more realistic estimate.

This estimate is based on 60 hours of flight time which includes 40 hours with an instructor plus 20 hours solo and 40 hours of ground instruction (usually pre & post-flight briefings) by an instructor. Note that an average student will take 60-80 hours of flight time in a metropolitan area.

In Comparing Costs:
Section 1 is an estimated cost of training at Oakland Flyers.
Section 2 is an estimate of the costs associated with training and certification regardless of which flight school attended.

- SECTION 1 -
OAKLAND FLYERS COSTS
DESCRIPTION (NORMAL RATES)
* Based on the least expensive plane in type as shown as of the date shown above.
** Block equivalent
C-150
*$135 ** 121
C-152
*$147 ** 132
C-172
*$180 ** 162
PA28
*$174 ** 157
AIRCRAFT RENTAL
Based on 60 hours flight time (40 w/CFI, 20 solo)
8160 8820 10800 10440
INSTRUCTION BY CFI (Certified Flight Instructor)
Based on 80 hours instruction (40 flight, 40 ground) @ $50/hr (Individual instructor rates vary $50-$80/hr)
4400 4400 4400 4400
MEMBERSHIP FEES
$175 Initial membership fees ; $25/mo x 12 mo\ (only for months flown)
475 475 475 475
TOTAL COSTS (NORMAL RATES) 13035 13695 15675 15315
BLOCK DISCOUNT- When placing $500 on account, Oakland Flyers will credit 10% to the account. The estimated result of this credit will be the Effective Block Rate. 900 900 1080 1020
TOTAL COSTS (WITH ESTIMATED BLOCK DISCOUNT) 12135 12795 14595 14295



- SECTION 2 -
ADDITIONAL COSTS (NOT ASSOCIATED WITH OAKLAND FLYERS)
DESCRIPTION AMOUNT
FAA MEDICAL EXAM (by FAA Designated Medical Examiner) 150
FAA KNOWLEDGE TEST FEE (at FAA testing facility) 150
FAA CERTIFICATION TEST (by FAA Designated Examiner) 900
BOOKS, GROUND COURSES, PILOT SUPPLIES (estimated) * 600
OAK AIRPORT BADGING (if unescorted ramp access desired) 100
OAK AIRPORT BADGE REFUNDABLE DEPOSIT (If unescorted ramp access desired) * (not included in total) 500 (*Refundable)
MISC 100
TOTAL ESTIMATED EXPENSES (*some of these are available thru Oakland Flyers) 2000



- TOTAL ESTIMATED CERTIFICATION COSTS (Sections 1+ 2) -
DESCRIPTION C150 C152 C172 PA28
TOTAL CERTIFICATION COSTS -
NO DISCOUNT
15035 15695 17675 17315
TOTAL CERTIFICATION COSTS --
WITH BLOCK DISCOUNT
14135 14795 16595 16295





OTHER ESTIMATED PILOT CERTIFICATION COSTS
NOTE: Estimates for Instrument Rating, Commercial & Flight Instructor Certificate can be obtained, in person, after a logbook review.


INSTRUMENT RATING
ESTIMATE-SEE NOTE BELOW




COMMERCIAL PILOT
ESTIMATE-SEE NOTE BELOW






CERTIFIED FLIGHT INSTRUCTOR (CFI)
ESTIMATE-SEE NOTE BELOW




CERTIFIED INSTRUMENT RATING FLIGHT INSTRUCTOR (CFII)
ESTIMATE-SEE NOTE BELOW


NOTE: Estimates for Instrument Rating, Commercial & Flight Instructor Certificates can be obtained in person after a logbook review.



FINANCING
The Aircraft Owners & Pilots Association (AOPA) is currently offering some limited financing for flight training. For further information visit our office or checkout their website at: http://www.aopa.org



THINGS YOU CAN DO TO REDUCE THE TRAINING TIME & EXPENSE
1. Keep your lessons close together. The more frequently you fly, the more you will retain, which will reduce the amount of time needed to reach your goal.
2. Purchase block time for both aircraft and instructor (if offered). The savings over the long run can be considerable.
3. The use of simulators (ground training devices) during some parts of training (where appropriate) can also reduce the cost of flight training. Simulators (ground training devices are less expensive than aircraft rental or operation), and, in most cases allow for more maneuvers/procedures to be introduced and practiced in a given amount of time with little distractions.
4. The effective and proper use of a flight simulator software package (such as X-Plane or MS Flight Simulator) can reinforce certain skills and procedures and reduce the cost of flight training.
5. Come prepared for the lesson by reading the materials that are relevant to the upcoming lesson.
6. Spend wisely. You will soon be inundated with a substantial volume of aviation related items. Resist the temptation to buy it (most of it is useless in the long term). The items in the below chart are all you will actually need. Also shop around, and if you’re so inclined, you can often purchase used materials at a discounted price.
7. Wearing headsets is a must. Not only to protect your hearing, but also to communicate with ATC and your instructor (or eventually passengers). Purchase a set of headsets rather than renting-asap. We suggest you try on several sets to see which is comfortable for you. Also it's suggest you purchase noise-cancelling sets if you can afford them to further protect your hearing. You can find headsets in pilot shops (on-line or physical stores), on ebay, or maybe craigslist.
8. Join AOPA (Aircraft Owners & Pilots Association). There are often discounts on goods and services for their members. In addition, AOPA publishes a good magazine, and offers many benefits including renter’s insurance, FAA medical & legal services, rental car discounts, etc.



RECOMMENDED MATERIALS
See the following chart for material that you will need or should consider getting.
Note: Sales tax not included in approx. pricing, but will be added at time of sale.
#= Some items are available as free (or almost free) down-loads.

ITEM APPOX $$ REQUIRED/ RECOMMENDED NOTES
STUDY MATERIALS FOR KNOWLEDGE TEST (WRITTEN). These can include text books, videos, software, and on-line courses. Varies REQUIRED We recommend the FAA publications #, and on on-line course for most students.
PILOT LOGBOOK $10 REQUIRED  
FAA MEDICAL CERTIFICATE $100-150 REQUIRED Must be performed by an FAA approved physician. Required prior to solo flight.
# FAR/AIM (Federal Aviation Regulations/Airman’s Information Manual $15 REQUIRED  
HEAD SETS $100-1000 REQUIRED Can be rented for $10/day
# PLOTTER $10 REQUIRED Needed for cross-country flights. (post-solo)
FUEL QUANTITY GUAGE $15 RECOMMENDED A fuel tank dipstick calibrated for the airplane you are flying.
FLIGHT COMPUTER (E6B or electronic) $15-$75 REQUIRED Needed for cross-country flights. (post-solo)
# MANEUVERS MANUAL $10-25 REQUIRED Included in FAA publications
VFR SECTIONAL & TERMINAL CHARTS $8 EA REQUIRED Needed for solo flight
# AIRCRAFT MANUAL (POH / AFM) $50 REQUIRED  
FLIGHT BAG Varies
$5-$150
REQUIRED It’s not necessary to spend a lot of $$
# AFD (Airport Facility Directory) $5 REQUIRED Needed for cross country flights. (post-solo)
KNEE-BOARD $15-35    
FLASHLIGHT $2 REQUIRED Needed for night flight.
ELECTRONIC FLIGHT BAG (EFB)- Basically a tablet (iPad recommended) to which you can purchase aviation apps. Suggested apps are Foreflight, as well as electronic E6B, ATC monitors, FARs, and others. Varies STRONGLY
RECOMMENDED
 
AOPA MEMBERSHIP $40+ RECOMMENDED Good magazine, and offers many benefits including a credit card that features a rebate (currently 5% to a max of $250/yr) on purchases made at most FBOs.
FLIGHT SIMULATOR PROGRAM Varies RECOMMENDED We recommend MS Flight Simulator or X-Plane. But there are several others out there.
MONITOR (scanner/receiver on aircraft band)
OR
ATC COMMUNICATIONS SOFTWARE / Apps
Varies # RECOMMENDED Helpful for listening and learning the communication with ATC. Note that some flight simulator software packages also contain this feature. There are also EFB apps.
# ACS- Airman Certification Standards $10 # REQUIRED Will be needed for review prior to flight test. (post-solo)
SECURITY BADGE $50 REQUIRED $500 refundable deposit (per the Oakland airport) is also required.





For Information Call 510-568-3317

Or email is at info@oaklandflyers.com

We Are Located at the Oakland Airport
8135 Earhart Rd. Oakland, CA 94621