How Much Does it Cost?
That depends on the price of fuel and how long it takes you to prepare for and pass your FAA check ride.
As a non-profit organization, TSS is not making any money from your dues or fees. You pay what it costs to operate, maintain, store and insure the airplanes. You share those costs equally with approximately 70 other pilot members.
The following breakdown is a rough estimate of costs for a new TSS member who spends a year earning a private pilot certificate.
The Costs
| Item | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| TSS initiation fee | $1,200 | one-time, equity |
| TSS application fee | $50 | one-time, non-refundable |
| Monthly dues | $1,476 | $123/month x 12 months |
| 30 hours in N64186 | $2,580 | $86/hour x 30 hours |
| 10 hours in N52126 | $1,070 | $107/hour x 10 hours |
| 40 instructor hours | $2,000 | $50/hour x 40 hours |
| Books, charts, gear | $300 | estimate |
| Testing fees | $300 | estimate |
| TOTAL | $8,976 |
Things to remember about the cost of getting your pilot’s license:
• All costs are current as of September 2007.
• As fuel prices increase, hourly operating costs also increase.
• The above estimate is based on the FAA’s minimum requirement of 40 flight hours. Most pilots need more time to be properly prepared for their FAA check ride.
• Your training will be more effective and efficient if you fly regularly and follow a program that you design with your instructor. The longer it takes, the more money you will spend.
• The one-time initiation fee will be returned to members in good standing when they leave the club. This significantly reduces the total estimate above.
