How Much?
The single most-asked question in flight training is “How much will it cost?” — and the honest answer is: it depends. At Jet 7 Academy, our instructors are not only CFIs, but trained to specific course outlines that standardize the process and keep training efficient. Our advice: don’t pay large sums upfront, and be cautious of “all-inclusive bulk pricing” packages like $8,999 Private Pilot Course — these rarely work in the student’s favor.
The national average to earn a Private Pilot License is 60–65 hours. At Jet 7 Academy, our students are consistently finishing closer to 55 hours, in part due to our standardized curriculum. You can expect to invest between $15,000–$18,000 for your PPL. For those starting from zero with aspirations of a professional career, a full zero-to-hero pathway runs in the neighborhood of $95,000.
A word on simulators: some flight schools promote simulator use during PPL training as a cost-saving measure — don’t be fooled. Simulators benefit the school far more than the student. A large, expensive sim has to be paid for, and that cost gets passed to you through compulsory package pricing. The truth is, simulators do not save students money at the private pilot level — chair flying does, and it costs you nothing extra. Microsoft Flight Simulator at home is genuinely useful, too. During instrument training, simulator time (in an AATD or BATD) can arguably offer real value for learning procedures. But no simulator prepares you for the reality that in an actual emergency, you cannot press pause.
More on this further down…
Should I train Part 61 or Part 141
Part 141 follows a stricter course outline, with mostly the professional pilot in mind. There are benefits in required hour reduction (FAR Part 141 requires 190 hours for commercial, Part Part 61 Requires 250), financing, and part 141 is generally preferred by Airlines and Charter Companies. Part 61 provides a much more flexible approach. We use the same curriculum but tailor to the needs of individual students. All of our students utilize the same syllabus, benefiting from the same professional level of training.
Can I finance my Flight Training?
Yes. For the career oriented flying this option can be useful to fast track training, meaning less repeated subject tems and maneuvers. Consistency is key is flight training. We are not a provider of financial assistance, and do not give financial advice to students. We are currently evaluating lending partners to provide the same level of transparency and integrity in our operations.
What about Simulators?
It’s true simulators are the single most important tool in training professional aviators. There’s a catch. An FAA Approved Level C or D Simulator, such as those used by the Military and Airlines, are used to safely train procedures that are far too costly and dangerous to perform in the actual aircraft. These are full motion simulators with industry leading graphics and hydraulic motion, with little to no differentiation in the actual aircraft to the pilot.
What we, and competitors use is an AATD, with brands such as Redbird® and Precision Flight Controls. These are FAA Approved Aviation Training Devices. The major difference is in precisely how the simulator is utilized. Some Schools offer this paired directly with each lesson, claiming to reduce training costs. The truth is, this is a profit center for the school, with the benefits often oversold to students.
An AATD is extremely useful in instrument procedures training and where we choose to implement these devices. Under Part 61, a pilot can log up to 20 hours in an AATD (FAR 61.65). Under Part 141 a student can log 40% of the required course time in an AATD. FAR 141, Appendix C 4(b)(3). For all other training, nothing replaces the initial tactile feel of an aircraft and surrounding senses and movement, none of which a “Redbird. After all, you signed up to fly an aircraft!
This is important to consider, as you’ll be hard pressed to find a professional pilot that has ever been asked for his or her “SIM time.” The total cost of the simulator, vs actual hours flown may not be as beneficial as some programs sell, as ratings do have a total time requirement. Total time (in aircraft) is the single most valuable number to pilots applying for jobs and for insurance coverage. We’ve yet to find a situation where AATD time is accounted in any hiring or insurance decisions.
Insurance is the single driving factor in hiring hour limitations at our sister company’s turboprops and jets. Choose wisely how much sim time you may want or need.
Is there a curriculum? What textbooks do I need?
Yes, at Jet 7 Academy, we use the Jeppesen curriculum and sell The Jeppesen Private Pilot 141 Kit. This is a complete, FAA-approved training system that covers everything from ground school to checkride preparation. Included in the kit: the Private Pilot Textbook and Maneuvers Manual, a structured syllabus with a progress tracking folder, exam prep materials (written, oral, and practical), a metal E6-B flight computer, PN-1 navigation plotter, pilot logbook, and a student flight bag to keep it all organized. At Jet 7 Academy, this kit is your foundation — ensuring every student trains from the same standardized, proven materials from day one.
We don’t sell headsets, but our students and customers are welcome to make use of our loaner headsets until they buy their own.
Can I rent the aircraft after training?
Our aircraft are available for rent, however a busy flight schedule often interferes with full or multi-day bookings. Our Partner, The Charleston Flight Club is an excellent resource with a selection of aircraft just for this purpose.
