Commercial pilot training cost - How to Become a Pilot

ATP Flight School Cost: How Much Does it Cost to Become a Pilot?

It costs $116,995 to become a pilot when starting with no previous experience or $86,995 when starting with a private pilot certificate. Both prices include the flight training and certification necessary to become a commercial pilot with flight instructor certificates. There are financing options and flight training loans available to help student pilots pay the cost of becoming a commercial pilot, thereby reducing the financial burden.

ATP Flight School offers an efficient path to certification, providing a streamlined and effective journey towards becoming a pilot.

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SAVE $5,000! For a limited time, save $5,000 on the Airline Career Pilot Program at the Raleigh Sanford training center. Call Admissions at (904) 595-7950 today!

Tip: Full financing is available for ATP's Airline Career Program students through Sallie Mae. Explore your financing options today »

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Understanding Flight Training Costs

Flight training costs can vary widely depending on several key factors, such as the type of training program, aircraft used, location of the flight school, and the level of certification you’re pursuing. For aspiring pilots, understanding these variables—and how they impact the total investment—is crucial to making informed decisions.

ATP Flight School, one of the largest flight training providers in the U.S., offers a fixed-cost pricing model that gives students transparency and predictability in their financial planning. Unlike many flight schools that charge by the hour, ATP provides an all-inclusive tuition model that covers nearly all training costs.

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Pilot Training Cost

How Much Money is Flight School?

The cost of flight school can vary significantly depending on the level of certification being pursued. Below is an outline of how much flight training costs through ATP's Airline Career Pilot Program. ATP quotes prices based on realistic flight time requirements, providing up-front, fixed-cost pricing for becoming a pilot. This breakdown provides a general idea of the financial commitment required for pilot training. The aviation industry provides diverse career paths and opportunities for pilots and flight school graduates. However, it is crucial to carefully consider all the costs involved when planning your aviation career.

Start from
Private Pilot Certificate
Start from
Zero Experience
Aviation Tuition to Become a Commercial Pilot
Flight Training Cost $86,995 $116,995
Additional Expenses (Not Included in Program)
FAA Examiners' Fees & Knowledge Test Fees
(Paid Directly to Examiner & Third-Party Provider)
$10,500 $12,000
iPad Apps $200 (varies) $200 (varies)
iPad, Headset, Flight Bag & Other Pilot Gear $2,005 (varies) $2,005 (varies)

Understanding these costs can help you budget effectively for your flight training. Investing in quality flight instruction and materials can make a significant difference in your training experience and success.

Complete Guide to Financing »

Financing for Flight Training

Sallie Mae offers its lowest-rate undergraduate student loan products to ATP Flight School students, thanks to the strong track record of ATP-trained professional pilots. ATP is the only flight school that can get you access to these competitive loan products, which in most cases finance the entire cost of flight training for qualified borrowers.

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Costs for Private Pilot Certificate, Commercial Pilot Certificate, & Airline Transport Pilot Certificate

The table below shows approximate costs for earning a private pilot license, commercial pilot certificate, and airline transport pilot certificate. Students at ATP Flight School pay a fixed-cost for flight training, which includes both flight hours and other associated expenses.

Ground instruction is also a crucial part of the training, preparing students for exams and enhancing their overall flight knowledge.

Pilot Certificate Cost Duration
Private Pilot Certificate
Included in Airline Career Pilot Program
$30,000 3 Months
Commercial Pilot Certificate
Single- and Multi-Engine with Instrument Rating and CFIs
$86,995 9 Months
Airline Transport Pilot Certificate $5,995 5 Days

The costs above do not include the practical exam, which is paid directly to the FAA designated pilot examiner for the oral and flight tests necessary to obtain these pilot certificates.

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Related FAQs Airline Career Pilot Program

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