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SDSU Average Flight Costs

South Dakota State University 2023-2024 Average Flight Charges

Please note the cost listed is the projected costs for flight courses for the 2023-2024 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)200.0035$ 7,000.00
Flight Instruction75.0035$ 2,625.00
Ground Instruction (Including Pre/Post)75.0020$ 1,500.00
FAA Knowledge exam (Private Pilot)  $ 175.00
Headset  $ 1,000.00
Training Materials  $ 75.00
Average cost including required flight charge  $ 12,300.00
Course BreakdownCost Per HourAverage HoursTotal Flight Charge
Aircraft (ASEL)$ 200.0040$ 8,000.00
Ground/AATD/Flight Instruction$ 75.0073$ 5,475.00
Advanced Aircraft Training Device (AATD)$ 70.008$ 560.00
FAA Checkride (Private Pilot)  $ 600.00
Average cost including required flight charge  $ 14,635.00
Course BreakdownCost Per HourAverage HoursTotal Flight Charge
Aircraft (ASEL)$ 200.0045$ 9,000.00
Ground/AATD/Flight Instruction$ 75.0084$ 6,300.00
Advanced Aircraft Training Device (AATD)$ 70.008$ 560.00
FAA Knowledge Exam (Instrument)  $ 175.00
FAA Checkride (Instrument)  $ 600.00
Average cost including required flight charge  $ 16,635.00
Course BreakdownCost Per HourAverage HoursTotal Flight Charge
Aircraft (ASEL)$ 200.0042$ 8,400.00
Aircraft (AMEL)$ 310.0017$ 5,270.00
Ground/AATD/Flight Instruction$ 75.0094$ 7,050.00
Advanced Aircraft Training Device (AATD)$ 70.005$ 350.00
Ground Instruction (Including Pre/Post)$ 75.0025$ 1,875.00
FAA Knowledge Test (Commercial)  $ 175.00
FAA Checkride (Commercial Single Engine)  $ 600.00
FAA Checkride (Commercial Multi Engine)  $ 700.00
Average cost including required flight charge  $ 24,420.00
Course BreakdownCost Per HourAverage HoursTotal Flight Charge
Aircraft (ASEL)$ 200.0012$ 2,400.00
Flight Instruction$ 75.0012$ 900.00
Ground Instruction (Including Pre/Post)$ 75.0020$ 1,500.00
FAA Knowledge Exam (FOI/CFI)  $ 350.00
FAA Checkride (Initial CFI)  $ 800.00
Average cost including required flight charge  $ 5,950.00
Course BreakdownCost Per HourAverage HoursTotal Flight Charge
Aircraft (ASEL)$ 200.005$ 1,000.00
Aircraft (AMEL)$ 310.0015$ 4,650.00
Flight/AATD Instruction$ 75.0025$ 1,875.00
Advanced Aircraft Training Device (AATD)$ 70.005$ 350.00
Ground Instruction (Including Pre/Post)$ 75.0020$ 1,500.00
FAA Knowledge Exam (CFII)  $ 175.00
FAA Checkride (CFII)  $ 600.00
FAA Checkride (MEI)  $ 700.00
Average cost including required flight charge  $ 10,850.00
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