Independent Flight Instruction FAQ

Why would I want to learn with an Independent Instructor?

Independent Instructors charge less than flight schools and train with club aircraft, which cost much less than school aircraft. Independent Instructors also offer more flexible schedules and guided home study programs for students who are working or going to school. Both schools and Independent Instructors teach students on a one on one basis, so no advantage is gained by using a school.

Will I receive the same quality of instruction as I would through a school?

Flight instructors who teach independently have received the same training and must meet the same qualifications as those who teach through a school. In fact, often school instructors teach students on the side.  Most school instructors are paid poorly and only teach in schools in order to build the flight time required by the airlines.  Once they have that time (typically 1000 hours), they no longer teach.   Therefore, independent flight instructors are often more experienced.  IN EITHER CASE - The student should talk with the instructor to determine that they have an organized but flexible training program and to ensure that a good rapport is established.

What do independent flight instructors charge?

Independent Instructors charge $40 - $60 per hour of (Hobbs Time) which begins and ends with the start and shut down of the aircraft engine. Most Instructors also charge for ground instruction, especially when it is extensive or if a particular lesson requires a special session.

What do schools charge?

Schools charge from $50 to $75 per hour, in most cases from the moment the student walks in to the moment they walk out. Often, payment must be deposited in advance.

What do you (the author of this page) charge?

I charge $50 per hour Hobbs for flight instruction and only $40 per hour for ground instruction. Pay as you go. I try to price my fees to be less than most schools yet commensurate with my high level of experience.

Why do Instructors choose to teach independently?

Time and Money. Schools expect the instructors to be at the school full time but typically only pay the instructors $14 to $20 per hour and only for time spent instructing. In contrast, Independent Instructors usually work part time around their student's schedules and collect the full $40 - $60 fees themselves. This also saves their students considerable money. Remember, when it comes to having to pay to learn to fly, all instructors have been there and hate to see their students get stiffed by expensive schools.

Contact the Author:  Bruce J. Elig  CFII/MEI/ATP                                 Last Updated:  21 April, 2008  

I have created this website to tell viewers all about pilot training, flight instruction, and opportunities to learn to fly, either through a pilot school or independent instruction in the San Diego, California area. It is for viewers seeking flying lessons and flying schools, those who want to find flight training information for obtaining a pilot license, and for those who are already pilots.

These pages will also  provide pilots with information about various flying clubs and San Diego flight training sources, as well as providing information about the steps and requirements associated with becoming a pilot.