What's the cost to become a U.S. pilot in 2025?
The estimated cost for a Commercial Pilot License (CPL) in 2025 is $70,000 to $90,000. These figures are subject to change based on various factors, but there are many scholarships and financing opportunities available to you.
How much does flight school cost?
At Acron Aviation Academy, the all-inclusive Embark: Private Pilot Certificate (PPL) program is about $28,350. The Excel: Accelerated Pathway to Pilot program for a Certified Pilot License (CPL) is $79,000.
This all-inclusive pricing refers to tuition, required flight hours, and dedicated training hours with instructors. It also includes FAA-mandated written and practical tests, as well as all necessary materials for each stage. With transparent costs, no surprises are in store as you work towards an airline pilot salary.
Compared to other programs, Acron Aviation Academy has one of the most cost-effective avenues for professional training. With airline partnerships, scholarship opportunities, and financing options, the affordability and investment in job security are easy to see. Plus, any prior acquired flight training hours can reduce the time requirement and cost.
$28,350
$79,000
November and December perks
10 hours of Multi-Engine flight hours
20 hours of Single-Engine flight hours
When you start your full program training with Acron Aviation Academy in November or December 2025, you will get the choice of two promotional offers! 10 hours of Multi-Engine, or 20 hours of Single-Engine flight hours! These offers expire after our December 2025 class start date.
*Hours can be used at the end of your completed program for time-building.
Getting help funding your pilot license
Finding help paying for a license is often the first consideration on every potential pilot and parent's radar. Luckily, there are many options for financing, such as aviation scholarships, military benefits, and private education loans, each with its pros and cons, depending on your needs.
- Pilot training loans: Loans for aviation students, usually covering a majority of training costs for PPL and CPL.
- Scholarships: Provided by third-party organizations and schools, these are merit-based.
- GI Bill and military benefits: Available to eligible veterans and military members.
- Parental assistance: Parents can co-sign loans or pay for training out of pocket.
- Airline sign-on bonuses and tuition reimbursement: Some airlines provide these as incentives to pay for schooling. However, bonuses and reimbursement are not guaranteed and vary from airline to airline.
- Self-pay: For those who want to pay on their own, we accept payments through payment plans and schedules.
Ultimately, by investigating and exploring these various alternatives, you'll decrease what it will cost to get your private pilot's license. With the proper preparation and resources at hand, it's a more realistic possibility than you realize. Plus, you'll discover a network of fellow aspiring aviators along the way.
Our Student Finance team
Our Student Finance and Admissions teams will help guide you through the process of exploring financing options. Most students pay for the primary portion of their training through self-pay, private flight school loans, or a combination of both. We have partnered with lenders who can provide up to 100% of the cost of pilot training for eligible, credit-worthy borrowers.
Reach out to our team today to find out how you can get started on your pilot training journey.
Flight school loans
We work with providers such as Sallie Mae and Stratus Financial who offer loan options of up to 100% of the cost of pilot training.
External scholarships
Whilst we don't currently offer scholarships, there are a range of external organizations that do.
What factors affect the cost of pilot training
Several factors, such as license type, school accreditation, and location, influence the cost to become a pilot. For example:
- Type of license: Certain licenses are significantly more costly than others (PPL, CPL, ATP).
- Program accreditation: Acron Aviation is an FAA Part 141-accredited school and is reputable for structured programs that save time and money.
- Location: Training in Florida may be cheaper than other areas due to consistent weather, allowing for frequent training sessions.
- Student effort: Students who pay attention and work effectively in the simulator and the air will not take as much time navigating the process, resulting in a cheaper price.
Hidden costs: Know what's included in your tuition. Acron Aviation includes everything from instruction to training hours and exam fees in the price of a program, so there are no surprise costs.
For those looking to self-pay their pilot training, we offer installment plans to help budget the cost of training throughout your program. Our Admissions team is available to discuss pricing and fee structure.
If you have served in the US military, you may be eligible for educational benefits that could pay for a portion of your flight training program costs. As a student in a part 141 program, you may be able to apply your benefits to help cover the cost of ground school, dual instruction, and flight briefings. We accept: Post-9/11 GI Bill® (Ch. 33) and Montgomery GI Bill® (Ch. 30). Veterans who are unsure of their eligibility or have questions can reach out to our team to learn more.
GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government Web site at Trademark Terms of Use - Education and Training (va.gov).
Cost to become a pilot FAQ
Is it worth it to become a pilot?
Definitely. The financial investment to become a pilot is worth it because pilots have good salaries, job security, and the financial freedom to enjoy life outside of work, even when they can fly for work. As a pilot, you'll have access to locations and travel that most only dream of, as well as a prestigious reputation.
How much does it cost to go to flight school in the U.S.?
Flight school averages about $70,000-$90,000 for a CPL in the USA. This cost is relatively low compared to other countries for similar training and licensing expectations.
What is the most affordable way to become a pilot?
The cheapest way to get your pilot license is by researching, applying for scholarships, maintaining a consistent training schedule, and utilizing inexpensive training options (flight sim, programs with certified instructors). Students who explore their financial options and focus on their education prove to be the most successful in their pilot careers.
Do airlines pay for pilot school?
Airlines don't pay for pilot school per se, but many of them offer tuition reimbursement and signing bonuses post-training when you are employed at the airline.
Is it cheaper to go to flight school or aviation college?
It's cheaper to go to flight school than aviation college. Acron Aviation Academy is more affordable because it offers a career trajectory with a more focused path to becoming a professional pilot, as opposed to an aviation college, which requires additional, non-pilot-related courses.
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