Financial Advice

Daniel B. Faria Filho

Daniel B. Faria Filho

Filing Flight Plan
Joined
Mar 21, 2025
Messages
8
Location
Fitchburg, Massachusetts
Display Name
Daniel B. Faria Filho
Home Airfield
KFIT
Hey guys, I’m stuck. I’m 17 and close to being done my PPL. I need like 5 more flights or so. I’m in checkride prep. I work at a supermarket almost full time and I’m trying to pay for flight school and have for a while but I’m out of money. I borrowed $10k from a friend who I am paying off but it ran out just as I’m in checkride prep. I probably need like $4k left to finish.

What should I do? I have nothing and I’m so close to getting those done. My last 3 years of work has gone into this and I can’t give up now.

Just looking for some honest advice. I fly from KFIT, MA and I’m 17 (18 May 2nd)
 
It's been a long time since I've been in your position, but I suggest you do NOT borrow any more money. Work hard, economize as much as possible in other areas, keep focused on your goal.

And just let me gratuitously throw in that you be sure to keep away from any activity that may lead to a DUI or you will risk throwing away all of your effort.
 
Slow down and spread your training out at a pace that you can afford to pay for it. What’s the point of borrowing money and rushing it if you won’t have the money to fly once you do get the license?
 
What is the goal here? Is it to pursue a career in some aspect of aviation? Is it pursuing a passion or dream? There are guys who get almost done then stop prior to checkride; some go back to it years later and complete the checkride then.
 
You’re not going to like this answer, but at 17 years old, you need to prioritize being debt free.

The reason I say that is because as soon as you take your checkride, you’re going to be too broke to keep flying. The only question in my mind is how broke do you want to be?
 
The good thing is, those hours in your logbook never expire. The bad thing is, adding a delay now will mean adding hours later to get caught back up to proficiency. The great thing is that you are doing this yourself, on your own. That final thing is so important and when you do finish your checkride, that sense of pride will be incredible.

I really wish you well.
 
It’s odd how humans can be so contradictory in thinking.

You need to plan and think ahead to fly successfully. Yet you see a lot of people jumping in and than asking similar questions.

There are no magical solutions. Either you find a way to improve your income to afford the training. Or you go into debt and hope this works out into a career that more than pay off. And checking you can actually service the debt while you are working your way through the ratings.

It isn’t a road for the faint hearted if you don’t have money to do the training. People fall off for various reason so taking on debt is taking in risk. The cost and durations goes up from PPL, as does the difficulty of passing at each stage.
 
If offered, under no circumstances take financing from the flight school’s financial partners. They make payday lenders look good. (We hear tales of woe here frequently from students too far into debt to these outfits who can’t finish the program but are in up to their eyeballs). If there were a payday almost within reach, like a commercial license, I might have different advice, but in your case just ride it out & do the best you can.

Enlisting in the military will get you access to their flying clubs plus a steady paycheck, jus’ sayin’.
 
Sounds like you need a way to earn a lot of money quickly. There might be some creative options for a 17-year-old. Ever watch the movie Risky Business? :devil:

Seriously, you need to just slow down a bit, sock the money away until you can afford to finish, and don’t spend what you don’t have. ADM doesn’t happen only in the cockpit.
 
Daniel B. Faria Filho said:
Hey guys, I’m stuck. I’m 17 and close to being done my PPL. I need like 5 more flights or so. I’m in checkride prep. I work at a supermarket almost full time and I’m trying to pay for flight school and have for a while but I’m out of money. I borrowed $10k from a friend who I am paying off but it ran out just as I’m in checkride prep. I probably need like $4k left to finish.

What should I do? I have nothing and I’m so close to getting those done. My last 3 years of work has gone into this and I can’t give up now.

Just looking for some honest advice. I fly from KFIT, MA and I’m 17 (18 May 2nd)
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Lotsa good advice here. There’s a saying about advice. A wise man don’t need it and a fool won’t heed it. I’d say the wise thing to do here is to heed.
 
Daniel B. Faria Filho said:
Hey guys, I’m stuck. I’m 17 and close to being done my PPL. I need like 5 more flights or so. I’m in checkride prep. I work at a supermarket almost full time and I’m trying to pay for flight school and have for a while but I’m out of money. I borrowed $10k from a friend who I am paying off but it ran out just as I’m in checkride prep. I probably need like $4k left to finish.

What should I do? I have nothing and I’m so close to getting those done. My last 3 years of work has gone into this and I can’t give up now.

Just looking for some honest advice. I fly from KFIT, MA and I’m 17 (18 May 2nd)
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I always tell people I will give them the first flight lesson for free. What makes an airplane fly is money. If you don’t have it the airplane doesn’t fly.

Basically you have made at 2 of the more common mistakes associated with flight training.

1. Not having a realistic estimate for the training including the cost of the practical test.
2. Not having all the required money before you start flight training.

Seems to me you are out of the plane for the foreseeable future. Flying may be your dream, but that dream takes cash.
 
I appreciate all the great advice, guys. I'm considering joining the military soon, but since I'm so close to finishing my private pilot's license, I wanted to get that done before I join.There is some really good advice here. I really like it. Thanks for taking the time to let me know what you guys think.My end goal is definitely going to be a career in aviation, specifically in private and business jet operations.

However, I'm considering joining the military and doing all the aviation training through them after I get my private pilot's license. I'm just so close to finishing my private license; I don't want to stop now and have all that time and experience wasted when I'm this close to finishing.
 
Daniel B. Faria Filho said:
I appreciate all the great advice, guys. I'm considering joining the military soon, but since I'm so close to finishing my private pilot's license, I wanted to get that done before I join.There is some really good advice here. I really like it. Thanks for taking the time to let me know what you guys think.My end goal is definitely going to be a career in aviation, specifically in private and business jet operations.

However, I'm considering joining the military and doing all the aviation training through them after I get my private pilot's license. I'm just so close to finishing my private license; I don't want to stop now and have all that time and experience wasted when I'm this close to finishing.
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Your time and experience will not be wasted. Yeah, it’ll take few hours to refresh your muscle memory when you start up again. I don’t know the exact rules now, but there is the possibility of getting tuition assistance while in and the GI bill after.
 
Near full-time is less than 40 hours a week. Work more. Work 60 or 70 hours per week. It isn't forever, just for a short time to pay for your training. As others have said, stay out of debt.
 
He would probably need job #2. Most store chains will not allow any overtime.
 
Daniel B. Faria Filho said:
I appreciate all the great advice, guys. I'm considering joining the military soon, but since I'm so close to finishing my private pilot's license, I wanted to get that done before I join.There is some really good advice here. I really like it. Thanks for taking the time to let me know what you guys think.My end goal is definitely going to be a career in aviation, specifically in private and business jet operations.

However, I'm considering joining the military and doing all the aviation training through them after I get my private pilot's license. I'm just so close to finishing my private license; I don't want to stop now and have all that time and experience wasted when I'm this close to finishing.
Click to expand...
Others here can comment about how likely flying in the military without a college degree is, but that's something to consider. Since it sounds like your family isn't contributing, consider applying for aid to go to college. Even if it's just for a 2-year degree. That will also give you a little more time to get your PPL before the military.
 
fasteddie said:
How does 5 flights left equate to needing $4k? That seems like a lot of money if you're only 5 flights before your checkride.
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He did say "to finish." If we assume $500/flight, which is about what it was costing me as I finished up a few months ago, that's $2500. Figure another $500 to rent the plane for the checkride and $1000 for the DPE and you're right at the 4k he cited.
 
Mikey52 said:
He would probably need job #2. Most store chains will not allow any overtime.
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Or three, or four.

I'm sure many of us did similarly when we were young. When I was 16 and 17, I gave up going out late on Fri/Sat nights so I could work in the office at the Aero Club Sat/Sun mornings earning flying credit. At 18, I continued to live at home, while my friends got apartments, so that most of my income could go to flight training. You do whatever it takes to reach your goals.
 
Larry in TN said:
Near full-time is less than 40 hours a week. Work more. Work 60 or 70 hours per week. It isn't forever, just for a short time to pay for your training. As others have said, stay out of debt.
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Note that the OP is 17, so probably still in school (but, of course, I could be wrong)
 
JOhnH said:
I suggest you do NOT borrow any more money. Work hard, economize as much as possible in other areas, keep focused on your goal.
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That. I cannot even imagine being in my teens and $10K in debt. As for taking a finance-induced break, no training will go to waste. All the hours and experience will still count. Yes, you’ll need a few hours to catch back up, but if you’re earning money you’ll be able to do that.

Military service can be a huge plus in many ways if you do it right.
 
Bob Noel said:
Note that the OP is 17, so probably still in school (but, of course, I could be wrong)
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It is April. Summer break starts soon.

I graduated when I was 17. He might be graduating as well or might be a Junior. In either case, if flying is his priority, he can have a busy summer of working and flying, all without incurring debt.
 
When do you finish high school?
What are plans?
At one point in my life I had 3 jobs.
 
There’s a bunch of wisdom above, so no more from me.

Congratulations for getting this far at a young age, and for being committed and wanting to finish. Where there’s a will, there’s a way. Keep working hard for your goals. Good on you kid.
 
Don’t start off in debt, it’s a mountain you don’t want to climb.
 
GoFly said:
Don’t start off in debt, it’s a mountain you don’t want to climb.
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Too late. He's already $10k in the hole.

@Daniel B. Faria Filho , whenever you find yourself in a hole:
1) Put down the shovel and stop digging.​
2) Get busy climbing out.​

Don't make your hole any deeper than it already is, and clear that loan just as quickly as you can.
 
Study for the AFAST/SIFT mil flight test:
www.stuvia.com

AFAST Helicopter Exam 2025/2026 – 100+ Solved Questions | Rotor Systems, Lift Dynamics, Flight Controls, Wake Turbulence & More

This in-depth study guide contains over 100 fully solved multiple-choice and short-answer questions tailored specifically for the AFAST (Alternate Flight Aptitude Selection Test), required for rotary-
www.stuvia.com www.stuvia.com

Or similar. You cant get into army rotary flight school until 18. When you turn 18, find a recruiter who will offer the test BEFORE ENLISTMENT. Come back here with results. Pay off your debt.
 
Half Fast said:
Do some shopping. You're getting rooked.
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In what way? I detailed what it cost me up above and it came out to right about that. Now I took a number of years to get through my PPL training and early on in my training it was significantly cheaper but over the last 2 years or so the school has raised costs a bit but what hasn't gone up in the last few years? Now, maybe they're just gouging but I have seen no evidence of that. It also may be location dependent and I have no idea where the OP is flying out of. I'm flying in Denver. Also, how much cheaper do you think it should be for him and do you think he could afford it even at a somewhat lower cost? Sounds like he's pretty much tapped out at this point.
 
strikes2k said:
In what way? I detailed what it cost me up above and it came out to right about that. Now I took a number of years to get through my PPL training and early on in my training it was significantly cheaper but over the last 2 years or so the school has raised costs a bit but what hasn't gone up in the last few years? Now, maybe they're just gouging but I have seen no evidence of that. It also may be location dependent and I have no idea where the OP is flying out of. I'm flying in Denver. Also, how much cheaper do you think it should be for him and do you think he could afford it even at a somewhat lower cost? Sounds like he's pretty much tapped out at this point.
Click to expand...

Of course it will vary around the country, and will depend on the type of aircraft. A quick perusal of a few flight school websites show costs ranging from around $170/hour to about $250/hr, some higher and some lower, but all well under $500. For a one-hour lesson in a Cessna single engine trainer, I would expect to pay less than half the $500 the OP is paying, and that's why I said he's getting rooked.

See a few typical schools below.



Cost of Flight Training - American Flight Schools

Making the most efficient use of your time and money while going through flight training can substantially lower the overall cost of flight training.
americanflightschools.com
1775932527176.png


Cost Estimates

AIRPLANE FLIGHT TRAINING SCHOOLS LEARN TO FLY AIRCRAFT COLUMBUS DELAWARE MARYSVILLE OHIO
www.flyspenceraviation.com
1775932782234.png

learn.fly8ma.com

How Long is the Flight Training and What it Costs | Step 2 | Becoming a Pilot

Becoming a pilot is much easier and often quicker than even attending college. Learn more about how to get started and how much it will cost.
learn.fly8ma.com learn.fly8ma.com
1775932921476.png
1775932981559.png
 
bbchien said:
Fight training cost $6.00/hr when you and I did it, Bob. Times they are a changin....LOL
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No, I paid ~$150/hr when I trained in Tecnams around 8-10 years ago. I'm sure it's gone up since then, but not to $500.

(Who's Bob?)
 
Actual Costs in Wisconsin 4/2026: Glider
One season / 30 flights: $3500.00. Two seasons / 50 flights $5100.00
Initiation Fee: $250.00 (One-time).
Monthly Dues: $35.00 ($420.00 per year).
SSA Youth Membership: Approximately $45.00/year (Required for insurance/national affiliation).
A student generally needs 30–50 flights to solo and a total of roughly 10–20 hours of flight time to meet FAA requirements for the PPL-G.
Tows: $30.00 for the first 1,000 ft, plus $1.20 for each additional 100 ft. A typical 3,000 ft tow costs about $54.00.
Glider Rental: $15.00/hour for basic trainers (Schweizer 2-33).
Instruction: $25.00/hour.
FAA Written Exam: $150.00
Practical Test (Checkride): (Average) $550.00

Actual Costs in Wisconsin 4/2026: Powered
At the 40 hour minimum $7,450. At 55 hours $8,350 including:
Aircraft Rental: $4,200 ($105/hour wet for a Cessna 152).
Flight Instruction: $2,275 ($65/hour for primary instruction, assuming instruction for 35 hours).
Ground Instruction: ~$400–$600 (typically 10–15 hours of one-on-one ground briefings).
FAA Knowledge (Written) Exam: ~$175.00.
FAA Medical Certificate: ~$150.00–$225.00.
Training Materials: ~$300.00–$450.00 (includes pilot kit, logbook, and charts).
FAA Practical Test (Checkride): ~$600.00–$800.00 (paid directly to the examiner)

Being from the area, I knew where to look for the most reasonable costs for someone without connections. But really, it took 5 minutes to find this info.
 
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