Breakdown of costs
You may have seen ads for flight schools that quote a minimum number of hours and a reduced price to complete a helicopter checkride. So what's the difference in Golden Gate Helicopters estimation of hours to complete and what some of these schools advertise? We base our estimate to complete the Private Pilot License (PPL) on a national average, not on the published FAA minimums. No student has ever completed his/her PPL within the FAA minimums.
We don't sell a package. You pay for the training you receive, as you receive it. Most people spend about $25,000 to get a private pilot license. It's better to start your training when you can afford to fly several times a week; if you have to budget to afford just a flight or two a month, you won't make much progress, and it'll end up costing you more in the long run.
Here is a general breakdown of costs, based on 2011 rates:
| Private Pilot | Commercial/Instrument/CFI* | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 55 hr R22 dual | $17,600 | 45 hr Instrument R44 | $22,455 | |
| 10 hr R22 solo | 2,500 | 50 hr R22 | 16,450 | |
| 40 hr ground, books | 3,720 | 50 hr ground | 3,400 | |
| FAA exam | 500 | FAA exams** | 1,500 | |
| Total | $24,320 | Total | $43,805 | |
| Instrument Instructor | Overall Total, All Ratings | |||
| 10 hr Instrument R44 dual | $4,980 | Private | $24,320 | |
| 20 hr ground | 1,360 | Commercial, Instrument, CFI | 43,805 | |
| FAA exam | 500 | Instrument Instructor | 6,840 | |
| Total | $6,840 | Average cost | $74,965 | |
*Completion times are estimates based on national
average, not FAA minimums. Listed costs are based on
current "block rate," which offers some discount if a student pays in
$1500 blocks. GGH does not offer a "flat-rate" license.
**Estimate of the cost of multiple exams associated with multiple
certificates. Fees for written exams and checkrides vary.
Do you offer financing?
No. We know of no educational loan programs that will finance flight training, unless you are enrolled in a regular 4-year college that offers pilot training. There are a few loan companies that will underwrite flight training for recreational purposes, but only for the PPL. Such loans aren't considered educational, and therefore are not guaranteed by the US government, so the interest rates are high, more like a credit card loan. Often payments cannot be deferred and begin immediately.
Do you accept veterans' benefits?
GGH is not a flight academy (regulated under FAR Part 141), and therefore cannot accept veterans' benefits.