How Much To Become A Pilot In 2022. Total Cost & How To Pay / ATP ...

Pilot Training Cost How Much Does it Cost to Become a Pilot?

Written by: ATP Flight School Training and Career Education Series Team ATP Flight School’s Training and Career Education Series Team develops career and training information for prospective pilots, based on real-world instructional experience, industry insights and reporting, FAA-aligned standards, and ATP’s structured training programs.

Reviewed by: Senior FAA Certified Flight Instructor and Instrument Ground Instructor Provides flight and ground training oversight to ensure accuracy of educational content and alignment with ATP publishing standards.

Published: August 10, 2020 / Last Updated: February 10, 2026

It costs $123,995 to become a pilot when starting with no previous experience or $90,995 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.

License Cost & Training Expenses

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.

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Private pilot license cost and total training costs for ATP Airline Career Pilot Program

Start fromPrivate Pilot Certificate	Start fromZero Experience
Aviation Tuition to Become a Commercial Pilot
Flight Training Cost	$90,995	$123,995
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)

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

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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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