8 Ways to reduce commercial pilot training costs

Pilot training is a costly affair, be it anywhere in the world. It is because of costs involved in training, like license fees for academies to be paid to the concerned authorities, huge salaries to be paid to the instructors, maintenance costs of aircrafts, fuel cost, regular running costs of the institution etc. However, trainee pilots can do something to reduce flying costs, not a huge difference though.

1.Choose a low cost overall pilot training package

Some pilot training institutes offer complete packages including flying, accommodation, ground classes, food, exam fees, study materials, uniform, accessories etc. Carefully read and understand the terms and conditions and find whatever things are not included in the list. Once you have settled down on an institute, you may negotiate with them directly or through review sites like www.pilot18.com

2.Get admissions through reputed review sites like pilot18.com

Reviews sites like us, may have a directory of best flying schools in a location or country or so. Also our reviews are neutral in nature and made with strict guidelines. Flying academies offer fees discounts to students coming through review sites because such sites are regular source of new admissions. Getting admissions through such sites can give you good bargains and best prices and even an opportunity to complain and report if something goes wrong.

3.Choose the aircraft which you fly

Flying costs differ according to the aircraft you choose. Multi engine aircrafts costs about 4 to 5 times more than single engine ones as they incur more maintenance costs and consume more fuel per hour. Ideally, it is better to fly about 150 hours in single engine 2 seater aircrafts like Cessna 152 and then about 30 hours in 4 seater single engines like Cessna 172 and about 10 hours in some multi engine aircraft, in your entire 200 hours requirement. The rest 10 hours should be on some simulator, which also should be a multi engine one, ideally.

4.Finish your exams soon with pilot18.com

Exams eat up time, money and energy and can even drive you crazy.  Re applying for exams require fees to be paid again and again adding up the overall costs. So it is better to finish exams as soon as possible. You can even attend trial exams through our exclusive exam system or even purchase a paid membership package which will give instantaneous success in the very next exam session.

5.Cut travel expenses

Travelling is a part of pilot training as you may have to travel far and wide for exams, RT, medical etc.etc. If you can cut down these, it would be a nice step towards cutting down overall expenses.

6.Replace hostel accommodation with a cheaper local stay

Hostel facilities of all academies cost a good sum. After one or two months, you will be familiar with the surroundings of your flying academy. Try to get a cheaper accommodation near the airport so that you can even get a separate room with no one to disturb you in studies. Also order for regular food paid monthly so that you wont have to go out for food. Eating outside regularly is not a good idea as it will cost a lot.  Ensure that you get enough nutrients through food to stay fit. Dates, peas, milk, fruits etc. must be included in your diet to avoid leaning. Drink plenty of water too to avoid dehydration.

7.Stay fit to avoid re-medicals

Physical and mental fitness is absolutely necessary for pilot trainees and even for senior pilots. Buy a bicycle for local commuting rather than a motor bike. Practice jogging and running 45 minutes a day to stay fit and in shape.

8. Use cheaper alternatives to costly investments

Aviation books are really pricey. Better borrow books from library and take photos of pages using your smartphone to read them later through laptop or tab. Download pdf ebooks and carry them in your phone and tab to read from anywhere rather than buying hard copies. Flight computer is a necessity for navigation exam but you need not buy a new one solely for the exam. For exam you can borrow one from your friends and for practice you can use android app version of flight computers. Even in uniform, you can save hundreds of bucks if you find local vendors or tailors to stitch for you; items like epaulets, caps etc.

 

Hope this article was useful. We are looking forward for tips from you which can help others to cut down costs. If you know some, feel free to share with us.