Quick advice, PPL costs

scramjet

scramjet

Well-Known Member
Is $135/hour a good deal for a Cessna 172? I couldn't tell if the guy said that cost included the $20/hour CFI rate or if that was separate... Last time I flew I was paying around $65/hr "at operating cost," so I'm not too well versed on the going rates now. :o
 
If it includes the CFI cost then it is fair...if not then no I would say it is a little steep especially if it is in the PIT Area.
 
'Round here the average is about 89-95 an hour for an old 172, and 100-130 for newer ones with nicer interiors and better avionics.
 
I think America is still capitalist for a few more months. What's everyone else asking in your area? Until recently I've always looked for the cheapest birds in the area, but I've always known the mechanic. If I were willing/able to pay at all right now (I'm not), I would probably drop a few extra bucks on something a little newer. You need to find the best combination of:

  • Safety
  • Capability
  • Convenience
  • Price
In that order. If you're the kind of guy looking to go from 0 to hero, you can definitely move elsewhere and find much cheaper rental rates (I doubt you'll find a cheaper instructor rate). If you just need to rent something for enjoyment, then driving to BFE to find a good deal is probably not your best deal when you factor in convenience, your time, and price of fuel/vehicle wear and tear.
 
scramjet said:
Is $135/hour a good deal for a Cessna 172? I
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Wet, that is fair for a new 172S Nav III G1000. It is also overkill for a PPL, where you will be in the pattern 80% of the time anyway. It also has almost no useful load.

A 152 should go for $55-70 an hour. I'd do the PPL that way, then do a checkout in the 172 after you get the PPL. Should save you about $4K.
 
drunkenbeagle said:
Wet, that is fair for a new 172S Nav III G1000. It is also overkill for a PPL, where you will be in the pattern 80% of the time anyway. It also has almost no useful load.

A 152 should go for $55-70 an hour. I'd do the PPL that way, then do a checkout in the 172 after you get the PPL. Should save you about $4K.
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+1....Cessna 152 is one of the most cost effective planes for your PPL...and they're FUN!
 
My school charges $140/hour wet for the R and $150/hour wet for the S. CFIs go for $55-60. They give me a $10/hour discount on the rental and $5/hour discount on the CFI, but still it gets damn expensive. I have no cheaper way to fly out here, but if you can find one, go for it.
 
That is crazy how expensive it is! Where I'm at u can rent a 152 for $50 and hour wet...and a Piper Arrow for $99
 
I've been recently flying a C172SP Nav III (G1000) for $122.40/hr wet. $135 isn't terrible if its a G1000 equipped plane, with an active XM subscription and a GFC700 autopilot, but other than that, I'm going to think its high.
 
DA20 $119 for rent or with instructor at the flight school I'm going to attend here in KMMU. Cessna 152 $114 with instructor. Both part 61 schools. Now I'm trying to decide if I should go with the 152 or DA20. But the DA20 is so sexy.. :drool:
 
My advice is to forget sexy at first... Go with the cheaper plane.. Basic, small, cheap. Then progress to the sexy DA40. When your starting your private your learning how to fly the plane. a G1000 DA40 will teach you how to be a manager of systems.
 
muffinman said:
My advice is to forget sexy at first... Go with the cheaper plane.. Basic, small, cheap. Then progress to the sexy DA40. When your starting your private your learning how to fly the plane. a G1000 DA40 will teach you how to be a manager of systems.
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DA20 has conventional instruments no glass. and plus its only 5 bucks more then a old 152. I rather go for the DA20 then get checked out in a 172. I'm not feeling the DA40
 
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