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What it costs to become a pilot

Honest estimates for every stage. Your final cost depends on your progress, the weather and the aircraft you fly, so we'll always give you a personalised plan.

  1. 1TIF

    Trial Instructional Flight

    Take the controls with an instructor beside you. No experience needed, and the time goes in your logbook.

    • Pre-flight briefing
    • Hands-on flying
    • Post-flight debrief
    • Logbook entry
    Minimum time
    45 minutes
    Estimated cost
    $350
    First flight price. $370 thereafter.
    Counts toward your RPL
  2. 2RPL

    Recreational Pilot Licence

    Your first licence. Fly a light aircraft with passengers within 25 nm of your departure aerodrome.

    • Flight training
    • Theory instruction
    • Exam fees
    • Flight test
    Minimum time
    25 hours minimum, 5 solo
    Estimated cost
    $12,000–13,000
    Estimate. Pay as you fly, plus a refundable deposit.
    Hours count toward your PPL
  3. 3PPL

    Private Pilot Licence

    Fly anywhere in Australia, with friends and family on board. Cross-country navigation is where it gets good.

    • Flight training
    • Pre and post-flight briefings
    • Cross-country navigation
    Minimum time
    45 hours minimum, includes RPL syllabus
    Estimated cost
    $10,500–12,000
    Estimate on top of RPL. Pay as you fly.
    Hours count toward your CPL
  4. 4CPL

    Commercial Pilot Licence

    Get paid to fly. Career preparation for general aviation and the path to the airlines.

    • Flight training
    • Career preparation
    • GA and airline pathways
    Minimum time
    200 hours total, 100 as pilot in command
    Estimated cost
    Personalised quote
    Built around the hours you already hold.

RPL and PPL training is pay as you fly at the hourly rate. The only upfront payment is a refundable $1,500 training deposit. All prices in AUD and subject to change.

Ratings and endorsements

Add capability to your licence. Each one is packaged to suit you.

  • Night VFR Rating

    Fly after last light under visual flight rules.

  • Multi-Engine Class Rating

    Step up to twin-engine aircraft.

  • Instrument Proficiency Check

    Keep your instrument rating current.

  • Flight Review

    Your two-yearly check flight, done properly.

  • Flight Instructor Rating

    Learn to teach. Briefing phase available to buy online.

Ask about a package

Aircraft hire

Licensed and building hours, or planning a trip? Hire from our fleet at Parafield or Aldinga. Call 0478 882 696 for current rates.

Ask about aircraft hire

What changes the cost

Your pace
Some students finish near the minimum hours. Others need more time, and that's fine.
Weather
South Australia flies well most of the year, but some lessons will move.
Aircraft type
Each aircraft in the fleet has its own hourly rate.
Theory
Budget for study materials, ground school and CASA exam fees.