Ground school and basic ground school lessons are typically much cheaper per hour than the logged air time. If you use a private instructor for ground school, expect to pay between $25 to $75 an hour for each lesson. One of the three tests issued to gain your pilot "ticket" (license) is the written exam. The FAA runs clinics and preparatory day classes for the written exam that are sometimes free. Private flight schools and aviation clubs like the Ninety-Nines offer weekend clinics as prep for the written for anywhere between $30 to $150.
A large portion of the first half of flight training is the dual flight time. This is when you and your certified flight instructor (CFI) fly the aircraft together. During this phase you spend many hours "in the pattern." The pattern is the rectangular flight pattern you fly around the runways and landing areas, landing and taking off up to fifty or more times. As a general guide for dual hourly costs, expect to pay between $100 and $170 per hour for the aircraft rental, wet (with fuel), and an additional $35 to $65 an hour for the instructor. Most students take their first solo between 10 and 20 hours. The first solo is one of the most memorable and biggest days in a flying career.
After the dual training time it is time for you to spread your wings and "fly" for real. This comes after your first solo and dual cross-country training. Once the CFI is satisfied and confident in your abilities, he signs your logbook with an endorsement allowing you to fly the required 10 hours of solo cross-country time. Your hourly rate during these hours is for the airplane only, as the instructor is no longer riding "second seat" in the airplane with you.
Adding a rotor endorsement and rating to your pilot's license gives depth to your aviation career. Helicopters are not cheap to run, however, and costs for helicopter training are much higher than for fixed-wing counterparts. Expect to pay between $225 to $300 or more per hour for helicopter rentals (wet). Add in an additional $35 to $75 an hour for your CFI and the costs begin to add up. For pilots with a private license, the typical time to gain the rotor rating is 50 hours. For those seeking helicopter only licenses, you will need 100 hours to get the license.
Do not forget to add in the costs of ground school books, supplies, airbag and a headset into the cost of flying lessons. Expect to pay around $250 for the books and materials needed for the flight school lessons, around $150 for your written exam and up to $500 for your FAA test check ride. An adequate headset costs between $200 and $300.
Money should never hinder your decision to enter the world of aviation. If you want it bad enough you will make it happen. Money is out there to help you pay for the costs of getting your license. The Airplane Owners and Pilot's Association (AOPA) offers several scholarships each year. For women hoping to enter aviation, the Ninety-Nines is an all-female non-profit aviation club that has many scholarships for female aviatrixes.