Quality Score
Good
Base (15) + components above = 67
About
Ace Basin Aviation is a tailwheel flight school located at Lowcountry Regional Airport (KRBW) in Walterboro, SC. Specializing in tailwheel training and endorsements, the school offers flight instruction in vintage and classic taildraggers including a Cessna 120, Luscombe 8E, Citabria 7KCAB, Cessna 170B, and a 1942 Boeing Stearman PT-17. Services include private and commercial pilot certificate training, tailwheel endorsements, spin training, basic aerobatics, biennial flight reviews, and aircraft ferrying.
Estimated PPL Training Cost
| Line item | Hours | Rate (range) | Subtotal (range) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cessna 120 (cheapest in fleet) | 70h | $100 – $390/hr | $6,800 – $27,300 |
| Flight instruction (dual) | 42h | $50 – $190/hr | $2,000 – $7,975 |
| Ground instruction | 20h | $35 – $130/hr | $650 – $2,600 |
| Estimated Total Range | $9,500 – $37,900 | ||
Instruction Rates
Frequently Asked Questions
Training for a Private Pilot Certificate at Ace Basin Aviation is estimated to cost $9,500 – $37,900. to see the full breakdown with exact aircraft rental and instructor rates.
No, Ace Basin Aviation operates under Part 61. Training is self-paced: you and your instructor set the curriculum rather than following a pre-approved syllabus. The FAA minimum for a Private Pilot Certificate under Part 61 is 40 flight hours, though most students need 60 to 70.
No, Ace Basin Aviation does not have a Designated Pilot Examiner on staff. When you're ready for your checkride, you'll need to book with an independent DPE. Ask the school if they can point you to one nearby.
Ace Basin Aviation's training fleet includes the Cessna 120, Luscombe 8 E, Champion 7KCAB (Citabria), Cessna 170B, Boeing PT-17 (Stearman), and Cessna 195. Having multiple types in the fleet keeps your training on track if one plane is down for maintenance. Ask the school about current availability and any additional charges per aircraft.
No flight simulators are listed for Ace Basin Aviation. Some schools have basic Aviation Training Devices that may not be in our database. Ask them directly.
No, Ace Basin Aviation does not charge a fuel surcharge. The published rental rates are your actual hourly cost.