Quality Score
Good
Base (15) + components above = 70
About
Gulf Coast Aviation is the premier flight training center in the Louisiana/Mississippi Region, offering Part 61 and Part 141 training for Private Pilot, Instrument Rating, Commercial Certificate, Multi-Engine Rating, Flight Instructor Certificate, and more. Located at multiple airports across Louisiana and Mississippi, GCA uses Cessna Pilot Center scenario-based training and offers G1000-equipped aircraft and a full-motion FAA-certified AATD simulator.
Estimated PPL Training Cost
| Line item | Hours | Rate (range) | Subtotal (range) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Beechcraft A23 (cheapest in fleet) | 70h | $90 – $350/hr | $6,100 – $24,500 |
| Flight instruction (dual) | 42h | $35 – $140/hr | $1,450 – $5,800 |
| Ground instruction | 20h | $35 – $140/hr | $700 – $2,750 |
| Estimated Total Range | $8,300 – $33,100 | ||
Instruction Rates
Frequently Asked Questions
Training for a Private Pilot Certificate at Gulf Coast Aviation is estimated to cost $8,300 – $33,100. to see the full breakdown with exact aircraft rental and instructor rates.
Yes, Gulf Coast Aviation is approved for both Part 61 and Part 141 training. Part 141 uses a structured, FAA-approved curriculum with stage checks and lowers the minimum hours for a Private Pilot Certificate from 40 to 35. Part 61 is self-paced with no required syllabus. Ask the school which path fits your schedule.
No, Gulf Coast 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.
Gulf Coast Aviation's training fleet includes the Cessna 172SP (Skyhawk), Cessna 172S (Skyhawk), Piper PA-32-SP (Saratoga), Beechcraft 55 B55 (Baron), Cessna 172 (Skyhawk), Beechcraft A23, Piper PA-30 (Twin Comanche), and Cirrus SR20. 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, Gulf Coast Aviation has the following flight training device: Redbird AATD. Ask the school which ratings the device count toward and how many hours you can log.
No, Gulf Coast Aviation does not charge a fuel surcharge. The published rental rates are your actual hourly cost.