Quality Score
Good
Base (15) + components above = 70
About
High Sierra Pilots is a professionally run membership flying club based at Carson City Airport (KCXP) and Bend Municipal Airport (KBDN). The club offers access to a diverse fleet of aircraft ranging from single-engine trainers to multi-engine planes, flight training from private pilot through CFI and multi-engine ratings, and a vibrant community of over 250 pilots and students across northwestern Nevada and central Oregon.
Estimated PPL Training Cost
| Line item | Hours | Rate (range) | Subtotal (range) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cessna 150 (cheapest in fleet) | 70h | $30 – $120/hr | $2,075 – $8,325 |
| Flight instruction (dual) | 42h | $40 – $150/hr | $1,575 – $6,300 |
| Ground instruction | 20h | $40 – $150/hr | $750 – $3,000 |
| Estimated Total Range | $4,400 – $17,600 | ||
Instruction Rates
Frequently Asked Questions
Training for a Private Pilot Certificate at High Sierra Pilots is estimated to cost $4,400 – $17,600. to see the full breakdown with exact aircraft rental and instructor rates.
No, High Sierra Pilots 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, High Sierra Pilots 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.
High Sierra Pilots's training fleet includes the Cessna 150, Cessna 172N (Skyhawk), Cessna 172S (Skyhawk), Cessna 172 (Skyhawk), Cessna 172M (Skyhawk), Cessna 172H (Skyhawk), Cessna 182P (Skylane), Cessna 182N (Skylane), Cessna 182M (Skylane), Cessna 182H (Skylane), Cessna 182, Cessna T210M, Piper PA-28-140 (Cherokee), Piper PA-28-180 (Cherokee), Piper PA-28-181 (Archer II), Piper PA-28R (Turbo Arrow III), Piper PA-23 (Aztec), Piper J-3, American Champion 8KCAB (Super Decathlon), and Beechcraft F33 A (Bonanza). 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, High Sierra Pilots has the following flight training device: Gleim BATD. Ask the school which ratings the device count toward and how many hours you can log.
No, High Sierra Pilots does not charge a fuel surcharge. The published rental rates are your actual hourly cost.