Quality Score
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Base (15) + components above = 44
About
Great Basin Aviation is a full-service flight school located at Reno-Tahoe International Airport (KRNO) in Reno, Nevada. As Northern Nevada's only Cessna Pilot Center, GBA offers structured flight training from student pilot through CFI/CFII under FAA Part 141. The school operates a modern fleet of Cessna 172 and 182 aircraft equipped with Garmin glass cockpits and autopilot. Training is conducted in Class C airspace with experienced full-time contracted flight instructors emphasizing safety, quality, and integrity.
Estimated PPL Training Cost
| Line item | Hours | Rate (range) | Subtotal (range) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cessna 172S (Skyhawk) (cheapest in fleet) | 70h | $95 – $370/hr | $6,500 – $25,900 |
| Flight instruction (dual) | 42h | $40 – $160/hr | $1,675 – $6,725 |
| Ground instruction | 20h | $25 – $90/hr | $450 – $1,800 |
| Estimated Total Range | $8,600 – $34,400 | ||
Instruction Rates
Frequently Asked Questions
Training for a Private Pilot Certificate at Great Basin Aviation is estimated to cost $8,600 – $34,400. to see the full breakdown with exact aircraft rental and instructor rates.
Yes, Great Basin Aviation is an FAA-approved Part 141 school. Training follows a structured curriculum with stage checks built in. The FAA minimum for a Private Pilot Certificate under Part 141 is 35 flight hours, though most students take longer.
No, Great 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.
Great Basin Aviation's training fleet includes the Cessna 172S (Skyhawk), Cessna 172SP (Skyhawk), Cessna 172R (Skyhawk), and Cessna 182T (Skylane). 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.
Yes, Great Basin Aviation has the following flight training device: Redbird TD2. Ask the school which ratings the device count toward and how many hours you can log.
No, Great Basin Aviation does not charge a fuel surcharge. The published rental rates are your actual hourly cost.