The cost of flight training

Money, money, money... When I wrapped up my flight training, I decided tabulate the total price tag in order to get an idea of just how expensive this expensive hobby really is. Here's a summary of what I found. Note: These prices are for the front range of Colorado throughout 2013. Your mileage will most certainly vary but, above all else, if you want to save money, prepare! Before you even set foot in an airplane for each lesson know what you're going to cover for that lesson.

As review, I had 10.5 hours logged prior to 2002. (These were pretty much useless since they were dual time in a 150/152 and had nothing toward meeting the FAR requirements for solo, instrument, night, etc.)


Since starting my flight training in March 2013, I logged:

35.1 Dual received in the PA-28-180
10.2 Solo in the PA-28-180
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45.3 hours in the Cherokee prior to transitioning to the Cessna 172
Rough cost of training in the PA-28-180: $6,036

+

Cessna transition:
2.7 Dual received in the C172N
1.0 Solo in the C172N
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3.7 at a cost of $429.00 (Instruction was free)
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Total time for training: 49.0 (excluding the 10.5 from the early 2000's)
Total cost for training: $6,465ish (excluding the 10.5 hours from the early 2000's and checkride fee, written fee, and medical)