In my previous post, I began explaining the importance of reining in impulse and delaying the purchase of your first wing (favouring rental over outright purchase during training).
During that discussion, it became apparent that there needs to be an additional investigation into the economics of lessons, including the importance of shopping around and asking questions.
Using three local schools posted rates (and rough estimates of retail equipment prices) - you can see the impact a little legwork can have on your pocket book. The assumption is total cost to get to the HPAC mandated minimum of 25 flights, assuming you as the student meet all learning objectives within that time. Some may not, requiring additional instruction (and cost) - ask about this up front.
In my opinion, each school has turned out some remarkable novice pilots since I started flying.
| School A | School B | School C | |
| HPAC required 25 flights for Novice | $2000 | $2400 | $1650 |
| Equipment rental | yes | no | yes |
| - if yes, flight required. | 11 | 10 | |
| - if yes, cost per flight. | $25 ($50/day flat rate, assuming two flights per day) | $25 | |
| - if yes, total cost to 25th flight. | $350 | $375 | |
| - if no, equipment purchase flight required. | 6 | ||
| - if no, estimated purchase cost (based on last available price). | $6000 | ||
| Total cost to HPAC Novice | $2350 | $8400 | $2025 |
This pricing assumes worst case, you finish your lessons and forget about flying. It happens. More than you think.
If instead you continue on, you now have full access to the secondary equipment market and have a relationship with an instructor (or two) that you hopefully trust the opinion of.
In end ask questions of the school(s) you are looking at, find an instructor you are comfortable with, and make a spreadsheet like I just did - your wallet will thank you.
Happy Hunting!
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