Flight Training and Aircraft Rental Rates

How our rates work

Training (dual instruction) is the aircraft rate plus our $75/hour instructor fee, already included in the numbers above. So a lesson in the Cessna 150 is $165 for the airplane plus $75 for your instructor: $240 per hour. Rental is the airplane alone, available to pilots who have completed a checkout.

The Cessna 150H is our two-seat budget option. The Cessna 172 rates apply to our four-seat 172s, including the glass-panel Skyhawk N273EB.

Ways to save

• 10% discount for cash purchases over $1,000
• Block hours: ask us about a block that matches how often you fly
• Flying two or three times a week helps you retain skills, so you repeat fewer lessons

Cost examples

These are planning scenarios priced entirely at dual rates, not all-in quotes or school completion averages:

1. 01

   Private pilot · 60–80 hours

   $14,400–$19,200 in the Cessna 150, or $15,900–$21,200 in the Cessna 172. The FAA reports the average is about 75 hours; solo hours use the lower rental rate.

2. 02

   Instrument rating · 40–60 hours

   $9,600–$14,400 at the 150 rate, or $10,600–$15,900 at the 172 rate, assuming required cross-country experience is already logged.

3. 03

   Commercial pilot · 30–60 hours

   $7,200–$14,400 at the 150 rate, or $7,950–$15,900 at the 172 rate, for a pilot already near 250 total hours. Time building is not included.

4. 04

   Flight instructor · 20–40 hours

   $4,800–$9,600 at the 150 rate, or $5,300–$10,600 at the 172 rate, after commercial and instrument qualifications.

Rental for licensed pilots

If you already hold a certificate, you can rent our aircraft at $165/hour for the Cessna 150 or $190/hour for the Cessna 172 after a checkout with one of our instructors. Your checkout is flown at the dual rate. Current renters and students book time through our Flight Circle scheduling page. See our aircraft rental page for the full process and details on each airplane.

What is not included

Ground instruction, your FAA medical, the knowledge test, examiner fees and supplies such as headsets, books and charts are additional. Advanced Ground Instructor pricing varies by syllabus; contact us for the current rate. Ask us about the current discovery flight price as well.

Every pilot learns differently. Talk with an instructor about your experience and schedule, and we will build a realistic plan for you, whether you live in Watertown, Dexter, on Fort Drum or anywhere in Jefferson County.