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³ÉÈËÊÓƵ Average Flight Costs

South Dakota State University 2024-2025 Average Flight Charges

Please note the cost listed is the projected costs for flight courses for the 2024-2025 school year. Course costs are based on the average number of hours it takes a student to complete the course and varies based on student capacity and motivation. Some semesters you will do more flying and some less flying. Financial aid may be available to students who qualify, please discuss your options with the Financial Aid office at 605-688-4121. Flight costs are in addition to tuition, room and board. When calculating the cost of your education, please use these numbers and NOT the required (minimum) flight charges.

Total Estimated Average Cost of the South Dakota State University Aviation Program: $84,790.

Course BreakdownCost Per HourAverage HoursTotal Flight Charge
Aircraft (ASEL)$20035$7,000
Flight Instruction$7535$2,625
Ground Instruction (Including Pre/Post)$7520$1,500
FAA Knowledge exam (Private Pilot)  $175
Headset  $1,000
Training Materials  $75
Average cost including required flight charge  $12,300
Course BreakdownCost Per HourAverage HoursTotal Flight Charge
Aircraft (ASEL)$20040$8,000
Ground/AATD/Flight Instruction$7573$5,475
Advanced Aircraft Training Device (AATD)$708$560
FAA Checkride (Private Pilot)  $600
Average cost including required flight charge  $14,635
Course BreakdownCost Per HourAverage HoursTotal Flight Charge
Aircraft (ASEL)$20045$9,000
Ground/AATD/Flight Instruction$7584$6,300
Advanced Aircraft Training Device (AATD)$708$560
FAA Knowledge Exam (Instrument)  $175
FAA Checkride (Instrument)  $600
Average cost including required flight charge  $16,635
Course BreakdownCost Per HourAverage HoursTotal Flight Charge
Aircraft (ASEL)$20042$8,400
Aircraft (AMEL)$31017$5,270
Ground/AATD/Flight Instruction$7594$7,050
Advanced Aircraft Training Device (AATD)$705$350
Ground Instruction (Including Pre/Post)$7525$1,875
FAA Knowledge Test (Commercial)  $175
FAA Checkride (Commercial Single Engine)  $600
FAA Checkride (Commercial Multi Engine)  $700
Average cost including required flight charge  $24,420
Course BreakdownCost Per HourAverage HoursTotal Flight Charge
Aircraft (ASEL)$20012$2,400
Flight Instruction$7512$900
Ground Instruction (Including Pre/Post)$7520$1,500
FAA Knowledge Exam (FOI/CFI)  $350
FAA Checkride (Initial CFI)  $800
Average cost including required flight charge  $5,950
Course BreakdownCost Per HourAverage HoursTotal Flight Charge
Aircraft (ASEL)$2005$1,000
Aircraft (AMEL)$31015$4,650
Flight/AATD Instruction$7525$1,875
Advanced Aircraft Training Device (AATD)$705$350
Ground Instruction (Including Pre/Post)$7520$1,500
FAA Knowledge Exam (CFII)  $175
FAA Checkride (CFII)  $600
FAA Checkride (MEI)  $700
Average cost including required flight charge  $10,850
AircraftRates for 2023-2024
Training Airplane (ASEL)$200
Training Airplane (AMEL)$310
American Champion 7KCAB- Citabria$200
Flight Instruction$75
Advanced Aircraft Training Device (AATD)$70
Advanced Aircraft Training Device (AATD) Instruction$75
Pre/Post Instruction$75
Ground Instruction$75