Quality Score
Fair
Base (15) + components above = 51
About
Gulf Coast Aviation is a Part 141 and Part 61 flight school located at Stennis International Airport in Kiln, MS, with additional locations in New Orleans, Baton Rouge, Alexandria, and Houma, LA. They are a Cessna Pilot Center offering Private Pilot, Instrument Rating, Commercial Certificate, Multi-Engine Rating, CFI, CFII, and MEI training using scenario-based curricula and a full-motion AATD flight simulator.
Estimated PPL Training Cost
| Line item | Hours | Rate (range) | Subtotal (range) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cessna 172SP (Skyhawk) (cheapest in fleet) | 70h | $90 – $360/hr | $6,300 – $25,200 |
| Flight instruction (dual) | 42h | $35 – $140/hr | $1,450 – $5,800 |
| Ground instruction | 20h | $35 – $140/hr | $700 – $2,750 |
| Estimated Total Range | $8,400 – $33,800 | ||
Instruction Rates
Frequently Asked Questions
Training for a Private Pilot Certificate at Gulf Coast Aviation is estimated to cost $8,400 – $33,800. 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 B55, Cessna 172 (Skyhawk), and Piper PA-30 (Twin Comanche). 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.